We had the good fortune of connecting with Riley Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Riley, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
One thing that outsiders might not realize about the martial arts industry is how diverse and community-driven it is. While many people think of martial arts as purely competitive or combat-focused, practitioners strongly emphasize personal growth, self-discipline, and mutual respect. Many schools prioritize building a supportive environment where students of all ages and skill levels can learn, connect, and grow together. This sense of community can be a powerful motivator and a crucial aspect of the martial arts experience.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Since I was 14, I had an interest in Martial Arts and wanted to be a Professional Fighter. At age 15, I joined USKO in Riverside, Ca where the owner Joseph Pagliuso took me under his wing. I was persistent in my training and dedicated to my goal of being a Professional Fighter, soon after I started assisting him in teaching Muay Thai Kickboxing and NoGi BJJ classes. After competing regularly and building up my amateur record, he started giving me classes to teach on my own. This is where my passion for teaching started. My loyalty and commitment to this organization have opened doors to incredible opportunities. Maintaining an optimistic mindset has always been the foundation for reaching my goals.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have a few favorite spots in Southern California that I love to visit whenever I get the chance. First – IN-N-OUT! We’re getting some double-doubles and hitting the beaches – most likely Huntington Beach and wrap up the day with a short trip to the Griffith Observatory to share those spectacular views of Los Angeles. If we had a couple more days my other must-do’s would be hitting up some museums, a trip to Disneyland, and of course a Dodger game!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Girlfriend Felicia has been a pillar of support in starting this business. She is always thinking of ways to help the business grow and works incredibly hard to ensure it runs smoothly.

Website: https://imperialfightacademy.com

Instagram: imperialfightacademy

Youtube: Coming Soon! – Imperial Fight Academy

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