Don Rodger

Don Rodger, a former United States Marine, is the owner and operator of Apex Martial Arts Center and Open Guard BJJ, overseeing the day-to-day operations.  He is actively involved in teaching the adult Kickboxing and Muay Thai programs.

Don’s journey in martial arts began as a young teenager when he trained and competed in boxing at the Polk Street Community Boxing program in Hollywood, Florida. 

In 2010, he started his martial arts training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) under Professor Geoff Balme, Wayne Spinola, and Neal Weaver, earning his blue belt in 2013.  Alongside BJJ, Don trained in kickboxing under Neal Weaver and Muay Thai under Chad Boykin, where he discovered his true martial arts passion. 

In 2016, Don opened Open Guard BJJ.  He also launched Triangle Kickboxing Promotions (@TriKicPro) to create opportunities for amateur and professional kickboxers to showcase their talents.  As the first kickboxing promoter in North Carolina in over a decade, he collaborated with the North Carolina Boxing & Sports Commission (NCBSC) to develop a standardized set of rules and regulations that other promoters in the state now follow.  Don remains committed to building Kickboxing and Muay Thai fighter opportunities in the State.  His Lightning Strikes Kickboxing & Muay Thai promotion has grown to be the #1 sanctioned striking promotion in the state, featuring the top amateur and professional Kickboxing and Muay Thai fighters from the East Coast.

Don’s contributions to the sport extend beyond his gym and promotions.  He is an official with both the International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) and the International Sport Kickboxing Association (ISKA), and a certified judge in the State of NC and SC.  

He also serves as the regional professional and amateur Kickboxing/Muay Thai promoter for the IKF and the North Carolina representative for the IKF Full-Contact and Point Kickboxing Tournaments (PKB).  Don has judged amateur and professional Kickboxing & MMA for the ISKA, including events like Friday Night Muay Thai in NYC (broadcast live on UFC Fight Pass) and Lou Neglia’s Ring of Combat in NYC.

Don’s passion and dedication to kickboxing are evident in every aspect of his work, whether he is teaching classes, cornering fighters, collaborating with the NCBSC to enhance competition regulations, officiating at major events, or organizing shows as a matchmaker and promoter.  His commitment to the sport and the fighters he works with is unmatched, making him a driving force in the North Carolina Kickboxing and Muay Thai scene.