Teacher & Practioner of the Burmese Martial Arts and Senior VP SLS Government Funding Solutions, Phil Dunlap.
Phil Dunlap, with over 25 years of experience running the Asylum Fight Gym, now heads the Asylum Fight Team.
Martial arts legend Phil Dunlap upholds the tradition of Kachin arts from Northern Burma, with a rich lineage spanning generations. Boasting an impressive record of 119 professional fights across various disciplines, his early career showcased remarkable fighting prowess.
However, a car accident left him with a broken neck, but he made a triumphant comeback at 36. Phil’s tale of resilience also features a victorious fight against cancer, solidifying his legacy as a fighter and educator deeply devoted to spreading martial arts to all.
Phil’s skills extend beyond Lethwei and Naban into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), where he holds a Black Belt from Ricardo Calvalcanti. He not only excels in multiple martial arts but also provides free classes to the public through the Asylum Fight Team, breaking down financial barriers to pursuing their passion.
Phil shared about:
- Phil shares anecdotes about fighting and his experiences in Burma, where the sport had a different environment and cultural context. The safety protocols were minimal, and he acknowledges suffering from CTE due to his fighting career.
- Having retired with 119 professional fights in kickboxing and mixed martial arts, with 114 wins. They talked about feeling invincible during their career until suffering their first loss and how a broken neck changed their perspective.
- At the age of 46, Phil bravely faced pancreatic cancer, even though he was in great health and followed a vegan lifestyle. He talked about how family and making a positive impact on others were paramount to him. In dealing with health challenges, he emphasized having a resilient mindset and a strong desire for a fulfilling life.