Grand Master
Christopher Barela
Under the lineage of world renowned Grand Master Jason Velez
The Path of Mastery
"Weakness is not failure. Personal mastery begins where weakness is revealed."
— Grand Master Christopher Barela
Over Four Decades of Dedication
HAPKIDO / SHAOLIN / JKD / FMA-KALI / FMA - SILAT / H2H / R.A.T. / KRAV
Grand Master Christopher Barela began his martial arts journey in the 1980s, when discipline, humility, and self-mastery were the cornerstones of every true martial path. What started as youthful fascination quickly became a lifelong pursuit of excellence—one defined by perseverance, respect, and a relentless drive for truth in motion.
A proud Texas native, Grand Master Barela was shaped by a heritage of old-world principles—honor, discipline, and unwavering integrity. These timeless values became the foundation for his approach to martial arts, leadership, and family.
Across more than four decades, he has studied and integrated teachings from American, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino systems, forging a modern interpretation of the traditional warrior spirit. His method blends classical technique with practical modern application, bridging East and West through experience and purpose.
Under the mentorship of Grand Master Jason Velez—founder of the martial arts organization Gu-Ryong (9 Dragons), a 10th Mountain Division veteran, and an internationally recognized authority in Teuk Gong Mu Sul Hapkido and modern combatives—Grand Master Barela advanced through years of intensive study in Hapkido, CCQC/H2H, and R.A.T. Systems.
In 2024, after decades of dedication and service, he was promoted to 9th Dan Kuk Sa Nim (Grand Master) in Teuk Gong Mu Sul Hapkido by Grand Master Velez. In 2025, Grand Master Velez relocated to the Philippines to establish a holistic martial and wellness center, entrusting Grand Master Barela with carrying the Velez lineage throughout the United States, in addition to the many other lineage lines Grand Master Barela is linked to.
A former Public Safety professional, Grand Master Barela served with distinction before retiring in 2009 to focus on his growing family and the continued teaching of martial arts. His years in service deepened his commitment to discipline, protection, and community—principles that remain at the heart of his instruction.
Following the passing of his beloved wife in 2025, Grand Master Barela has continued raising his seven sons in the values of country living and the martial arts—focusing on instilling in them the same virtues of honor, humility, and perseverance that have guided his own path.
Today, Grand Master Barela stands as a bridge between generations—preserving the spirit of the old masters, upholding the strength of old-world principles, and guiding future warriors toward strength, discipline, and peace through mastery.
Teaching Philosophy
For Grand Master Christopher Barela, martial arts are not a performance—they are a way of life grounded in honor, integrity, discipline, and respect. Every lesson taught in his academy is built on these four pillars, forming the foundation for character as much as for skill.
Grand Master Barela's approach is centered on real-world effectiveness—techniques that work under pressure, build confidence, and prepare students for life's challenges. The training provided includes real-world defensive techniques—tested and refined through professional application in military, law enforcement, and other high-stress environments—proving their effectiveness long before they reach his students. He believes that while martial arts teach valuable physical abilities and life lessons, true self-defense must be built from techniques proven in real-world environments.
His greatest passion lies in teaching youth and teens, helping them grow into leaders who embody the warrior's code in both heart and action. As both a father and mentor, Grand Master Barela understands the unique needs of young people—especially those who come from hard places or face personal challenges. Some of his own children are adopted and come from difficult beginnings, giving him a deep understanding of the patience, structure, and compassion needed to guide others toward healing and growth. He has a proven ability to connect with and teach at-risk and troubled youth, providing the discipline, stability, and encouragement that help students rediscover their inner strength, confidence, and sense of worth.
Through his programs, Gu-Ryong Martial Arts Academy has become a place of direction and belonging—a space where students learn that failure is not final, respect is earned, and character is built one choice at a time. Grand Master Barela's teaching emphasizes patience, accountability, and an unwavering belief in every student's potential. His goal is not just to train fighters, but to rebuild confidence, awaken purpose, and restore hope in the next generation.
In early 2002, Grand Master Barela wrote what would become the defining creed of his school and students:
HONOR GUARD!
To show all my very best!
Through honor, integrity, discipline, and respect!
To be ready to help others, through dedication and confidence.
To be an example!
HONOR GUARD!
This creed is recited at the start and end of every class. It stands as more than words—it is a promise of conduct, a commitment to service, and the standard by which Grandmaster Barela expects every student, and every one of his sons, to live.
Honor, Integrity, Discipline, Respect
Gu-Ryong Martial Arts Academy
The Spirit of the Warrior Lives Through Lineage
A fusion of ancient philosophy and modern purpose.
Founded in Utah in 2002, Gu-Ryong Martial Arts Academy is more than a school—it is the embodiment of a lifetime of training, teaching, and personal evolution. Built upon decades of experience across multiple disciplines—including Teuk Gong Mu Sul Hapkido, Shaolin Kenpo, Jeet Kune Do, Kali, Silat, H2H, Krav Maga, and Ninjitsu—Grand Master Christopher Barela has developed a comprehensive approach to modern martial arts that emphasizes practicality, mindset, and moral character above all else.
At Gu-Ryong Martial Arts Academy, the martial path is about personal transformation and development. Students are taught to defend, to lead, and to live with honor, integrity, discipline, and respect. The curriculum integrates time-tested combat principles with personal growth, forging practitioners who embody the warrior's code both on and off the mat.
The Academy bridges three worlds: the discipline and philosophy of the East, the honor and code of ancient warrior traditions, and the practicality required in today's modern world. Its emblem—two warrior guardians standing over crossed swords beneath the banner of Gu-Ryong (Nine Dragons)—represents the harmony between courage, discipline, and moral strength. Guided by The Righteous Path and the principles of the Honor Guard—honor, integrity, discipline, respect, service, and example—it stands as a symbol of balance between body, mind, and spirit, uniting ancient wisdom with modern truth and purposeful action.
Through every class and every lesson, Gu-Ryong Martial Arts Academy continues its mission: to cultivate confident, capable individuals who live with purpose, stand with integrity, and walk the righteous path.
Legacy & Vision
Carrying the Torch of Tradition
The legacy of Grand Master Christopher Barela is not rooted in the past—it's built for the future. His vision is to preserve the time-honored traditions of the martial arts while preparing the next generation to live with purpose, honor, and resilience. Every lesson he teaches—on the mat or in life—reflects his belief that mastery begins with character.
Having dedicated his life to the service of others, both in his career and through teaching, Grand Master Barela continues that mission by shaping leaders who understand that true strength is found in compassion, integrity, and self-discipline.
Outside the dojo, he finds peace in writing—his upcoming books continuing his mission to teach, inspire, and preserve the warrior's path. He also draws strength from the Western way of life—working the land and spending time outdoors with his sons, teaching them the values of hard work, humility, and self-reliance. These moments are more than family tradition; they are living lessons in stewardship, perseverance, and gratitude, carried forward through generations.
The future of Gu-Ryong Martial Arts Academy rests in capable hands, as Grand Master Barela's sons continue the family legacy—teaching the martial arts, guiding students with the same values of honor and respect, and preparing the way for the family's ranch, where the principles of discipline, service, and hard work will continue to shape the next generation.
"The greatest job we have is to raise our children to become better than ourselves."
— Grand Master Christopher Barela
Motivational Speaker
Grand Master Barela brings over four decades of discipline, leadership, and real-world experience to the stage. His message goes far beyond motivation — delivering structure, accountability, and purpose to audiences who are tired of empty words and short-lived inspiration.
Rooted in a lifetime of martial arts mastery, public safety leadership, and the responsibility of raising seven sons, Grand Master Barela speaks with calm authority and earned credibility. His talks resonate with students, educators, parents, homeschool families, business leaders, and organizations seeking to build character that holds under pressure.
Speaking Topics Include:
- •Discipline, Adversity, and the Making of Character
- •The Warrior's Code: Honor, Integrity, Respect, Responsibility
- •Leadership When It Matters Most
- •Confidence, Accountability, and Personal Ownership
- •Rising After Failure: Building Real Resilience
- •Purpose, Mastery, and Choosing the Hard Path
Audiences & Settings
Grand Master Barela is available to speak for:
- •Public and private schools
- •Homeschool communities and co-ops
- •Youth programs and athletic organizations
- •At-Risk Youth Organizations
- •Corporate teams and leadership events
- •Community and faith-based organizations
Whether speaking to young people finding their footing or leaders guiding others, his message is consistent:
Mastery begins with character — and character is built one choice at a time.
Book an EventThis form is to schedule Grand Master Barela for a speaking engagement only. All other correspondence will be rejected.