Kurt Cornwell has spent most of his life involved in the Martial Arts, with a specific passion and fascination for the spectrum of styles that the practice has to offer, and the ways they relate to one another. After 38 years of exploration, Coach Kurt continues to research cultural martial arts from all parts of the world and throughout history.

In 2007, Kurt became a full-time member of the MKG International Martial Art Organization, headed by the legendary Rick Faye, with a vision to bring MKG’s unique training style and menu of Martial Arts back to Michigan. That goal was achieved with the opening of MKG Detroit in the fall of 2013. Since then, he has become a full-time professional Martial Art Instructor and Combat Sport Coach, traveling the country and beyond teaching and studying the Martial Arts, and supporting amateur Muay Thai competitors.

Kurt lives in Ferndale with his wife and three children. His wife is a well-known Therapist, and advocate for Special Needs Children in Metro Detroit, and their three children, two of whom are neurodivergent, enjoy music, dancing, drawing, and of course, Martial Arts.

Coach Kurt’s specific qualifications and accomplishments include:

• Certified Instructor: MKG International Method of Martial Arts under Rick Faye

• Certified Instructor: Inosanto International Martial Arts Association the legendary Dan Inosanto

• Instructor: Kalis Ilustrisimo Repetition Orihinal (KIRO) under Coach Arnold Narzo

• Michigan Director for MKG International Martial Arts and Kalis Ilustrisimo Repeticion Orihinal

• United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee (2024) for his work empowering others via the Martial Arts

• Keynote Speaker at UCLA’s TEDx Symposium on the benefits of the Martial Arts Lifestyle

• Notable clientele includes NFL and NHL Players, Actors and Stunt Professionals, SWAT Teams and Security Professionals, Non-Profit Agencies, Health Care facilities, and live public events.

• Kurt has appeared on numerous television news networks due to his work introducing people to the Martial Arts Lifestyle

• Published Author: World of Martial Arts Magazine

• Podcast Host: WOMA Podcast, Talking Heads (MALMAG)

• Regular Podcast Guest: JKD Dialogues, FMA Discussions, MALMAG Podcast, and more

• Guest Instructor in Osaka Japan, Los Angeles CA, Baton Rouge LA, Minneapolis MN, and across Michigan.

Kurt’s Mission
To create accessible training opportunities where people from all walks of life can feel comfortable and inspired to explore the transformative practice of martial art.

MKG Martial Arts Mission
To creat more functional, peaceful people for a more functional, peaceful world.