CLICK HERE FOR FREE 7-DAY TRIAL

About Sifu Nate

Sifu Nate is a martial arts coach with 15+ years of professional coaching experience and 28 years of martial arts training experience, beginning in 1998. He specializes in Jeet Kune Do, MMA, Wing Chun, and functional combat training systems designed for real-world application and athletic performance.

He is a Founding UFC GYM Hawaii MMA Coach (2012) and was named Hawaii MMA Coach of the Year (2022), recognized for his contribution to developing fighters, coaches, and everyday practitioners. He is also a Certified Full Jeet Kune Do Instructor and a 2× World All Styles Champion (2017 & 2019). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, integrating science-based training with practical martial arts methodology.

Lineage & Martial Arts Development

Sifu Nate’s foundation began under early guidance from Victor Marx (Keichu-Do) and Kainoa Li (Elite Training Systems), who played a pivotal role in shaping his early martial arts direction and coaching philosophy. Through their mentorship and support—along with the influence of Burton Richardson (JKD Unlimited)—he was introduced to a wider network of elite martial arts instruction and real-world combative systems.

Through IMB Academy, Nate received his first Jeet Kune Do certification under Sigung Richard Bustillo, and had the opportunity to train directly with Guro Dan Inosanto at the IMB Instructors Camps, gaining foundational exposure to Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Martial Arts, and progressive training methodologies.

Through Kainoa Li’s Elite Training Systems, Nate further developed his martial arts education and affiliation pathways, including Wing Chun training under the Ip Man lineage of Robert Yeung of Hawaii Wing Chun Association, strengthening his understanding of structure, centerline theory, and classical Wing Chun principles within a modern combat framework. Also through Kainoa Li’s Elite Training Systems, Nate further developed affiliation pathways that allowed him to connect with and learn from some of the most respected direct students of Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do.

His Jeet Kune Do development includes affiliation and certification influence through:

Jun Fan Gung Fu Institute (Taky Kimura & Andy Kimura)
Chinatown JKD lineage (Tim Tackett)
Paul Vunak (Progressive Fighting Systems)
Larry Hartsell (JKD grappling and trapping-to-grappling concepts)

While filming and training with Dr. Zee Lo across Hong Kong, Hawaii, and California, Nate was directly exposed to Ted Wong–influenced Jeet Kune Do principles, which further refined his understanding of structure, simplicity, and directness within JKD practice.

Sifu Nate's grappling foundation was built in Hawaii through Keichu-Do, where he developed a practical self-defense base in Japanese Jujutsu, Judo, throws, joint locks, submissions, and ground fighting. During this time, legendary Small Circle Jujitsu founder Professor Wally Jay regularly visited as a guest instructor, giving Sifu Nate the opportunity to learn Wally Jay's innovative locking principles firsthand. He later continued his grappling education under Professor Kainoa Li, expanding his training through Dan Zan Ryū Jujutsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the Joe Moreira lineage, Wrestling, Sambo, Judo, and the traditional Hawaiian martial art of Lua.

Sifu Nate also attended the 25th International Masters Training Camp, an intensive live-in program for master-level practitioners and instructors holding advanced black belt ranks. There, he trained under Grandmaster Ji Han Jae, founder of Sin Moo Hapkido, alongside Grandmaster Oh Se Lim, President of the Korean Hapkido Federation, and Grandmaster Bae Sung Book, featured on the Discovery Channel's Fight Quest. This diverse martial arts background provides a well-rounded foundation in practical self-defense, grappling, and combat, complementing his expertise in Jeet Kune Do and his philosophy of integrating the most effective principles from multiple martial arts.

These combined experiences helped shape his interpretation of Jeet Kune Do as a functional, principle-based combat method focused on adaptability, timing, and real-world efficiency rather than fixed technique.

Coaching & Reach

Today, Sifu Nate teaches internationally through seminars, private coaching, and online programs focused on Jeet Kune Do, Wing Chun, MMA, Parkour, Gymnastics, and Strength & Conditioning.

His instructional content reaches over 1.8+ million followers worldwide, making him one of the most widely followed martial arts coaches in his field.

Philosophy

His approach emphasizes efficiency, adaptability, and real-world effectiveness—bridging traditional martial arts roots with modern combat sports, movement training, and performance science.

2000+

15

Years professional coaching experience

Students coached

Simple Direct Adaptive

Real Results. Real People.

Student & Client Testimonials

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "Training with Sifu Nate completely changed my approach to combat. My speed, power, and confidence have skyrocketed!"
— Steven S., Martial Artist

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "His JKD and Wing Chun drills helped me land my first stunt job. The techniques translate perfectly to screen combat!"
— Malik A., Stunt Performer

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "I love how practical and easy-to-follow his training is. I feel more prepared in real-world situations!"
— Paul H., Self-Defense Enthusiast

➡ Want to share your experience? Leave a Review

Video Proof of Progress

🎥 Student Skill Progress – Watch real students develop speed, timing, and precision.
🎥 Fight Scene Training – See how actors improve their fight choreography under my coaching.
🎥 Before & After – Compare raw beginner movements to refined, trained execution.

📌 Follow on Instagram for daily clips! @SifuNate

Trusted by Professionals

✅ Trained actors, athletes, coaches and stunt performers
✅ Worked with the first UFC Gym in Hawaii & now first one in Japan
✅ Certified Jeet Kune Do instructor
✅ Over 25 Years of martial arts experience

Join a Growing Community

📊 2,000+ Students Trained
📊 15 Years of Teaching Experience
📊 Worldwide Online & In-Person Coaching

🚀 Be part of the movement! Start Training Today

You didn’t come this far to stop

Join Now

About Sifu Nate's Training App

Discover the art of Jeet Kune Do and Wing Chun with expert guidance from Sifu Nate, your certified coach, and elevate your martial arts journey today!