Steven Chapple

     I am Coach Steven Chapple, instructor at Counter Strike Gym. I have over 20 years of experience in martial arts. I was exposed to martial arts and self-defense at the age of 9, where I learned basic techniques. It wasn’t until the age of 18 where I fully dedicated my training to learn. I started my journey learning Isshinryu, a form of Karate originating in Okinawa, Japan. Training under the late Grand Master Ken Ferguson of Cleveland, a former USA Karate team member and national champion. After 6 years of dedicated training competition and assisting with teaching classes, I received my first Black belt at the age of 24. A few years later I expanded my skills and cross trained with wrestlers, BJJ practitioners and other strikers to test myself in the world of MMA. My training took me to learn from other coaches and masters of the craft around the area. Training with many coaches at Evolve MMA, owned by the late coach John Cook, where I learned skills in Muay Thai, BJJ and more. Then finally making my way to train and help teach at South Prospect Gym. Over all the years my time for competition was not forever, but my training and desire to learn and teach never left. Here at Counter Strike Gym my desire is to pass on all I have learned to those who are willing and able to learn and grow.