Nathan “Coach” Kirby

“But did you die?”

Motivational Speaker/Owner and Head Coach, Rock City Mixed Martial Arts – WLR

Burlington, IA; moved to Arkansas in 2008

Been sober for 21 years. No alcohol, no tobacco, no drugs, some Ibuprofen now and then.

Love, love, love
Ocean’s at Arthurs

Nathan’s passion and positivity is what he believes distinguishes him from others. He has immense passion for life, living, experiencing new things, and helping others achieve their goals and their dreams. What he does every day at his MMA school is what feeds his soul. He is a coach, but to most, he is a mentor, a father, a friend, a counselor, a pastor, an ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on, and a foot to kick their backside when necessary. He loves his students. All of them. Even the loud obnoxious troubled ones, he says, because sometimes they need him the most. He is most grateful for the roles he plays and hats he wears. He’s crested hundreds of champions, he says, but knows when the lights fade and the medals don’t shine anymore, he’s created unbelievable, successful, competent, confident, strong human beings. Rock City for life.

Nathan “Coach” Kirby

“But did you die?”

Motivational Speaker/Owner and Head Coach, Rock City Mixed Martial Arts – WLR

Burlington, IA; moved to Arkansas in 2008

Been sober for 21 years. No alcohol, no tobacco, no drugs, some Ibuprofen now and then.

Love, love, love
Ocean’s at Arthurs

Nathan’s passion and positivity is what he believes distinguishes him from others. He has immense passion for life, living, experiencing new things, and helping others achieve their goals and their dreams. What he does every day at his MMA school is what feeds his soul. He is a coach, but to most, he is a mentor, a father, a friend, a counselor, a pastor, an ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on, and a foot to kick their backside when necessary. He loves his students. All of them. Even the loud obnoxious troubled ones, he says, because sometimes they need him the most. He is most grateful for the roles he plays and hats he wears. He’s crested hundreds of champions, he says, but knows when the lights fade and the medals don’t shine anymore, he’s created unbelievable, successful, competent, confident, strong human beings. Rock City for life.

WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST TASTE OF SUCCESS?

As a professional MMA fighter, my first win was the most unbelievable, mind-blowing experience ever. Getting my hand raised and getting the nickname, “The Tasmanian Devil” was amazing.

WHAT, IN YOUR MIND, DOES IT MEAN TO BE A “GOOD MAN?”

My wife and my kids are the litmus test–– everything else is secondary. If I fail them, but succeed in business, I am an utter and complete fake and a failure. I had one job when I said, “I do,” and the moment my boys took their first breaths.

WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Staying married for 26 years. And one of my sons is an officer and pilot in the Navy, and my youngest son was a #1 ranked fighter.

WHAT’S SOMETHING OTHERS WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

2008 World Champion – I was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. I also was on national television for a game show, “Family Feud” with Steve Harvey.

HOW HAVE YOUR EXPERIENCES SHAPED YOU INTO THE MAN YOU ARE TODAY?

Sadly, over the course of my life I had three dads; I was abused, had an alcoholic stepdad, and ended up homeless and in jail. But I blame nobody. I am thankful I found God and changed my life. I’ve since been able to save others from suicide and divorce. I’ve married 10 couples and baptized 6 people. I love my life.

WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST TASTE OF SUCCESS?

As a professional MMA fighter, my first win was the most unbelievable, mind-blowing experience ever. Getting my hand raised and getting the nickname, “The Tasmanian Devil” was amazing.

WHAT, IN YOUR MIND, DOES IT MEAN TO BE A “GOOD MAN?”

My wife and my kids are the litmus test–– everything else is secondary. If I fail them, but succeed in business, I am an utter and complete fake and a failure. I had one job when I said, “I do,” and the moment my boys took their first breaths.

WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Staying married for 26 years. And one of my sons is an officer and pilot in the Navy, and my youngest son was a #1 ranked fighter.

WHAT’S SOMETHING OTHERS WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

2008 World Champion – I was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. I also was on national television for a game show, “Family Feud” with Steve Harvey.

HOW HAVE YOUR EXPERIENCES SHAPED YOU INTO THE MAN YOU ARE TODAY?

Sadly, over the course of my life I had three dads; I was abused, had an alcoholic stepdad, and ended up homeless and in jail. But I blame nobody. I am thankful I found God and changed my life. I’ve since been able to save others from suicide and divorce. I’ve married 10 couples and baptized 6 people. I love my life.