Our Instructors
Michael Braten
(retired instructor)
Raised in an Irish home, in Oakland California. Michael Braten was no stranger to the tough streets of Oakland. At age ten, Mike was greatly inspired by martial art master, and Hollywood actor, Bruce Lee. Blown away by Bruce Lee’s film choreography, and mastery of movement, in 1975, Mike quickly joined a Taekwondo school, and learned the art of kicking. By 1980 he started training under the Okinawan Karate Master, Sid Campbell. Having a Taekwondo background, Mike was able to earn a black belt within a year. He had a natural talent, and was known for his quick hand speed, and high level kicking.
In 1983, Mike’s teacher Sid Campbell, offered him a small martial arts role, as an extra in the film, Ninja Busters. Shortly before that, Mike met Chris Suboreau, at a nightclub in San Francisco, and by rare coincidence, met for a second time on the movie set. Developing a close friendship, Mike started training under Chris.
Mike’s training under Chris, was focused on three core aspects of fighting; classic boxing, self defense, and overall combat theory. Through Chris’s connections, Mike was introduced to a new world of elite fighters and instructors, attending workshops under big names like Jesse Glover, Larry Hartsell, Ed Hart, and even the great World Champion Kickboxer, Joe Lewis. At the time these men were known as some of the best combat sports and self defense instructors in the world. A key ingredient in Mike’s new training was geared towards; technical boxing, and the development of short range power. He was now learning how to generate force at close range, an area that is not normally developed for such a tall fighter, standing at 6’5”. Chris, being a boxing connoisseur, helped elevate Mike to a higher degree of combat theory, and, training methods. To this day, Chris and Mike are still close friends.
In 1988, Mike began training at a historical boxing gym in San Francisco, called Newman’s. Training alongside competitive amateurs and professionals, was the everyday atmosphere, a gym where top pro’s came through, to prepare for big fights, like Luisito Espinosa, and even past fighters such as, World Champion Muhammed Ali, and George Foreman. At this time, Mike met a trainer, named Paul Finger, a professional boxing coach, that moved to San Francisco, who trained World Champion fighters, back at 5th St Gym in Miami. Paul was managing his son, Desmond Finger, an undefeated professional boxer, with the record of 14 - 0 & 12 KO’s. Desmond was the sparring partner for many world champion fighters at the time. A sparring match was set up, between Mike and Desmond. Paul, quickly spotted the talent in Mike. From that day forward, they built up a close relationship. Paul began training Mike privately, with an old pro style of boxing; where blocks & counters, quick head movement, and cutting off the ring, were mastered. Mike spent the next year as a dedicated student under Paul, and trained with his son Desmond, as a sparring partner.
By the late 90’s, Mike became a private instructor. His training was focused on self defense; using a blend of classical martial arts, and traditional boxing. In 2003, Chris Suboreau was training a young private student, named Leo Larsen (see bio above). Mike was introduced to Leo through Chris, and was asked to co-train him, in Leo’s pursuit of combat sports. And so the rest is history.
Michael Braten is known for his appearance and written chapter, in the book, “Sonny Umpad’s Eskrima, The Life and Teachings of a Filipino Martial Arts Master”, by George M. Yore. (Link for book)
Michael Braten is currently a retired teacher, and resides in Reno, Nevada. He may accept private lessons, upon special request. For lesson inquiries, please contact us at: goldmountainboxing@gmail.com
Mike & Chris Suboreau
Mike in his youth training at Newman’s Gym
Mike’s sparring partner, Desmond Finger, undefeated light heavyweight fighter at Newmans Gym in San Francisco
Make it stand out.
Mike training under Jesse Glover, Bruce Lee’s first student
Coach Michael Braten gloving up Leo Larsen for competition representing the Catskill Boxing Club
Rare footage! Mike Training with Ed Hart (Bruce Lee’s Student)
Here is a treat! Coach Mike has pulled out some old archive footage of his training with legendary martial arts master, Ed Hart, practicing the Gung Fu method of combat, which was passed down from his teacher, Bruce Lee. In this short clip Ed Hart is sharing his insight on the straight line attack, and preventing the take down with a palm strike. Coach Mike can also be seen here repping out, what we call, the stop hit. Enjoy!
