He has trained with Pan American boxer Tony Avery, kickboxer Scott Francis, and mixed martial arts fighter Neal Weaver. His in-ring experience includes Thai boxing, kickboxing, and boxing.

In 1998 he won the Toughman boxing tournament via four consecutive knockouts. Earlier that year he won the North Carolina Academy of Kickboxing middleweight kickboxing championship by TKO.

In addition to combat sports, he has a background in personal training, fitness, and conditioning. He has participated in amateur power-lifting, team triathlon, and half-marathon events. He was a professional personal fitness trainer, certified under the American Council on Exercise in 1999.

He holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, training with Geoff Balme, a black belt under Professor Roberto Maia of Boston Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is affiliated with the Apex Martial Arts Center and Open Guard BJJ.