Ryan Crawford gives an encouraging smile to Charlotte Howell as she works out on the punching bag.

Two-time Taekwondo National Champion Ryan Crawford has learned from his life experiences. Now, with help from the Choctaw Nation Career Development Program, he’s using those experiences to teach others. 

The CNCDP assisted Crawford in getting specialized martial arts training in muay thai. That training helped Crawford open Warriors Legacy Martial Arts school in Paris, Texas.  

Crawford, who said he grew up with an abusive father, assumed a protector role in his family. “I wanted to protect people. That’s kind of always been my thing,” Crawford said. 

That early desire to be a protector continued as he enlisted in the National Guard in April 2005.

Crawford served one tour in Iraq and two tours as search and rescue during Hurricanes Ike and Gustav.  

It was in the National Guard that Crawford started paying attention to the other styles of martial arts. 

“When I got back from basic training I started looking into kickboxing, boxing, jiu-jitsu, judo, krav maga, muay thai … I wanted to absorb everything I possibly could,” said Crawford.  

Crawford prefers muay thai, a form that uses the whole body along with kicks and punches. Crawford describes muay thai as “one of the most effective combat systems in the world.” 

After the National Guard, Crawford felt like he was missing something. That’s when he opened Warriors Legacy martial arts. “It’s been a dream of mine since I was a 20 or 21-year-old kid,” said Crawford. 

Crawford, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, says the teaching helps him. 

“This was my outlet and this helped me cope a lot with what I had going on. It really got me back to my center,” Crawford said. 

Through his teaching, Crawford is able to pass along a few of the Choctaw core values to his students. Some of them are included in the Warriors Creed displayed on the wall of his school and recited before class. 

When asked what some of the core values mean to him, Crawford was quick to reply, “Honor to me is facing an obstacle head front, honest, right in front of you … facing your problems head-on.” 

On family, Crawford said, “Warriors Legacy is my family. My students are my family. When they walk in here, I want them to be part of the Warriors Legacy family.” 

Faith is where Crawford was firm.  

“I believe this is the path that God chose for me,” Crawford said. It was his faith and training that helped him survive through some rough times in his life.  

“God gave me the gift of muay thai to help protect those I care about and the ability to teach those that want to do the same,” said Crawford. 

It took Crawford’s strong Choctaw faith to take the next step though.  

“The system is out there to help,” said Crawford.  

The CNCDP’s purpose is to provide things like career guidance and skills development – things that helped Crawford be a better person. 

“If you’re not spending every day trying to better yourself, just a little, then you’re not living any more, you’re just surviving,” said Crawford. 

The unstrung bow on the Great Seal of the Choctaw Nation represents the desire for peace. If called upon though, the Choctaw are ready to string that bow and protect their family. Much like Ryan Crawford is ready to protect his family, friends and nation.

Biskinik February 2019