About John

John Hackleman, RN. The founder of Hawaiian Kempo, and The Pit, and KuZen John is a 10th degree Blackbelt. He has been studying martial arts for over 30 years, and holds two black belts. He also fought on the US Army boxing team, where he won numerous National titles. After turning professional, John fought the world's best Boxer's and kickboxers winning many State, National, and World titles, as well as fighting on television many times, and for Don King. He has 30 years of amateur and professional fighting experience. John was rated as the #1 Kickboxer in the world in the 1980's. He has also worked as a bouncer and a bodyguard. John has trained 1000's of people into the best shape of their lives, as well as taught, and trained many of the world's best kickboxers, and No Holds Barred fighters including UFC World Champion Chuck Liddell. John is sought out by professional martial artists from all over the world to learn Haaiian Kempo.

About Us

Terry Gruel is a 6th degree black belt under Mr. Eddie Bethea and Mr. Mark Campbell  has over 30 years of martial arts training. He and his wife are three time USKA World champions (2002, 2003 and 2004), PKC National and Indiana State champions. He has also trained 16 USKA World Champions, 38 National champions, and numerous State karate champions. They are also the first couple to ever earn PKC National titles in the same year and hold the distinction of being the first husband and wife to ever earn the "Glenn Keeney Award of Excellence". Besides his traditional training he has been exploring the world of reality training and drills, which encompasses knife vs. knife, mass attacks, ground fighting, weapon retention and use of firearms. In 2003, he founded a course called Final Option Tactics. This course is taught primarily to law-enforcement personnel, lawyers and adults who don't have years to train in a traditional martial arts system. In May of 2008 he became a certified Pit trainer and currently holds a level 4 certification from John Hackleman..

I am the wife of Terry Gruel, mother of Dakota Duncan and Step-mother to Madison Gruel.  I enjoy working out, mentoring and helping others to achieve their personal goals through fitness.  I am co-owner of Indiana Pit LLC, Certified NAPMA Cardio Kickboxing Instructor, Personal Trainer, and CrossPit Instructor. I was the first cardio kickboxing Instructor to bring fitness kickboxing to Kokomo at The Kokomo School of Self Defense and in Tipton at Terry Gruel Karate Studio. I am currently a 2^nd degree Black Belt in Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate, 3 time United States Karate Alliance World Karate Champion, 8 time Professional Karate Commission National Karate Champion and 9 time Professional Karate Commission Indiana State Karate Champion.  I have been involved in the fitness industry for over 25 years and karate for 16 years.  I always love a good challenge, I may not be fast but my goal is to always FINISH!  I have participated in numerous 5Ks, have done 3 Triathlons, Warrior Dash and this year completed my first Indianapolis 500 Half Marathon.

I am a firm believer that God puts people in our lives for a reason, with that being said....  I am happy you are a part of my life!  I wish you the best with obtaining your personal goals and know that I will help you in any way that I can.

American Top Team Connecticut

Arroyo Grande, CA - In January of this year Luigi Mondelli was invited by the Pit Master and world famous MMA coach John Hackleman to lead the grappling part of The Pit Certification Level 1 for Pit affiliates.

Indiana PIT is a proud member of Luigi Mondellis ATT/KORE association. All Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ranking/promoting at Indiana PIT is headed up by  Luigi Mondelli a 2X World JiuJitsu and 5XPan American champion.

Mr. Hackleman has the world most famous workouts for fighters and martial arts practitioners. The Pit is also famous for being home of the UFC champ Chuck Liddell, WEC fighter Antonio Banuelos, Strikeforce Luke Harting and many other top MMA fighters. Our friendship with Mr Hackleman goes back when he opened the doors for ATT Black Belt Glover Teixeira to be part of The Pit Team.

We are very happy to be part of The Pit family, one of the most prestigious Martial Arts schools in the world!.