My Journey. My Passion. My Purpose.

"Ian, for YOU that's easy."

"I'm not strong enough to do that."

"I could never do what you do."

These are things I've heard countless times throughout my career as a personal trainer and martial arts instructor.

But here's something many people don't know about me.

I wasn't always fit. I wasn't naturally athletic. In fact, growing up, I was a pretty sedentary kid who struggled with my weight, confidence, and body image.

I know firsthand what it feels like to be unhappy with your body, to feel intimidated by exercise, and to question whether you're capable of making a change.

That's exactly why I approach personal training the way I do today.

I don't believe fitness should be exclusive to athletes, bodybuilders, or people who already know their way around a gym.

I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to become stronger, healthier, more confident, and more capable, regardless of where they're starting.

And my own journey is proof that where you begin doesn't have to determine where you end up.

 

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN: MARTIAL ARTS, DISCIPLINE & SELF-DISCOVERY

My passion for martial arts began as a teenager when I started studying traditional Eagle Claw Kung Fu at the Shaolin School.

Faan Tzi Ying Jow Pai, also known as Eagle Claw Kung Fu, is a traditional Northern Shaolin martial art recognized for its intricate gripping techniques, joint locks, takedowns, striking methods, and complex forms.

What started as a personal interest quickly became an obsession.

Martial arts gave me something I hadn't experienced before: discipline, structure, confidence, and a genuine appreciation for what my body was capable of accomplishing.

Over many years of dedicated training, I earned my black belt and eventually became a Sihing, or Assistant Instructor, at the Shaolin School.

I had the opportunity to teach students of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities, eventually expanding into kickboxing instruction.

It was during those early teaching experiences that I discovered something even more rewarding than my own progress: helping someone else recognize their potential.

Watching a student develop confidence, master a technique, or accomplish something they once believed was impossible became one of my greatest motivations.
 

FROM PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION TO A CAREER IN FITNESS

My interest in health, fitness, and nutrition expanded when a friend began mentoring me as a health coach.

Through changes in my lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise habits, I experienced my own significant physical transformation.

But what impacted me most wasn't simply the weight loss. It was how much better I felt physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I wanted other people to experience that same sense of accomplishment.

As I began helping clients with fitness and nutrition, one particular experience solidified my decision to make this my life's work.

A client who had lost 60 pounds looked at me and said:

"Ian, you've changed my LIFE."

Those words stayed with me.

It wasn't just about the number on the scale. It was about the confidence, happiness, and renewed quality of life that came with taking control of her health.

That's when I knew this was more than a career.

It was my purpose.

BUILDING EXPERIENCE, LEADERSHIP & A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF FITNESS

As the fitness industry evolved and boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts became increasingly popular, I found new opportunities to combine my martial arts background with my passion for helping others.

I became a lead trainer and general manager for a major international kickboxing fitness franchise, helping establish its first location in California.

My responsibilities eventually expanded into regional management, where I helped lead multiple locations and consistently ranked among the top-performing operations within a franchise system of more than 1,000 locations internationally.

These experiences taught me far more than how to deliver an effective workout.

They taught me how to motivate people, understand different personalities, adapt training styles, build relationships, and help clients remain consistent long enough to see meaningful results.

Throughout my career, I've also continued refining my own technical skills by training under experienced boxing, Muay Thai, and MMA striking coaches, including coaches working with professional-level athletes.

Even after earning my black belt and spending years teaching, I've never believed that learning stops.

I remain a student of the disciplines I teach, constantly seeking to improve my knowledge, technique, and ability to help others.
 

THE BIRTH OF DEAKFIT: FITNESS WITH A GREATER PURPOSE

During the pandemic, I witnessed an enormous shift in what people needed from fitness.

It wasn't just about losing weight or getting in shape.

People were struggling with stress, isolation, uncertainty, and their mental well-being.

For many of my clients, our training sessions became much more than exercise.

Boxing and kickboxing provided an outlet for stress. Strength training helped rebuild confidence. Having someone hold them accountable gave them structure during difficult times.

I saw firsthand how powerful movement could be for both physical and mental health.

This further shaped the philosophy behind DEAKFIT.

Rather than relying on rigid, one-size-fits-all programming or short-term fitness challenges, I wanted to create a personal training experience built around education, adaptability, and sustainable lifestyle habits.

Today, I specialize in private, one-on-one personal training that combines strength training, boxing, kickboxing, cardiovascular conditioning, and functional fitness.

Some clients come to me exclusively for boxing or kickboxing fitness. Others want to build muscle, improve body composition, or regain their strength and confidence.

Many enjoy a hybrid of both.

My approach is never about forcing someone into a particular style of training.

It's about understanding their goals, discovering what motivates them, and teaching skills they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.
 

2025–2026: FROM BOXING AS A HOBBY TO A FIVE-TIME HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION

The Story of Ed "Switchblade" Robinson

One of the proudest and most rewarding moments of my coaching career has been watching the incredible journey of my client, Ed "Switchblade" Robinson.

When Ed first came to me, he was a longtime LAPD officer approaching retirement, preparing for new business ventures, and looking to explore boxing as a hobby.

He wasn't an established boxer. He wasn't pursuing championship titles. He simply wanted to challenge himself, learn something new, and develop a skill.

And that's exactly where we started.

From day one, we built his boxing foundation from the ground up.

Footwork. Stance. Balance. Punching mechanics. Timing. Coordination. Defensive movements. Combinations. Conditioning. Technical drills. Every fundamental detail that goes into developing a capable, well-rounded boxer.

We spent countless sessions refining his technique, developing his endurance, improving his movement, and building the confidence that comes from understanding the craft.

What happened next was nothing short of extraordinary.

Fast-forward to 2025 and 2026, and Ed "Switchblade" Robinson had transformed his recreational interest in boxing into an incredible competitive journey, becoming a FIVE-TIME HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION in Masters boxing competition.

Among his accomplishments were three championship victories across San Diego, Atlantic City, and New York.

From learning the basics in our training ring to bringing home heavyweight gold on the competitive stage.

To say I'm proud of him would be an understatement.

What makes Ed's story particularly meaningful is that my primary specialty has always been boxing and kickboxing fitness, not competitive fight preparation.

My passion lies in teaching everyday people authentic boxing fundamentals, developing proper technique, improving cardiovascular conditioning, building confidence, and helping clients discover just how capable they can become.

Ed is a remarkable example of what can happen when someone takes those foundational skills and combines them with extraordinary dedication, discipline, and the willingness to push beyond their comfort zone.

While Ed deserves every bit of credit for stepping into the ring, continuing to develop as a competitor, and earning his championships, knowing that I helped build the foundation that started his journey is something I'll always treasure.

From day one to heavyweight gold. From the basics to the belts.

His journey is a reminder that you never know how far a new skill, a new passion, or a commitment to personal growth might take you.

Not everyone who trains with me wants to become a competitive fighter, and that's never been the expectation.

Some clients want to improve their health. Some want to lose weight, build muscle, relieve stress, or learn practical boxing and kickboxing skills.

But every client deserves the opportunity to discover what they're truly capable of.

And sometimes, what starts as a hobby can turn into something extraordinary.

Congratulations, Ed "Switchblade" Robinson. Five-time heavyweight champion, and a testament to what dedication, perseverance, and a strong foundation can accomplish.

​

EXPANDING MY MISSION: THE CREATION OF THERA-RED

As my career progressed, my interest in health expanded far beyond exercise alone.

I became increasingly passionate about recovery, longevity, physical wellness, and the many factors that contribute to how we feel and function on a daily basis.

Because the reality is, looking healthy and actually being healthy aren't always the same thing.

Strength and cardiovascular fitness are incredibly important, but so are sleep, recovery, nutrition, metabolic health, stress management, and mental well-being.

That philosophy inspired me to expand into the wellness industry through Thera-RED, my network of wellness centers in Orange County.

Thera-RED offers access to technologies including red and near-infrared light therapy, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, far-infrared sauna, whole-body vibration therapy, and our multi-wavelength Ultra Beds.

These modalities provide additional opportunities to incorporate relaxation, recovery-oriented wellness practices, and physical well-being into an active lifestyle.

By combining DEAKFIT personal training with Thera-RED, I've been able to create something that reflects my broader vision of health.

An approach that brings together strength, conditioning, education, healthy habits, and complementary wellness services.

Exercise challenges the body and encourages positive adaptations. Nutrition, sleep, recovery, and consistent lifestyle habits help support those adaptations.

For me, the goal isn't simply to help someone perform better during a workout.

It's to help them build a lifestyle that supports their health and well-being long after the workout ends.

​

MY PHILOSOPHY TODAY: HEALTHY IN MIND, BODY & SPIRIT

After years of working with clients from all walks of life, one thing has become increasingly clear to me.

The most meaningful transformations aren't always the ones you can see in a before-and-after photo.

Sometimes it's a client who finally feels confident walking into a gym.

Sometimes it's someone improving their strength, endurance, blood pressure, or other markers of physical health.

Sometimes it's a person who has struggled with stress finding an outlet through boxing.

Sometimes it's someone learning a new skill they never imagined they'd be capable of mastering.

And sometimes it's a retired police officer taking up boxing as a hobby and eventually becoming a five-time heavyweight champion.

Every person's journey is different.

That's why I believe in meeting people where they are, understanding their individual goals, and creating an experience that helps them grow at their own pace.

I don't want my clients to feel dependent on me forever.

I want them to learn from me.

I want them to understand proper form, movement, technique, conditioning, and sustainable fitness habits.

I want them to leave our sessions with knowledge and skills that remain valuable throughout their lives.

And most importantly, I want them to become healthier, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

​

MORE THAN A TRAINER. A PARTNER IN YOUR JOURNEY.

I consider it a privilege when someone trusts me with their health and fitness goals.

Whether you're stepping into a gym for the very first time, returning to exercise after years away, looking to improve your body composition, or simply wanting to learn boxing or kickboxing, my commitment is to provide an encouraging, educational, and personalized experience.

You don't need to be naturally athletic.

You don't need to be in shape before you start.

You don't need to have everything figured out.

I certainly didn't when I began my own journey.

What matters is being willing to take that first step.

My greatest reward isn't simply seeing someone become stronger or leaner.

It's knowing I played a meaningful role in helping them become a healthier, happier, more confident version of themselves.

That's my passion. That's my purpose. That's DEAKFIT.

​

READY TO BEGIN YOUR OWN TRANSFORMATION?

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