Episode 13
VIC COFFIN
From Baseball fields to Vietnam’s battlegrounds and Okinawa’s dojos, Grandmaster Vic Coffin’s inspiring life blends sports, military service, and martial arts, showcasing resilience, dedication, and the transformative power of Karate.
Subscribe and listen where you get your podcasts from:
Listen to this Episode
From the baseball fields of Shelby, North Carolina, to the battlegrounds of Vietnam and the Dojos of Okinawa, the extraordinary life of Grandmaster Vic Coffin is nothing short of inspiring. Imagine navigating a promising baseball career at a young age old, only to find yourself enlisting in the Marine Corps and facing the harsh realities of war. Mr Coffin’s story is a compelling blend of sporting achievements, military service, and a lifelong dedication to martial arts—a journey that shaped him into the resilient, revered figure we celebrate today.
Join us as we explore the transformative power of Marine Corps training and the unique challenges faced by combat veterans returning home. Vic shares his personal experiences with martial arts, from his initial foray into Karate at a Dojo inside a laundromat, to earning his first Blackbelt. His vivid recounting of training troops in Vietnam and his significant encounters with traditional martial arts masters in Okinawa add depth to his narrative, emphasizing the crucial role of mentorship and the timeless value of Kata and weapons training in Karate.
We also reflect on the therapeutic escape found in cycling post-Vietnam, Mr Coffin’s mastery in various martial arts weapons, and the profound influence of key figures like Bill Hayes. Through personal anecdotes and heartfelt stories, we celebrate the intertwining of personal struggles, athletic achievements, and the sustaining power of love and family. Karate emerges as more than a physical discipline—it’s a way of life, teaching resilience, inner strength, and the importance of community.