Xavier Barker, who will have his 30th birthday this month, was born premature and grew up in rough neighborhoods in Detroit, Michigan. Subject to bullying, he started training martial arts at the age of 7. For Barker, his training gave him a much needed an outlet, not only as a way to defend himself, but a way to express his feelings.

“I initially was drawn to martial arts due to the influence of mass media like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, and Bruce Lee films,” Barker says. “I have always had a passion for it. It’s been fists and feet my entire life.”

In wasn’t until 2015 that he started formally training in muay thai.

In 2015, Xavier found his home with Carlsbad Kickboxing Club and remains one of the longest-tenured trainers at the gym. He was asked to help with the children’s program due to his background in traditional martial arts and due to his attention to detail with technique.

“I became a coach because I want to give back to the sport and art that has given me so much as a person. I think the best way to achieve that goal is to help guild and influence those who wish to learn the martial arts.”

For Barker, his love of coaching is that feeling he gets when he starts seeing someone level up and progress in their skill level. “Like a video game, it so dope to see one get that next power up and slay the final boss,” he jokes.

Additionally, Barker likes the daily mental challenge that comes with coaching and breaking down the techniques on a more digestible level. “It forces me to adapt and really understand the techniques myself when I must teach another individual.”

As for what the future holds for Barker personally, as of present, he is on his last semester as a kinesiology major at CSUSM. On the fighting front, his goals are to still challenge himself to grow through the adversity that comes with fighting and training.

“In the coming year, I would like to spend some extended time in Thailand to fight, gain more experience in the sport and further my craft. I plan to be active as a fighter for the next five or so years. I want to really push myself in that time frame.”

Afterward, Barker says, he would like to fully commit to his role as a coach and also has plans to return to school at some point to pursue his MBA.

“Ultimately, I want to be able to fully express myself in the ring and display my art to my fullest capabilities until I cannot anymore.”

He currently has 13 fights to his name and would like to get up to at least 50 before hanging up his gloves.

To learn more about Barker as well as learn the stories of other trainers and members of Carlsbad Kickboxing Club, or if you are interested in registering for a free trial class, click here.

Also, stay tuned for more thoughts from Barker on coaching and the unique relationship between a coach and their student.