JUSTIN HANLIN

HEAD INSTRUCTOR / CO-OWNER

Raised by a military family, Justin was first introduced to boxing and karate at the age of 8 by his father, a US marine, and his grandfather, a US army veteran. Throughout his youth athletic career, Justin used this strong base of athleticism and discipline to excel in various sports, notably basketball.

In 2004, he began competing in the International Kickboxing Federation for Team Z under Rob and Jimmy Zbliski, and compiled a formidable record of 7-0-1. In 2007, his focus turned to MMA where he trained with various professional fighters from the UFC/WEC/Strikeforce/Pancrase.

After retiring from competition in 2009, Justin continued training individuals from all walks of life and built his own MMA team alongside NCAA Division 1 Wrestler Jason Pernat, where he trained amateur fighters for bouts all over the midwest. Apart from coaching athletes, Justin has worked under First Sergeant Aaron Ferrer to advise and physically prepare new recruits of the Army’s National Guard for basic combat training. Justin has also instructed and worked alongside private security and personnel transport companies. The list of students under Justin includes amateur and professional Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Boxing champions, MMA competitors, recreational practitioners, and young athletes.

A co-founder of Cornerstone MMA, Justin is our head kickboxing coach and leads our competition team for MMA, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and boxing. The 30+ years of martial arts experience and 20 years of coaching proves he is in it for the long haul.