ABOUT
Our Family Invests
Episode 013
Gary + Carmen Gulliksen
In this powerful episode of Our Family Invests, professional boxer and business leader Carmen, alongside her husband Gary, unpack their journey of building discipline, resilience, and purpose—both in the ring and at home. From navigating career pivots and parenting challenges to investing in health, mindset, and community, this conversation is a masterclass in turning life’s chaos into generational momentum.
Carmen Gulliksen (The MOMBA)
Carmen “The Momba” Gulliksen is a professional boxer, scientist, martial arts master, and advocate whose life story is a blueprint for resilience and reinvention. With over 30 years of martial arts training and multiple black belts across disciplines, she has spent her life breaking barriers and building others up. At 47, she made the extraordinary leap into professional boxing—proving that strength has no expiration date. Now 3-0-0 in the ring, Carmen’s fighting spirit is backed by a lifetime of leadership, including her recognition as Shihan and numerous instructor certifications spanning karate, hapkido, tae kwon do, and law enforcement training. She is a 2025 RVA Female Athlete of the Year runner-up, a Division I collegiate athlete, and a mentor to women and girls learning to fight—physically and mentally—for their rightful place in the world.
Outside the ropes, Carmen holds an MBA, MSIS, and a postgraduate diploma in health research with merit, with academic work focused on psychiatric disabilities like PTSD and ADHD. She’s a published author and an active health researcher who uses her scientific insight to advocate for evidence-based practices in combat sports, mental health, and longevity. As CEO and founder of both Martial Leaders Institute and Momba Promotions LLC, she channels her expertise into programming that empowers women, youth, and first responders through self-defense, mindset training, and community engagement. A German-born immigrant, Carmen spent 17 years navigating the U.S. citizenship process while balancing a full-time IT career, parenting two children, homeschooling, and rebuilding after personal loss.
Her story is not just one of fights won in the ring, but of battles faced in life—with grit, purpose, and grace. As a homeschooling mother of three, wife to a disabled Army veteran, and passionate mentor, Carmen continues to prove that fighting for your future—at any age or circumstance—is a cause worth dedicating your life to.
Gary S. Gulliksen Jr.
(Martial Artist & Self-Defense Instructor)
Gary S. Gulliksen Jr. is a dedicated martial artist and self-defense instructor with over 20 years of experience in disciplines including Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Kickboxing, Military Combatives, and Combat Hapkido. He holds a 4th Degree Black Belt in Combat Hapkido and a 3rd Degree Black Belt in American Style Kickboxing, reflecting his deep commitment to both traditional and modern self-defense applications.
As a volunteer Senior Instructor at Tactical Martial Arts Academy in Richmond, VA, for over a decade, Gary has trained civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel in real-world self-defense tactics. His expertise in combative striking, situational awareness, and tactical de-escalation has made him a sought-after mentor in the self-defense community.
Working with women groups and women shelters has provided a tremendous experience for him to tune his skills around situational awareness and communication. Having experienced the struggles of combat related PTSD and disabilities personally, allows him to bring empathy, compassion and in depth knowledge to the community. He has made great differences in the lives of many women working through trauma and seeking empowerment!
Beyond his formal teaching roles, Gary has been an active volunteer instructor for U.S. military personnel, providing Combat Hapkido training to soldiers as part of a specialized program to enhance hand-to-hand combat readiness. His dedication to empowering others extends to his work with the Martial Leaders Institute, where he serves as a Senior Instructor and Advisor, helping to develop a high-level martial arts curriculum and leadership training.
Gary’s martial arts philosophy is rooted in practical application, situational awareness, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Whether coaching private clients, leading workshops, or mentoring students, he emphasizes the importance of resilience, confidence, and self-discipline in both martial arts and life.
Gary provides essential knowledge to the Momba Self-Defense Network through deep rooted experience and diligent self-development.
When he’s not training or teaching, Gary balances his passion for martial arts with his career as a financial advisor and his most important role—being a devoted husband and father.