By: King Eddie

Colin Mackenzie has been around the Hawaii MMA scene for quite some time now. As a fan, a fighter, a trainer, a cornerman, a leader, and as a friend to many. His accomplishments as each can be viewed in the form of championship success as well as personal. There has never been an instance in which Mackenzie wasn't the loudest person in the place while one of his teammates was competing. It's one of the things that makes him such a cemented individual in our fighting community. He pours everything he has into every aspect of the game. For himself, as well as his team.

As depicted in a past issue of MMA Hawaii magazine, God's Army began with several key members. Though the team may not have been taken as seriously by other established gyms on the islands, the God's Army fighters continued to shock the masses and continually win. Fighters such as Jon Barnard, Ben Santiago, Kona Ke, Johnavan Vistante, Colin Mackenzie, and Max Holloway to name just a few.

"People kept counting us out, but we kept proving them wrong."

Colin believed in his team with all of his heart and soul. He would tirelessly chase down fights for his team and hype them to be the most exciting fighters on the scene. To him, this was all part of the job. All part of the belief that his team could contend with anyone's team. That the fighters and teammates he had begun to call family, could enter the ring or cage with ANY opponent and not only believe that they could win, but see it come to fruition. Time and time again, this would happen. God's Army took home titles, and the team grew powerful.

"There isn't a single one of my fighters that I don't believe in. And I'm not just saying that. These guys are young, hungry and dedicated. They are knocking on the door.It's only a matter of time."

But as with everything in life, there must always be the next generation. Though members of God's Army have all gone on to succeed in their own avenues, Colin and certain key veterans of the team are helping to develop another batch of lions. Mackenzie has dedicated himself once more to his team and fighters such as Kona Ke, Shaison Laupola, Justin and John Burgess, Nelson - Kaniala - and Nyllen Kukahiko ( 3 Brothers ), Robjo Joseph, Lawrence Hinojosa, Keoni Chang, Jared Ferreira, Makana Wigglesworth, Haven Valaroso. The God's Army team is feeding their inner beasts. The Lions Den is growing stronger with more and more Championships, but more importantly growing strong as a team.

"It's more than just the fighting. It's a close relationship that we build. Some of these guys, people say " oh you can't do nothing with that guy" then BOOM, they are 5-0. That's the power of putting time and belief into these guys."

On top of helping to train his team, Colin also makes the drive out to the North Shore in order to cross train with another group of sharpshooters. . . Sunset Beach Jiu-Jitsu. Zach and Skyler Close, Daniel Bachmann, Ezra Sitt, Dan Ige, Coach Jeff Doner, and the rest of the SBJJ crew are helping to fuel the fire that Colin burns for his own fight career.

"Three days a week I train with the GA boys, then the other three days I'm out at SBJJ getting twisted up by those savages.To me, they are the God's Army of Jiu-Jitsu."

"They are as tight and strong as a Wolf Pack. All I can be is grateful that the SBJJ Wolfpack would take in a lion like me and share their strength."

In the immediate future, Colin will have a fight of his own at the next Destiny event on February 24th. And for the rest of the foreseeable future, he will continue to fight every day to see his teammates evolve and grow as not only Mixed Martial Artists, but as individuals. Colin believes in the strength and love of a family, and will continue to reinforce his team, and his life with it.

Along with his growing MMA family, Colin and his girlfriend are expecting a baby of their own, which will solidify even a solid home base for Colin. Congratulations Colin Mackenzie, and your hard work and example have already, and will continue, to make an unforgettable impact on the fighting community here in Hawaii.

"GOD is good, all the time!"