We had the good fortune of connecting with Gerald, “Pete” Mills and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gerald, “Pete”, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Staying active and continuing to expose myself and my team to new processes and training opportunities. I have been willing to change my main system and cross train using the best techniques from all systems. As Bruce Lee once said, “all systems and no systems!

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the longest teaching martial arts instructor in the state of Tennessee that is actively still teaching. I have owned and operated the “Petemillskarate” system since 1966 without any off time! And I have Grandmaster rank in ISSHINRYU karate and combative Jiu Jitsu and been inducted into 12 Hall of Fames including: United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame, International ISSHINRYU Karate Hall of Fame, Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame and nine others

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee with all its food and entertainment. Our own Battle Rock special classes specializing in Tactical Driving, Bodyguard training and certification, Hand gun basics and tactical ground combat. Maybe a University Tennessee football game or a Tennessee Titans game.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My faith in Jesus Christ forms my character choices. I owe my growth in the ISSHINRYU system to the opportunity to train in Knoxville, Tennessee in late 1966 with the highest ranking instructor in the world at that time, Tatsuo Shimabuku. I had him grade, change and improve my ISSHINRYU katas and basic techniques. Also, Grandmaster, Harold Long who was my first ISSHINRYU instructor. Also Grandmaster, Steve Armstrong from Seattle, Washing who stepped up with support and rank at a time I needed help. In Judo s. Roback, Judo coach at University of Kentucky.
Reno’s Gracie, BJJ, Helo Sonnia, BJJ, Grandmaster, Michael DePasquale, New York City, small circle Jiu Jitsu, Krav Maga, and IDF Israel special Forces

Website: WWW.petemillskarate.com

Facebook: Pete Mills Karate

Youtube: PeteMillskarate

Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Pete Mills

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