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Stephen Kinzer

Stephen R. Kinzer is a father, athlete, business man and rising star in the world of mixed martial arts. He is driven by a passion for the sport and the desire to make an impact on the community. Kinzer was born in Tahlequah, OK and has deep roots in his Cherokee culture. He hopes to use his martial art skills to aid the Native American community by promoting positive release of negative energy and to help those who have the will and determination to better them selves to rise to a higher level.

Kinzer’s passion for competitive one-on-one sports started at the young age of 5 where he enrolled in youth wrestling. Competing for a total of 13 years, he finished high school as a three-time letterman and was part of a team who won three overall state championships. Post high school, he wanted to continue to follow his passion for competitive sports and began martial arts training. He trained for a year in the art of Muay Thai, then decided wanted to pursue further training to reach a competitive level.

Kinzer became a father in 2003 and put his career on hold. He then had the opportunity to move to California in 2005. It was in San Jose, CA that he was introduced to Frank “The Legend” Shamrock. After touring Shamrock’s school, Kinzer decided right away that this was the path he needed to take. He enrolled in Shamrock Martial Arts Academy in Sept of 2006. He trained under Shamrock’s own system named Shamrock Submission Fighting or later, Shamrock MMA. He trained there for 6 months before earning an apprenticeship and began training with the Shamrock professional fight team for the following two years. Kinzer had the honor of training with MMA greats such as Frank Shamrock, Maurice Smith, Shonie Carter, Bas Rutten, Clay Guida, Clint Coronel, Alex Trevino, Marlon Sims, Jeff Quinlan and many other highly skilled and talented fighters.

Kinzer is highly active in seeking opportunities to compete and grow as a fighter. He has competed in the Bay Area in Northern California, Junction City KS, St Louis MO, Kansas City MO and Omaha NE, earning an overall record of 6-5. He is currently competing for Blue Corner Promotions held at the Voodoo Lounge in Kansas City’s Harrah’s Casino. These Ultimate Blue Corner Battles have consistently sold out and have been called the best MMA show in Kansas City.

Kinzer’s ultimate goals in life are to become a MMA competitor at a professional level, open a gym where he can craft his own unique form of martial arts, and to positively influence the youth in the community. He says, “I feel focusing on the youth both creates long term fans and the opportunity to make the most impact on the future of our communities. I will concentrate on teaching the values and sportsmanship of traditional of martial arts not only as a method of staying in shape but also giving a them a better outlet to express themselves that what’s available in today’s streets.” Furthermore, he wants to give back to the community that raised him and that sees so much suffering- the Native Americans. He says,” I feel I can use my talents and future success to make a dramatic impact on the bettering of my people.”

Kinzer has the talent and drive it takes to compete in MMA as well as the business knowledge, marketability, network, and the desire to help those in need. This is what defines him and what will make him a success. He continues to work hard to broaden his fan base and to let the public who his is, what he does, and what he strives for.