David began training martial arts at 10 years old, and has since trained In Karate, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and Kickboxing. He gained direction and discipline from traditional martial arts, and at 12 years old, he started teaching younger students.

After getting a black belt In Karate, David transitioned to MMA. Although he learned new skills, modern combat was missing the structure and mentorship of traditonal martial arts.

Empower was created to bring the two worlds together, modern training with the values of traditional martial arts.