Founder
Founding Father of Nikidokai
Hall of Fame Member
Trainer of World Champions
Hanshi Nico began his training in the martial arts at a very young age, in his native Country of the Philippines. He moved to the United States in the early 1970’s. In 1986 he started training in Muay-Thai style kickboxing, with Multiple Martial Arts under his belt that he learned as a child under Master Noel Fernandez and Master Salvador Fernandez. It was at this time that he began to combine American style kickboxing with the Muay-Thai style and the other Martial Arts with this found great success.
From 1980 through 1984 Hanshi fought many bare-knuckle karate tournaments, Boxing and Kickboxing fights. It was during this period in 1983 that Hanshi became the head instructor at a prominent Dojo in Phoenix. Shortly after in 1986 Hanshi founded, Nicks Kicks Dojo in west Phoenix. There he spent many years teaching students of all ages the mixed martial arts (MMA).
After several years of training and receiving his 6th degree black belt” out of respect to the other traditional Martial Arts he created and founded Nikidokai, which combined the five disciplines.
For many years Hanshi trained many students who became amateur kickboxing champions as well as several who went on to become Professional Kickboxing champions. Some of the Professional champions he trained are: Dan “No Play” Brandt, Gene “Red Sting Warrior” Stambaugh (first world champion in Arizona), Ray “Loverboy” Fernandez, Jean Claude Leuyer, Everrett ‘Ring Warrior” Berry, Johnny “Thunder” Maglianico, Marla “Poison’ ” Conrad, Tom “Polish Bulldog” Waceinga, Mikki D’Rain, Chris “Joker” Mack, Todd “Good Night” Guess, and Pat “Lightning” White. Just to name a few.
In 1989 he promoted Arizona’s first Muay Thai fight, which was televised in two countries outside the United States. He also formed the United Amateur Kickboxing Federation. In 1989 through 1993, Hanshi became a representative of the World Kickboxing Association (W.K.A.), International Kickboxing Association (I.K.B.A.), as well as the I.S.K.A.
For several years Hanshi taught hundreds of rape prevention classes. He was a co-founder of the Phoenix Center for Rape Prevention, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing sexual assault as well he worked with C.A.S.A, (Center against Sexual Abuse).
Co-Founder
Shihan Bill Cook
Master Instructor
Co – Founder of Nikidokai
At 10 years old Shihan Bill Cook started out as a troubled boy who’s grandmother put him into martial arts training in hopes of helping him develop discipline. Within his first year, Shihan
Bill quickly rose up to become the top student in the dojo and during that time, formed a strong bond with the family. He became best friends with Hanshi Nico which lead to him being adopted into the Fernandez family.
With his adoptive family, he became very close to his new brothers and sisters who worked with the family dojos. Hanshi Nico became his closest brother and best friend, as well as, his martial arts teacher. In 1981, he won the P.K.A. State title by beating an undefeated black-belt champion. This was just the beginning of his title winnings; together, Shihan Bill and Hanshi Nico won many titles and pursued a life-long relationship with the martial arts industry.
Everywhere they go, they create tight-knit families and share their knowledge of the martial arts with the world. Shihan Bill is a former Muay Thai Kickboxing State Champion and has spent many years in Karate competitions and the old school style of bare knuckle fighting and has won many championship trophies over the years.
Shihan Bill spent 10 years in the fight game, while at the same time instructing students from all walks of life. He has been teaching the martial arts for over 25 years. His foremost goal is to continue teaching both adults and children but particularly in creating future instructors in order to keep the art and vision of Nikidokai moving forward with integrity and discipline.
He strongly believes that all dedicated students reach a point in their training where they will feel the need to share and that sharing and teaching the arts is one of the best ways to progress and truly make the art their own.
Our Mission
At 2KnuckleSports MMA & Fitness, our mission is simple yet powerful: to improve lives and unite families through the transformative power of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). We believe in the holistic benefits that MMA offers, not just as a sport but as a vehicle for personal growth, discipline, and self-improvement.
Through our programs, we strive to empower individuals, instill discipline, and build confidence. We recognize the unique ability of MMA to bring families together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared achievement. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, our mission is to provide a supportive and educational environment where everyone can thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Join us at 2KnuckleSports, where our commitment goes beyond the mat – it’s about creating positive, lasting impacts on lives and strengthening the bonds that tie families together.
Julie Borg
From the moment we ventured in to 2 Knuckle Sports, the customer service has been great. Signed up for the 6 week get fit challenge and what a difference this gym makes. If your looking to push your body, mind and get in shape, this is your go to place. Although I have yet to work with the other instructors, Senpai Marty Garcia has been great to teain with. The classes are challenging but the support is there. Check out this place.
Alyssa Jones
This is a great place, my son goes here and he loves it. They teach discipline but they also like to have fun. Good place for the kiddos
Chris Ortiz – Newton
My daughter has been part of 2KS for about a year, since the moment we walked in staff and members were really nice and approaching, soon we fell in love with this place and became part of the family of 2KS. It has changed my life through their 6 week challenge and is changing my daughters as well. They genuinely care for people. Thank you 2KS.
Aeriel Dickenson
What an awesome experience! Everyone is super kind, motivational, and professional.
Tracy Fate
I have been here for about 6 weeks to help with behavior and respect issues for my Kiddos. The staff although I don’t think of them as that as they quickly become extended friends and family. Anyhow they take the time to talk to me and my kids as we work on our issues as well as help with what we are learning in class. I look forward to my family learning more skills and continue becoming better stronger people.
Becky Ryder
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Vickie Metido-Kelley
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