Biography – Master Brad Hatcher

 

     Mr.  Brad Hatcher started his Martial Arts training in 1977.  Mr. Hatcher trained for seven years when he was promoted to Black Belt in Isshin-Ryu Karate.  He also holds ranks in several other styles of Martial Arts.  Sensei Hatcher trained under Grand Masters: Harold Long, Allen Wheeler, James Ogle and Phil Little.

 

     Sensei Hatcher was the first American in the state of TN to achieve a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  He trained under Master Rickson Gracie for 10 yrs starting in 1993, and now trains under 6th degree black belt Luiz Palhares, Master Palhares is a black belt under Rickson Gracie. 

 

     Too date Sensei Hatcher is the only Isshin-Ryu black belt to hold the rank of black belt in BJJ.  In April 2006 he won the Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Championship in the Black belt Division.  In 2007 He became of the director of the Tennessee Brailian Jiu-Jitsu Federation.  In 2009      was elected to join Grand Master Phil Little's USIKA and later was appointed as a Member of the Board of the USIKA.

 

 

     Master Hatcher has won over 500 awards in Karate competition, as well as being the Tennessee Karate Circuit Champion in  Fighting, Forms and Weapons.  He is known for his fighting and Weapons ( BO Staff) during competition.

Master Hatcher has won over 40 grand championships in tournament competition, many times winning both fighting and forms grand championships during the same tournament.

 

(Master Brad Hatcher - 2009 IHOF Masters 6-8 Dan  Weapons Division Champion)

 

     Master Hatcher also won the state championship tournament 7 times and was ranked number one in the NBL in the super heavy wt fighting.

 

     Along with Sensei Chuck Reynolds and Master Scott Shamblin Mr. Hatcher is one of only three people in  history to win the Isshin-Ryu Fall classic Grand championship in Kata and Kumite during the same event 4 three different times.

 

     Mr. Hatcher is a father of four children, A daughter and three sons, all three of his sons practice Isshin-Ryu and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.  His wife Amanda is a Yoga teacher and personal trainer and operates Maryville Yoga Center.  Mrs. Hatcher is a Blue belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Green belt in Isshin-Ryu, but focuses her training on Yoga and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

 

(Mr. Brad and  Amanda Hatcher on their wedding day)

 

     Master Hatcher has run his own dojo since 1989 and has produced over 200 black belts in Isshin-Ryu and many champions in Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

 

     Master Hatcher is a expert at weapons retention. He has taught many state and local police in control and weapons retention.  Mr. Hatcher works with Military and Private security on weapons retention and seize and control.  As well he is a avid shootist and enjoys combat shooting.

 

(Master Hatcher teaching hand gun retention at the Circle Of Masters 2009 USIKA event. 

Master Hatcher oldest son (far right) looks on.)

 

     Mr. Hatcher is Tennessee State Pro/Amateur & ISKA certified Referee and Judge for MMA and Kickboxing.  Mr. Hatcher is very active in the local MMA judging at events and training fighters for these event.

 

Master Hatcher Holds Black Belts in:

 

*6th degree Master Black belt in Isshin-Ryu Karate

 

 

*1st degree  Black belt in Shingitai Ju-Jitsu