Devan is an accomplished and highly-skilled
Karate Instructor who has over 17 years of
martial arts experience and holds the
following certifications, awards,
accomplishments, and special skills:

• 4th Degree Black Belt in Isshinryu Karate
  
• Two Time AOKA Team Karate Champion
  
• TKC Karate Champion
  
• IIKA Karate Champion
  
• Twenty-two Time Grand Champion -Karate
  
• Began Men's Division Competition @ 12 yrs old
  
• Isshinryu Hall of Fame KAI of the year
  
• Two Time Champion Karate World Games
  
• Professional Mixed Martial Arts Fighter
  
• 185 lb Stateline MMA Title Holder
  
• Blue Belt Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

Devan Plaisance was born in Knoxville in 1984. He has over 17 years of martial arts experience. Devan has a 4th degree black belt in Isshinryu Karate, an Okinawan martial art. Devan was Karate Kai of the year 2001, and 27 times karate grand champion. He fought in Golden Gloves boxing for 4 years, he has trained and fought in JiuJitsu and also Kickboxing

ISSHINRYU KARATE is a modern, evolved martial art, which uses practical closer stances and straight line techniques and punches. It is less flashy but more effective.

For years Devan has traveled to go from school to school to get better, to learn different styles from different people.

Some of the teachers Devan has trained under are: Pete Mills, Tedd Graves, James Ogle, Chuck Reynolds, Allen Wheelar, Rick Breeden, Doyle Sievers, Richard Clear.

plaisancedevan@yahoo.com

Interview with
Devan Plaisance

How would you describe yourself in regards to martial arts?

I am a professional mixed martial arts fighter, former state line MMA title holder, 27th times grand champion in karate. I've done it all, not learned it out of a book. I have been successful in all areas, MMA, JiJjitsu, karate, boxing.

What is special, different about your school? Why should anyone choose to train at your school?

One thing that is unique about the school is that it is team oriented (for an individual sport), we have a team atmosphere, we focus on making everybody a well rounded fighter in all areas.

We represent ourselves in an honorable way, we train to fight, we don't allow our fighters to just show up without the proper preparation.

What are the fighters who train at the Hard Knox Combat Club like?

Fighters who see martial arts as a way of life as opposed to a pastime. This doesn't mean that everyone who trains here has to fight. You don't have to fight as long as you have a passion for the sport. Everyone trains as if they were going to fight, but we understand this is not for everyone. Not everybody is going to want to get in a cage and fight.

Is this a gym only for guys wanting to fight in Mixed Martial Arts events?

No, training for mixed martial arts fights is a big part of what we do, but we are a family oriented business. This is a total package gym, we offers something for the whole family.

Do people have to sign a contract to work out at Hard Knox Combat Club?

We only want people here who truly want to be here. We don't require a contract, students pay month to month. Our doors are open six days a week and all of our students can come in and work out up to six days a week. They can come at their convenience, we have morning and evening classes. We offer half price for the second family member, and discounts for the whole family. We have family packages available.

What values do you teach your students?

These are the main values we teach: family, honesty, integrity, and especially that you should practice what you preach.

What are the characteristics of a good fighter?

Persistence, some courage (and I say some because once you are a fighter your training takes over), self-discipline (stay on your diet, keep your training consistent), you "gotta have grit" (no quit in you), fighting is a job, so a good fighter is not emotional, he plays his cards out.

What can students expect when they are being trained by you at Hard Knox Combat Club?

For those who want to fight... I've been out there and done it. I've had a lot of fights (field experience), I can offer common sense tips from simple to complex things that happen in the mat and in the cage.

I train people to be well rounded fighters, gi or no gi, stand up fight and wrestle, street defense.

My hearts desire is to train all sorts of people in martial arts — children and women, men young and old. Everyone can benefit from this type of training. There are benefits for the body, the mind and the soul.

Why fight?

Fighting tests your abilities. It helps you find out what works.

Why should people who don't want to get in a cage train to fight?

It gives you something to do, as opposed to for example drinking, a place to go to be with the guys, where you can have a sense of fellowship. You get to still be an athlete, stay active. Most guys after they graduate from high school or college don't have a positive outlet for their energy. Martial arts are a life-long practice. Even people with disabilities can do it.

There are other advantages, for example it increases self confidence. All guys need to be warriors, have a tribe. It's something natural, just look at boys.

When you talk about fighting you say guys, are women not allowed in MMA training?

Of course they are allowed, but we don't have co-ed classes. There is a lot of contact in this sport, and you know, when wives come to see their guys train and there's women in there, they don't quite like it.

We offer JiuJitsu and Self Defense classes for women, and we plan to have separate classes for women who wish to train in MMA.

How many instructors work at the school?

We have six instructors. They all bring something different to the table, they all have a field of expertise, and then I try to put them all together.