Mark O’Dell began training in White Tiger Kenpo in 1984. He got into stick fighting under one of the original members of the Dog Brothers, Lester “Surf Dog” Griffen, trained under Mike Nagano in Kajukenbo, studied kickboxing under Lorenzo Rodriguez and title holder “Smokin” Joe Sarkissian, and learned the Jun Bao system under Grandmaster James Ibrao.

He is a Certified Personal Trainer for 24 Hour Fitness and has certifications from APEX Fitness Group, ISSA (International Sports Science Association), the NCSF (National Council of Strength and Fitness), the NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) and in CPR.

Mark has competed at the Long Beach International (2004), the International Chinese Koushu Championships in San Francisco (2001) and the Bok Fu Do Invitational (2003).  He also competed in kickboxing matches (3 – 0) when he was 38 years old.

He has also tested his endurance and stamina by taking part in events such as the Vineman Half Triathlon and numerous long distant bike rides including “The Ride Around the Bear” (a 100 mile course that travels from the base of Big Bear across the top and down the other side), “The Markleeville Death Ride” (a 200 mile course through the Sierra Navadas consisting of five mountain passes), “The Grand Tour” in Malibu (200 miles) and “The Tour of Two Forests” (218 miles).