Aside from his his training, Coach Mike is a student of science. He holds a B.S. in the entomological sciences, and is nearing completion of his M.S. in Chemistry, specializing in methodology optimization of analytical chemistry, specifically capillary coating preparation for electrophoretic separations in CE. He's an avid fan of hiking, camping, star-gazing, and other activities in nature. Mike is a huge movie buff with some of his favorites being: The Sandlot and The Karate Kid. He's also a comic book enthusiast, volunteering at San Diego's Comic-Con International as a Talent Relations staff member. 

Coach Mike came down with Crohn's disease just before his 18th birthday, and started practicing Tai Chi to rebuild his strength after a good portion of his muscle mass atrophied in the hospital. He hasn't stopped since and credits the style with helping him manage day to day stress and aiding him into remission.

​

He's had the great fortune to work with many names in martial arts, including:

• GM Parker Linekin of The Academy of Martial Arts

• Brian Cowell of Swiftkick Martial Arts

• Roberto Pozos

• Brian Adams of Integrated Martial Arts

• Jared Smith of CrossSwords

• Sam Turpin of True PE

• Dan Cronin

• John Clodig Renshi

• Sifu Jeff Gilbert

• Ben Rainer

• Spencer Bolejack of  Land of the Sky Wilderness School

• and more!