Today we’d like to introduce you to Martin Wheeler.
Hi Martin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been a martial artist since I was 8. Professional since my 20’s. Have studied Boxing, Thai Boxing, Judo, Juijitsu, Kenpo Karate, Filipino stick and knife fighting, and mainly now Russian Systema. Systema is a highly specialized and highly unusual martial art developed by the Soviet Union for its special operators. I studied it for two years under one of their top spies. I started as a bouncer in rough nightclubs in the U.K. since I was 17, eventually became a contract instructor in close-quarters-combat for elite Police and Military units such as the SEALS. Developed a unique method of stabilizing perception in high-stress situations for SOF unit using somatic experience and the latest in neuroscience. Currently, own The Academy Beverly Hills martial arts school with BJJ legend Rigan Machado. Moved to LA because I wrote and sold some scripts that were all made into Studio movies. I still work as a writer as well. Currently (pre covid) travel the world teaching seminars to civilians and professionals, as well as a celebrity clientele in BH. Plus currently writing a book with a Harvard researcher on the neurobiology of perception under stress.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
There are always struggles as a martial artist, figuring out how to make a living in a niche market, injuries, opponents, being recognized in the highly competitive space of special operations, etc. And of course, the Hollywood writing market. But the training itself teaches you how to deal with adversity by its nature,
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is probably best explained by the 16th-century swordsman Musashi. ‘The warrior way is the two-fold path of the pen and the sword.’ I specialize in understanding how somatic experience changes perception for the better and how manipulating perception can enhance your somatic experience. Healing minds and bodies through the lens of combat and neuroscience. Most proud of understanding how misdirected pride can derail your life 🙂
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Don’t think of myself as an extreme risk taker. Probably risk adverse in many ways. Most of my risk taking has been in the field of hand-to-hand combat. Either through training with some very dangerous folks or through direct experience of street fighting, sparring, fighting, etc. Risk is necessary for physical neuro-plastic activity. Without urgency, it’s hard for neuro-plastic change to fix in the brain.
Pricing:
- Monthly training fee $200
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Theacademybeverlyhills, wheelersystema.com
- Instagram: @Theacademybh
- Facebook: Martin Wheeler
- Youtube: Wheelersystema
- Yelp: The Academy Beverly Hills
