Our Story, Our Family, Our Legacy
Global Martial Arts USA is an elite, family-operated martial arts school in Gallatin, Tennessee. For over 55 years, we’ve been building confidence, discipline, and leaders — one student at a time. Small, tall, big, short, man, woman, child, or senior — martial arts is for everyone.
Grandmaster K.O. Spillmann
Grandmaster Konrad Spillmann started TaeKwonDo in the 1960s and has been training in martial arts for over 57 years. He received his Instructor-level 2nd Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo in the 1980s under Grandmaster Y.K. Kim, and has been a full-time professional martial arts teacher since 1979 — the only career he’s ever had. He received his 9th Dan Black Belt in TaeKwonDo in 2025 and holds verified rankings across multiple disciplines.
He received his BJJ Black Belt in 2000 under Professor Rocian Gracie Jr — the grandson of founder Carlos Gracie and currently a 6th Degree BJJ Black Belt. They trained together for years in California, and Rocian honored the friendship by naming his son Conrado after K.O. Spillmann.
Over his career, K.O. Spillmann operated 12 academy locations across California, Texas, Arizona, Florida, and India. He has worked with professional fighters and athletes, trained law enforcement, US Military, and foreign military units in hand-to-hand combat and street defense techniques. He’s appeared in print media, movies, and television shows, and performed at major events — including the Orlando Magic Arena halftime show in front of over 16,000 spectators as part of Grandmaster Y.K. Kim’s ATF Demonstration Team.
He authored martial arts business books and manuals to help other school owners build professional academies, and has served on university advisory boards and private company boards. He has received a state commendation for public service, national and state senate awards, and numerous citations for dedication to the martial arts community. All awards, certificates, and trophies are displayed at the academy.
His commitment to community runs deep. He holds a record for breaking over 411 concrete blocks for St. Jude’s Children’s Cancer Research, and in 1987 broke 250 endcap blocks in under 48 seconds for D.A.R.E. He and his wife have fostered children and worked with youth in poverty-stricken areas across the USA, India, and worldwide — helping them become outstanding citizens and future leaders.
After decades of traveling, seminars, and operating schools nationwide, K.O. Spillmann and his family moved to the Gallatin area in 2011 to focus on teaching and family. They opened a small academy that has grown into a thriving 6,000 square foot facility, relocated in 2024, serving over 60 weekly classes across 8+ martial arts styles.
What Sets GMA Apart
Certified By The
World’s Top Organizations
Meet Our Instructors
World-certified masters and instructors with combined decades of experience — all background checked, all dedicated to changing lives through martial arts.
Over 50 years of martial arts experience. Founder of Golden Talon Kung Fu and author of the Golden Beginners Manual. Teaches Tai Chi, Wing Chun, Bagua Zhang, and traditional Kung Fu. United States Air Force veteran (1967–1971, Staff Sergeant) and musician.
5th Degree Black Belt and Academy Director. Certified through Kukkiwon, ITF, and TIU. Multi-disciplined in TaeKwonDo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, HapKiDo, and KumDo sword. Hyung demonstrator and master-level instructor dedicated to developing top students.
5th Degree Black Belt with over 3 decades of teaching experience and a Bachelor of Science in Child Development. Leads the GMA After School and Homeschool programs, incorporating the “Whole Child” development method refined over two decades. Has worked with children with special needs since age 12, integrating expertise into GMA’s acclaimed Special Needs Program.
Awards, News & Citations
All awards, certificates, and trophies are displayed at the academy.
6,000 Sq Ft Professional Training Center
Located at 509 Garnet Court, Suite 100 in Gallatin, TN. Fully equipped with anti-bacterial matted floors, professional training equipment, and comfortable waiting areas for parents and families.
A dedicated learning space for our After School and Homeschool students. Kids are picked up from local schools, enjoy snacks, complete homework with tutor support, and participate in martial arts classes — all included in one program. Homeschool students follow the Acellus Academy accredited curriculum with partnership through Alijah Academy and Monarch Software.
Ready to Join the Family?
Experience the difference 55+ years of martial arts excellence makes. From training to our community clubs and family programs, GMA is more than a gym. Schedule your free trial class today and see why families across Gallatin and Sumner County choose GMA.