Gary Kashale

Martial arts has been something I have loved for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was always drawn to it, both in what it could teach and how it made me feel. But between finances and being heavily involved in basketball, I never had the chance to chase after it. That dream stayed with me, though, and after finishing my college track career, I finally found the courage to pursue it. The journey was not perfect at first, and I left several gyms feeling disappointed, but everything changed when I found Bruce and Next Edge Academy. It became the place where I could grow, learn, and truly feel at home, and I have now been there for 16 years.

Throughout those years, I have had the opportunity to compete in several different martial arts, including Kumdo, Jujitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, and Boxing. While each one taught me something valuable, Muay Thai became the art that truly captured my heart. Training in it for 16 years has shaped me both as a martial artist and as a person, and coaching has become one of the most meaningful parts of that journey. I love being able to share what I have learned, help new students feel safe and welcomed, and support more advanced students as they continue to challenge themselves, grow in confidence, and improve in the martial art I have come to love.