Dr. Charles Patrick Ward "The MMA Professor"

1970 - 2010

Dr. Charles Patrick Ward "The MMA Professor" obituary, 1970-2010, Mesa, AZ

BORN

1970

DIED

2010

FUNERAL HOME

Charles Ward Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 15, 2010.

* Master/Professor Charles Ward, Ph.D./Ma.D.Sc., CSCS, CMIT *
40 of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on December 9, 2010. Master & Professor, Charlie Ward was a highly respected martial artist, master instructor, fighter, and coach. He studied martial arts for 35 years, and is ranked, with teaching certifications, in multiple art forms. including Muay Thai, the Tai'kor Method of Close Quarters Combat, and of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and others. In 2009 and 2010, Charlie was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame as the Muay Thai Master, Mixed Martial Arts Professor, and the Soke (Master & Founder) of the Most Original Combative Style of the Year. Known as the MMA Professor, a tough, but fair, master instructor and educator, Master Ward founded, developed, and implemented the Sun Devil Combat Sports Program for Arizona State University's Polytechnic Campus. This program includes both recreational and academic classes in Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts, Martial Arts History & Philosophy, and Advanced Human Performance Training - as well as maintaining a professional and amateur competitive fight team with physical fitness, combative skills, and academic performance standards. Master Ward retired from professional competition after 12 years as an NHB world champion 8 years, with over 150 fights, and more than 100 knockouts. He then fully devoted his time to teaching his art & science to his students, coaching fighters and combat athletes, writing books and articles, and providing seminars & workshops. Charles had written and published books and several articles about martial arts, combat training, and various areas of athletic and strength training. He was published in Fight News Unlimited, Alive Practical Fighting Concepts, and Muay Thaimes. Honors & Awards: Inducted into the US Martial Arts Hall of Fame as the Most Original Martial Arts Educator of the Year 2010. Inducted into the US Martial Arts Hall of Fame as the Muay Thai Master & MMA Professor of the Year for 2009. Inducted into the Cambridge Who's Who Hall of Fame for Martial Arts Professional Educators in 2008. USMTA (United States Muay Thai Association) Arizona State Director, 2007-Present. Sigma Alpha Lamda member: National Fraternity for Academic Excellence. USMTA (United States Muay Thai Association) Midwest Regional Director, 1996-1998. USMTA (United States Muay Thai Association) North Dakota State Director, 1996-1998.History & Highlights: Fought professionally in Bare-Knuckle Freestyle NHB (No Holds Barred) events - 1988 to 2000. Retired from professional competition as the IFCQCS Muay Chou Cherk NHB world champion with a record of 153 - 5, 113 KO's. Has been featured in Fight News Unlimited, Full Contact, Sweat, and Get Out magazines, The L.A. Times, USA Today, The State Press, and The Minot Daily News. Created, founded, and developed the close quarters combat martial art method and philosophy of Zendao Tai'kor in 1990. Development and refinement continues to present day. Founded Ward's Living Weapon Fight Science Institute, in 1992. Achieved accreditation for Ward's Living Weapon Fight Science Institute as a post-secondary educational facility from the National Board of Education, and the National P.O.S.T. (Police Officer Secondary Training) Law Enforcement Agency, in 1994. Founded, developed, and implemented the Sun Devil Combat Sports Program for Arizona State University's Polytechnic Campus. This program includes both recreational and academic classes in Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts, Tai'kor, Martial Arts History & Philosophy, and Advanced Human Performance Training - as well as maintaining a professional and amateur competitive fight team with physical fitness, combative skills, and academic performance standards. Charles is preceded in death by his grandparents Harold and Esther Ward and Wesley and Eleanor Brenno and his uncle PFC Craig Brenno. He is survived by his loving parents Pat and Diane Ward; brother Scott Ward; sister-in-law Rebecca Ward and nieces Rachel and Nicole Ward as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 612 S. Ellsworth Rd, Mesa, AZ. Arrangements entrusted to Mariposa Gardens (480) 830-4422

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Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?

March 13, 2021

Student

Darin Semmen

Thanks for giving me a big part of who I am.

December 12, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful friend. Thinking of you and your family. Toni

February 5, 2011

Anastasia Thomas

Dearest Friend,
You taught me to be brave when I didn't know I could be. You gave my daughter something to shoot for. I will miss talking to you every week. You were always my trustworthy dependable friend. I could tell you anything and lean on you. No one can ever replace you in my heart.

Posted by Anastasia Thomas

February 2, 2011

Alma Alvarado

Posted by Alma Alvarado

January 31, 2011

Alma Alvarado

Kensei,
You will be missed. Thank you for taking the time to be a friend as well as an instructor. There is a hole in the arts that can never be filled now...now that you are gone.

January 23, 2011

Jeannie Roman

You were so instrumental in my daughters lives.You taught them some great self control, and some wicked moves.Everyday in your class was a learning experience for them. Thanks to you Amelia has learned to control her breathing and have very few problems with her asthma,and they both still have some wicked wrist locks that would make a grown man cry! Thank you Chuck you were the best, and will truly be missed.Your memory will be forever etched on our hearts.God bless you and your family.

January 16, 2011

Carl Stoldt

I am still in shock. I knew Chuck from the ATA in Minot back in the 80's. I remember watching him strecth into a full split by pulling himself against the pole that ran through the main room. It was inspiring and encouraged me to become more flexible.

January 15, 2011

Janice

Charlie,
I am thankful that we have met.
You are an amazing person. I am really going to miss you. I hope one day we can meet again. Thank you for teaching me and my son with our escrima sticks and mentoring us with our martial arts. Good bless you and your family.

January 13, 2011

Brandi Clark

My heart and prayers goes out to your family.
Rest in peace Chuck, you will be missed.

January 10, 2011

Chris Molina

Wow this saddens me greatly knowing him from when his dad was my 6 th grade teacher and and taken class with chuck do we both could study the arts but first of all being a friend was number 1 never forgotten go rest my friend and I no we all have an angel that can take care of all of us your wing were waiting for u much llove my friend

January 3, 2011

Ian Parker

You're the best, period. Friend, Warrior, Teacher and student of life. My life is better because you are in it. I can't wait till we meet again. In the mean time, I will remember and honor what you have taught me to the best of my ability. And I will miss you.-Ian Parker

December 31, 2010

Scott Ward

While you were very young you were a great "little brother" you had a happy positive attitude, and you smiled so much of the time. Though Dad & Mom did not know it, (while you were properly buckled in to your car seat) we did some cruising and drag racing together before you were two. Rode my motorcycle and body surfed in Hawaii when you visited, water skiied and rode the disc behind the boat at the lake, You always held the record for most consecutive turns, ( I still think your lighter weight was an advantage) you were a great little brother, with a huge heart for other people & especially your friends, that grew up to be a warrior in the best and the most pure way. You still are a world record holder, you were a champion fighter, an excellent instructor and trainer, you lived your life the martial way, in fact you founded the Tai'kor way. How you loved martial arts, you devoted your life to continued development in them, in fact you were working on one of your books the day you died. Your life is an example of what a warrior should strive to become. But most important, and in fact a part of what a warrior should be, you were a great, and trusted friend to many, in fact my most trusted friend, and a wonderful brother. - Love you bro, Scott

December 30, 2010

I knew chuck as a younger man . He taught me respect,control ,kindness,and matial arts. He was a mentor, teacher and friend . I never new a man who could teach anyone even if they arrived troubled they always left his teachings a good person. He could relate to anyone. This is a massive loss to me also. A lot of what i do today is a refection of his teachings . I will never forget the things he did for me and I give his family my support and love, he will be truly missed by many. p.s. if i could say one word about himI mentor . If i could say more you better have some time.I give my love and honor, vinson olson forgo,nd

December 30, 2010

vinson olson

I knew chuck as a younger man . He taught me respect,control ,kindness,and matial arts. He was a mentor, teacher and friend . I never new a man who could teach anyone even if they arrived troubled they always left his teachings a good person. He could relate to anyone. This is a massive loss to me also. A lot of what i do today is a refection of his teachings . I will never forget the things he did for me and I give his family my support and love, he will be truly missed by many. p.s. if i could say one word about himI mentor . If i could say more you better have some time.I give my love and honor, vinson olson forgo,nd

December 29, 2010

Avis & Richard Rogers

Diane & Pat
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

December 28, 2010

Greg and Carol

We are saddened to read the news of Charles passing. Our memories of Charles are those of a much younger boy but we see his accomplishments as a man were great indeed. We are so very sorry for your loss.

December 28, 2010

Jon Braun

It is hard to see a friend from so long ago leave us. May the Peace and Comfort of the Lord be upon you, your family, and friends during this time.

December 25, 2010

Richard Calavera

I was at the Tire Plus today 12/24/10 were I heard the passing of one of Minot Martial Arts Student and Black Belt Instructor, Mr. Chuck Ward, my sincere condolences to the passing of Mr. Charlse Ward... Our Thoughts and Prayers to Chuck's Family, from the Calavera Martial Arts & Boxing Inc. Minot, ND (May God's Peace and Healing be bestows upon us all)

December 24, 2010

Goodbye Charles,, Ann Hunsaid

December 22, 2010

Dave Richter

I will never forget the great times that we've had growing up in Minot. God bless you and your family.

December 21, 2010

Carl Stoldt

God speed. You will be missed.

December 20, 2010

Anastasia Thomas

I am devestated by the loss of such a very dear friend. He will be a huge loss to his family and all of us that were his friends.

December 20, 2010

Darrel & Judy Hovde

Our hearts break for your loss; words aren't adequate at times such as this. God bless you and keep you!

December 16, 2010

Stephanie

Thank you for teaching a little 18 year old Sun Devil how to defend herself! I still remember the skills you taught me and pray I never have to use them. Rest with God, Warhammer, I know you deserve a place at his side.

December 16, 2010

Travis Andersen

It is hard to put into words my respect for you and your work. You are missed.

December 16, 2010

It is hard to put into words my respect for you and your work.

December 15, 2010

Jes

You were an amazing person that will be incredibly missed. Our love and support goes out to your family.

Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

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6747 E Broadway Rd aka 400 S Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85206

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