Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Casamassa.
Hi Chris, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Sure — I’d say my journey started long before I realized it. My dad, Louis D. Casamassa, founded Red Dragon Karate back in 1965, so I basically grew up in a martial arts school. But I’ll be honest — I didn’t always love it. Like most kids, I had my ups and downs. I tried other sports, I tested limits, and I even stepped away from training for a bit.
But something kept pulling me back. And when I really committed, everything changed. I became a national champion, earned my black belt, and started teaching — and that’s when I discovered how powerful martial arts really is. It’s not just about kicks and punches. It’s about confidence, focus, and learning how to lead — both on and off the mat.
That mindset opened doors. I got the opportunity to work in Hollywood as a stuntman and actor, and most people know me from my role as Scorpion in the original Mortal Kombat film. But behind all that, I’ve stayed committed to building Red Dragon Karate into something bigger. Today we’ve got 17 locations, a team of amazing instructors, and thousands of students learning how to be strong — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.
Along the way, I created the Bully Proof program to help kids stand up for themselves, and Business Kombat to help other studio owners succeed without burning out. Everything I do now is about helping people grow, whether it’s in the dojo, in business, or in life.
It’s been a wild ride, and I’m grateful for every step — even the tough ones. They all shaped who I am today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road — but I wouldn’t trade the bumps for anything.
One of the biggest early challenges was stepping out from my father’s shadow. He built Red Dragon Karate from the ground up and was a legend in the martial arts world. So when I started taking on more leadership, there was a lot of pressure — both internal and external — to live up to that legacy while also making it my own.
Then there was the balancing act. For a while, I was chasing a Hollywood career, running a business, and trying to be fully present for my team and students. That’s not an easy mix — and I definitely hit a few walls. I had to learn the hard way about time management, delegation, and what not to say yes to.
Another challenge was growth. Expanding Red Dragon to multiple locations wasn’t just about opening doors — it meant building a system, training leaders, and staying true to our culture across the board. There were moments where things felt overwhelming — staff turnover, business setbacks, even doubting whether we could keep up with modern marketing or tech.
But every struggle taught me something — about leadership, about trust, and about staying grounded in your mission even when things get chaotic. That’s the stuff they don’t teach you in school, but it’s what makes the wins matter.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the core, I help people become stronger — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.
I’m the CEO of Red Dragon Karate, a martial arts organization with 17 locations (and growing), where we train thousands of kids and adults in life skills through martial arts. We teach focus, discipline, confidence, respect — all wrapped in a fun, empowering environment.
I’m also the founder of Bully Proof Life, a national movement and app that helps kids stand up for themselves and others. And I coach studio owners through Business Kombat, a program I created to help them grow without burning out or selling out.
A lot of people know me as “Scorpion” from the original Mortal Kombat movie — and I love that. But what I’m most proud of isn’t the film credits. It’s the real-life impact. I’ve helped turn shy kids into confident leaders. I’ve seen struggling business owners go from nearly shutting down to thriving. And I’ve watched martial arts evolve into something more accessible, inclusive, and empowering than ever before.
What sets me apart? I walk the talk. I’ve been doing this for over 40 years — as a student, a competitor, an instructor, a business owner, and a mentor. I’m still training. Still learning. Still on the mat. I’ve lived the highs and the lows, and I use every bit of that experience to help others grow faster and go further.
At the end of the day, my work is about transformation — helping people unlock their best selves through martial arts, leadership, and consistent action.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy? That’s an easy one — my kids, Emily and Adam.
No matter how busy life gets — running a business, filming, coaching others — the moments I get to spend with them are what keep me grounded. Watching them grow, seeing their personalities develop, and being part of their lives… that’s real happiness for me. They’re the reason I do what I do.
Beyond that, I find real joy in seeing people unlock their potential. Whether it’s a young student earning their first belt, a parent telling me how martial arts changed their child’s confidence, or a business owner landing their first big win — those are the moments that remind me I’m on the right path.
Helping people grow. Creating a legacy for my family. And being a dad that Emily and Adam can be proud of — that’s what lights me up every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reddragonkarate.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriscasamassa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chriscasamassa117
