IRON MANTIS MARTIAL ARTS
Kerrville,TX (830) 282-7919
Coach Deegan
Martial Arts, Ministry, and a Mission for Full Potential.
Coach Mike Deegan is a seasoned Martial Artist and educator with a lifelong dedication to personal growth and helping others reach their full potential. Born and raised in Central and Southern California, Mike's journey has taken him across the country, from California to Vancouver, WA, and finally to East Texas, where he continued his extensive martial arts training alongside biblical studies.
A Commitment to Service and Teaching
From 2014 to 2019, Mike served as an Associate Pastor and Worship Leader, demonstrating his commitment to spiritual leadership and community. Now residing in Kerrville, TX, he and his wife, Jennifer, have established two vital community resources: the Behavior Resource Center (ABA clinic), which serves children and adults with Autism, and the Iron Mantis Martial Arts Academy, where he expands his martial arts teaching.
Mike holds a Coach level in the system of Iron Mantis Martial Arts. His greatest passion is to utilize the teachings of martial arts to help students of all ages achieve their full physical, spiritual, and mental potential.
The Iron Mantis martial arts system was codified and developed by Master Jeff Hughes over a lifetime of dedicated study and practice, culminating a process that took 20 years. The system is explicitly defined as a unique and seamless combination of several potent traditions, primarily integrating the traditional Northern Shaolin 7 Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu, Hawaiian Kempo (MMA), and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). It also includes the principles and practices of Wrestling, Tai Chi Chuan, Qigong, Sports Performance Training, and Yoga. This blend aims for contemporary effectiveness in self-defense, competition, and overall well-being, preserving a traditional philosophical framework while incorporating modern, combat-proven techniques. The system is built on the foundation of the 400-year-old Seven Star Mantis lineage.
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The Iron Mantis system offers a holistic path for development with a variety of benefits:
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Self-Defense & Combat Effectiveness: The system provides practical self-defense skills geared toward "street survival" and has produced champions in full-contact kickboxing, MMA, and BJJ, as well as forms and weapons competitions. It is known for its focus on close-range combat and techniques for finishing a fight quickly.
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​Physical Health & Fitness: Training improves physical development, endurance, flexibility, and overall well-being. It integrates strength and conditioning (like Sports Performance Training and Iron Body conditioning) for power-speed athletes.
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Mental Discipline & Character Development: The philosophy emphasizes mental discipline, martial morals, and ethics (Wu De), fostering principles like loyalty, respect, and humility. It builds mental toughness, discipline, and "iron will".
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Unique Value Proposition: It appeals to those seeking both the depth of traditional arts (philosophy, ethics, discipline) and the proven effectiveness of modern combat systems.
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Accessibility for All Ages and Experience Levels: The system can benefit students from young kids to the elderly, with the integration of internal arts like Tai Chi Chuan, Qigong, and Yoga aiding in health, balance, and recovery.
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Community and Support: Training in a club setting fosters motivation, shared growth, and a strong, resilient "Iron Mantis Family".
Contact
Address
2211 Bandera Hwy
Unit A
Kerrville, TX 78028