Life & Work with Cliff Kinchen of Cornelius, north of Charlotte

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cliff Kinchen.

Hi Cliff, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Detroit, where life taught me resilience early. It wasn’t the easiest start, but it built the foundation for who I am today. After high school, I joined the U.S. Air Force, serving 20 years in law enforcement, instruction, and leadership roles; from teaching at the Security Forces Academy to serving as Superintendent at the Paul W. Airey NCO Academy. Those years taught me that real leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about influence, integrity, and helping others rise.

Martial arts has been a constant thread through it all. I started training at 10 years old, continued throughout my military career, and I still train today. What began as self-defense became a way of life; a way to teach discipline, respect, and self-mastery.

When I retired from the Air Force, I took that passion and leadership philosophy into the civilian world, opening Kinchen Martial Arts Academy in the Lake Norman area. My goal wasn’t just to teach punches and kicks, it was to build better people. Over time, that mission grew into a full leadership-integrated curriculum for youth, teens, and adults.

Today, I also work as a leadership consultant and speaker, helping organizations and schools connect the dots between personal discipline and professional excellence. Whether on the mat or in a boardroom, my focus is the same: developing resilient leaders who lead with integrity, humility, and heart.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all, but I wouldn’t trade the road I’ve traveled for an easier one. Growing up in Detroit taught me early that life doesn’t hand you much; you earn it. I lost my mother at seventeen, and that forced me to grow up fast. The Air Force became my structure and my proving ground. It was there I learned how to lead under pressure, how to adapt, and how to bring out the best in others; even when I was still figuring things out myself.

When I transitioned out of the military to open my martial arts academy, that was another challenge entirely. Suddenly I went from leading Airmen to leading families, kids, and staff, all while learning how to run a business. There were long nights, tight budgets, and moments of doubt. But the mission never changed: to build people, not just fighters.

Every setback, from injuries and financial stress to personal loss, has shaped how I teach and lead today. Resilience isn’t something I talk about because it sounds good; it’s something I’ve had to live.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At my core, I teach people how to lead; themselves, their families, and others. I just use martial arts as the vehicle to do it. As the owner and head instructor of Kinchen Martial Arts Academy in the Lake Norman area, I specialize in teaching traditional martial arts and self-defense through a leadership-based curriculum that builds confidence, discipline, and resilience both on and off the mat.

What sets us apart is how we blend martial arts philosophy with real-world leadership principles. I spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force serving as a law enforcement leader, combat instructor, and leadership trainer, and I’ve woven those lessons into every class. Our students don’t just learn how to kick or punch, they learn accountability, teamwork, and integrity.

What I’m most proud of is seeing families grow stronger together. Watching a shy child find their voice, a teen step into leadership, or an adult rediscover confidence, that’s the true reward. We’re not just producing black belts; we’re building better humans.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people who know me as a martial arts instructor or leadership trainer are surprised to learn that I’m also a writer. I’ve been journaling and writing poetry since my Air Force days, long before I opened the dojo. In fact, I’m in the process of finishing up my memoir. A lot of what I teach about leadership and resilience actually started as personal reflections from those notebooks years ago.

And while people expect the “military martial arts guy” to be all intensity and structure, I love to laugh, especially at myself. Humor keeps me grounded and helps me connect with people. Oh, and one more surprise: I make a legendary breakfast. If leadership and martial arts ever fall through, you’ll find me running the first-ever pancake dojo.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kinchenmartialarts.com/
• Instagram: @cliffkinchen
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KinchenMartialArts
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliff-kinchen-mba-a2715838