Sifu Jeramiah Giehl: A Life Forged in Combat, Craft, and Curiosity

In the sun-drenched sprawl of San Diego, California, Jeramiah Giehl’s life unfurls like an epic saga, woven from threads of grit, discipline, and an unyielding quest for truth. A martial arts master, security professional, actor, fight choreographer, journalist, podcaster, public speaker, and devoted single father, Jeramiah’s journey embodies resilience, adaptability, and the alchemy of transforming raw experience into refined expertise. With over three decades in martial arts, more than a decade in high-stakes security, and 15+ years in multimedia journalism, he has carved a singular path, blending street-honed instincts with intellectual rigor. From the chaos of back-alley brawls to the artistry of indie film sets, from the raw intensity of underground fight clubs to the introspective quiet of podcast studios, Jeramiah’s story is one of constant evolution, driven by a commitment to empowering others, challenging conventions, and unraveling deeper truths. As a third-year Communications – Media Studies major at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), a recent graduate with an Associate’s Degree in Journalism from Mesa College (May 2025), and a proud father who calls himself “That Kick Ass Dad!” Jeramiah balances family, education, and a multifaceted career with unwavering dedication.

The Crucible of the Streets: Early Life and Transformation

Jeramiah Giehl was born and raised in the rough-and-tumble neighborhoods of Garfield Street and Libby Lake in Oceanside, California, during the turbulent 1980s. These inner-city enclaves, marked by economic hardship and a pervasive street culture, shaped his early worldview. As a teenager, Jeramiah found himself thrust into the crucible of street fights—unscripted, visceral clashes that demanded quick fists and sharper wits. These encounters, involved dodging punches, facing multiple opponents, or navigating the sudden threat of a gun. Far from the choreographed bouts of Hollywood, these were raw, high-stakes battles that taught him to read opponents’ intentions, adapt under pressure, and survive by instinct. “You don’t get a second chance on the street,” Jeramiah would later reflect, a mantra that became the cornerstone of his martial arts philosophy: functionality over flash, survival over showmanship.

In high school, a transformative moment arrived when Jeramiah discovered the philosophy and films of Bruce Lee, whose blend of martial arts prowess, existential wisdom, and self-expression struck a profound chord. Spending time training with the Wrestling team. Likening his journey to Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid, Jeramiah began training in a makeshift treehouse dojo, practicing with VHS tapes that introduced him to the fluid strikes of Jeet Kune Do and the disciplined mindset of a martial artist. A pivotal figure entered his life during this period: a mentor he compares to Mr. Miyagi, a sage-like master Mr. Dan Allegro. In a modest dojo under the hum of fluorescent lights, this mentor saw potential in the scrappy young fighter and introduced him to a world of disciplined combat. Through sweat-soaked sessions, competing in tournaments, and Friday night sparring sessions, Jeramiah studied Tae Kwon Do. Beyond techniques, his mentor instilled a code of balance, respect, and ethical responsibility, teaching him that martial arts was not just about fighting but about living with purpose and integrity.

Jeramiah’s spiritual journey was equally formative, reflecting his intellectual restlessness and willingness to question established narratives. Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, he adhered to a rigid framework of faith that shaped his early understanding of the world. Over time, he explored Pentecostalism and Messianic Judaism, each step a quest for deeper meaning. Frustrated by dogma and drawn to historical truth, he eventually embraced Conservative Judaism, a transition that informed his scholarly pursuits and podcasting work. This evolution from structured religious frameworks to open inquiry mirrors his approach to martial arts and journalism: a relentless drive to uncover authenticity beneath layers of convention. As a single father to two children, Jeramiah pours his heart into parenting, proudly embracing the moniker “That Kick Ass Dad!” He shares outdoor adventures like hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, and camping, fostering a life of connection, resilience, and joy with his kids.

The Proving Ground: Security and the Midnight Fight

By his twenties, Jeramiah sought to channel his martial arts skills into protecting others, embarking on a career as a security professional and bouncer from 1997 to 2025. Working for various security companies, he became a security guard in high-risk environments, from bustling nightclubs to private events. In these settings, he managed volatile crowds, defusing tensions with a calm word or, when necessary, a controlled takedown. Mastering the directness of Jeet Kune Do, the deadly precision of Filipino Kali, the relentless aggression of Israeli Krav Maga, and the combat efficiency of Submissions Grappling. His expertise in Jeet Kune Do, Tae Kwon Do, Filipino Kali, Israeli Krav Maga, Combat JuJitsu, Shorinji Ryu JuJitsu, and Wrestling—honed through years of training under legends like Guro Dan Inosanto, Sifu Paul Vunak, Sifu Tim Tackett, Tuhon Apolo Ladra, and Sensei David Tice—allowed him to reduce security incidents with precision and composure. His roles encompassed VIP escorts, CCTV monitoring, roving patrols, and leading Active Shooter Defense seminars. Jeramiah’s ability to blend martial arts proficiency with situational awareness made him a successful in these endeavors.

The underground world of the Midnight Fights provided another proving ground, evoking the raw intensity of Fight Club. These clandestine, late night, no-rules bouts were a crucible for Jeramiah’s skills, testing his ability to handle various opponents. Each match was a lesson in resilience, reinforcing the importance of stress inoculation and adaptability. These experiences, combined with his street-fighting background and security work, solidified his reality-based training philosophy, emphasizing practical combat over choreographed forms. The Midnight Fights were not about glory but survival, a reminder of the stakes Jeramiah had faced in his youth and the skills he now imparts to his students.

Cali Combat Systems: A Legacy of Empowerment

In 2017, Jeramiah founded Cali Combat Systems (CCS) in San Diego, California, as the home of the Alpha Training Group, transforming his hard-won expertise into a martial arts school that stands as his life’s work. CCS is no ordinary dojo; it’s a fusion of four core systems—Fight Rhythm Jeet Kune Do, Kali-Silat Motion, First To Fight Retzev Combatives, and Integrated Ground Fighting Systems—designed to prepare students for real-world threats. Drawing from his street fights, full contact stick fighting, security work, and underground bouts, Jeramiah crafted a curriculum that addresses stand-up kickboxing, grappling, weapons tactics (including edged, blunt, and projectile), and multiple-opponent scenarios. His approach is unapologetically practical, blending the fluidity of Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do, the versatility of Inosanto-LaCoste Kali and Maphilindo Silat, the aggression of Israeli Krav Maga, and the effectiveness of Combat JuJitsu and Catch Wrestling.

Jeramiah’s credentials are a testament to his mastery: Black Belts in Shorinji Ryu JuJitsu, Combat JuJitsu, and Songahm Taekwondo; Full Instructor in Contemporary Jeet Kune Do and Kali under Sifu Paul Vunak (Progressive Fighting Systems), Associate Instructor status in the Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Grappling Association (JFJKDGA) under Sifu John Doty; instructor certifications in DFA Kali-Kuntao, and Krav Maga Federation of America (under Expert 5th Dan Alain Cohen); a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; and a 5th Level Professional Grappler rank under Sensei David Tice. Mentored by luminaries like Guro Dan Inosanto, Sifu Paul Vunak, Sifu Tim Tackett, and Tuhon Apolo Ladra, his lineage traces back to Bruce Lee, Imi Lichtenfeld, and John LaCoste. Additional certifications in Active Shooter Defense, Tactical First Aid, CPR/AED, and Community Emergency Response Team (SDFD) from FEMA/DHS, along with Cage Fitness, Warrior X-Fit, and Small Business Management (San Diego CCCE, S.C.O.R.E.), underscore his multifaceted expertise.

CCS’s signature program, Escape To Gain Safety (ETGS), reflects Jeramiah’s commitment to protecting the vulnerable. Designed for women and children, ETGS teaches rapid neutralization and escape from violent threats like assault or trafficking, empowering students with practical skills for survival. Other programs include The Stand-Up Guys Fighting Method, incorporating tactics developed for SEAL Team 6 and law enforcement control techniques; Fight Rhythm Jeet Kune Do and Kali-Silat Motion, emphasizing flow and adaptability; First To Fight Retzev Combatives, focusing on Krav Maga’s aggressive principles; and Cage Fitness, a martial arts-based fitness program. CCS serves a diverse clientele—civilians, law enforcement, military personnel, security professionals, women, and children—with tailored classes that prioritize real-world applicability.

With a 5-star rating over nine years, CCS has trained hundreds across the US and Mexico, including at prestigious institutions like UCSD, Jewish day schools, the Chabad of East Valley, and the YMCA. Jeramiah’s international seminars in Mexico have spread his reality-based approach, while his anti-drug and anti-gang assemblies blend martial arts demonstrations with motivational talks, impacting at-risk youth in communities. His teaching philosophy fosters not just fighters but thinkers, leaders, and protectors, instilling a sense of purpose and resilience in his students.

From the Streets to the Screen: Acting and Fight Choreography

Jeramiah’s talents transcend the dojo, finding expression in the world of indie cinema as a fight choreographer and actor. His choreography work on films like High Voltage (2023) and Rangers: Rise of the Je’daii (2023) showcases heart-pounding sequences with lightsabers, firearms, and hand-to-hand combat, blending realism with cinematic flair. Informed by his street-fighting background, security experience, and martial arts mastery, Jeramiah’s choreography prioritizes authenticity and safety, using pre-visualization to ensure every strike lands with impact. His acting credits include a role in El Rompecabeza (2002), and supporting roles as an extra in Enigma 2 (2017), Asymmetrical Fighting (2018), and as a fight crowd extra in Unspoken (2019). Early appearances on Beach MTV (1993, Stupid Human Tricks) and an NBC 7 Local News interview (1993) hinted at his natural charisma, honed his performance skills.

With experience in free running / parkour and movie combat training, Jeramiah coaches actors, directs rehearsals, and ensures rigorous safety protocols, making him a triple threat on set. His ability to embody the warrior’s spirit—blending physicality with emotional depth—bridges the raw intensity of his street-fighting days with the artistry of storytelling, proving that the lessons of the dojo translate seamlessly to the screen.

A Voice for Truth: Journalism, Podcasting, and Public Speaking

Jeramiah’s intellectual prowess matches his physical skills, making him a formidable voice in journalism and public speaking. As a third-year Communications – Media Studies major at CSUSM, with an Associate’s Degree in Journalism from Mesa College (May 2025), he aspires to become an investigative multimedia news producer. His academic achievements include Dean’s List honors (GPA 3.5+), reflecting his analytical rigor and commitment to excellence.

With over 15+ years in multimedia journalism, Jeramiah served as Editor-in-Chief of JAG’D Edge Media, producing articles, blogs, and e-books for platforms like BlogCritics, Technorati, and New Media Expo. His publications—Navigating the New Music Market, New Media Rat Pack Visual, 3 Ways to Build Community, Crowd-Funding Your Project, and Bruce Lee’s Impact on MMA—demonstrate his ability to dissect complex topics, from martial arts history to cultural trends. At Something Newsy/The Mesa Press (2024), he served as Podcast Editor and Staff Writer, producing investigative pieces and high-quality audio for SoundCloud, Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, covering topics like climate change, relationships, and hip-hop culture (e.g., LL Cool J’s The FORCE). His expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, audio/visual production, and digital marketing has amplified his impact in the media landscape.

Jeramiah’s podcast, The Pulling The Threads Podcast: Unraveling The Deeper Story!, is a testament to his intellectual curiosity and spiritual journey. Rooted in his transitions from Jehovah’s Witness to Pentecostalism, Messianic Judaism, and Conservative Judaism, the podcast explores the historical Jesus within Second Temple Judaism, using historical-critical methods, textual criticism, and archaeological evidence like the James Ossuary. Featuring scholars like Dr. James Tabor, Rabbi Tovia Singer, Dr. Robert M. Price, and James Valliant, it examines topics such as the Ebionites’ view of Jesus as a human prophet, over 400,000 New Testament textual variants, the Qumran community, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the “Parting of the Ways” between Judaism and Christianity around 90 CE. Episodes also address Pauline theology, apocalypticism, Christian nationalism, and personal faith transitions, blending scholarly rigor with narratives from guests like David LeBlanc, Ben Wagenmaker, and Richard Cortes. Described as a “raw, scholarly, and deeply personal journey,” the podcast appeals to spiritual seekers, history enthusiasts, and those questioning traditional religious narratives.

As a public speaker, Jeramiah’s voice carries the weight of his diverse experiences. At Blog World/New Media Expo (2012–2013), he coordinated tracks, moderated panels, and delivered speeches on digital media, recruiting top panelists to drive event success. His talks at the All Eyes On Me Achievement Awards and Texas Gospel Announcers Guild (2005–2008) focused on martial arts, leadership, and community, earning praise for cultural sensitivity and servant leadership. His anti-drug and anti-gang assemblies, blending high-energy martial arts demonstrations with inspirational messages, have reached hundreds of at-risk youth, making him a beacon of hope in communities from Oceanside to Tempe.

The Man Behind the Mission

Jeramiah’s personal life is as vibrant as his professional endeavors. A devoted father, he shares outdoor adventures with his two children, fostering a life of connection, adventure, and resilience. His spiritual path, once anchored by Jehovah’s Witness teachings, now embraces open inquiry, driven by a frustration with dogma and a passion for historical truth. This intellectual restlessness fuels his podcast, journalism, and life, as he seeks to unravel deeper stories—whether in faith, combat, or community.

Jeramiah’s values—resilience, authenticity, and service—permeate his work. His journey from street fighter to martial arts master reflects a belief in personal transformation through discipline and education. His journalism and podcasting demonstrate a passion for truth-seeking and amplifying underrepresented voices. As a teacher and father, he fosters leadership, protection, and intellectual curiosity, aiming to leave a lasting impact on his students, listeners, and children.

A Legacy in Motion

Jeramiah Giehl’s life is a masterclass in transformation. From a street fighter dodging punches in Oceanside alleys to a Sifu training many at Cali Combat Systems, from a bouncer managing nightclub chaos to a film star choreographing epic battles, from a journalist dissecting cultural trends to a podcaster unraveling religious history, he has woven his experiences into a legacy of empowerment. Recognized for his security work and praised for his cultural sensitivity, Jeramiah leads by example, proving that strength is not just physical but intellectual and moral. As he continues to teach, create, and inspire, Jeramiah Giehl remains a warrior-poet, forever chasing the next challenge, the next truth, the next fight worth fighting.