Patrick L Finley

Dr. Finley has trained in martial arts since 1971. He has studied under many of the world’s most respected instructors, including Guros Dan and Paula Inosanto, Saya Win Zin Oo, Dr. Maung Gyi, and Sensei Erik Paulson. He holds senior-level instructor certifications and black belts across multiple systems, ranging from Jeet Kune Do and Filipino Martial Arts to Lethwei and Bando, Pentjak Silat, Judo, and Karate. A former full-contact competitor, his background includes kickboxing, Burmese Bando boxing, stick fighting, and mixed martial arts.

Dr. Finley has enjoyed a long academic and professional career, serving as a research associate at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and later teaching for nearly four decades at several colleges and universities, retiring as a full professor and department chair of Health Promotion and Human Performance in 2022. With an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Philosophy, a master's in Exercise Science, and a doctorate in Public Health, Dr. Finley brings a unique blend of martial arts mastery and scientific expertise to his writing.