Martial Arts Success Story Paul Hingle IV

Martial Arts SUccess Story 001

Paul Hingle IV

Finding success and tribe

Like many parents, Paul and Stephanie Hingle were searching for an extracurricular activity for their son. Their son, Paul Hingle IV, known as “Lil Paul,” was small for his age, and they wished to find an activity that would boost his confidence, cultivate discipline, and teach self-defense skills. Martial arts appeared to be the perfect solution for their needs.

Joining Next Generation Martial Arts Thibodaux

Paul’s parents were in search of a reputable program led by a recognized instructor. Having a background in high school wrestling, his father, Paul Hingle III, desired a similar experience for his son. This prompted them to focus their search on a grappling-based martial art. After consulting with trusted local, Dr. Johnny Perez, they were directed to Next Generation Martial Arts Paul and Stephanie Hingle entered the 1,000 sq ft academy at 201 B St. Mary St. (now situated at 401A Talbot Ave.) to explore the available classes. There, they met the owner and instructor, Scotty Smith Jr., and felt that the kids’ program was a good match. None of them could have anticipated the friendships that would build from their initial meeting. Little Paul was a timid, small child when he first started his training. Quiet and humble, he always arrived at class with an unparalleled dedication to his training. As his confidence grew, he gradually emerged from his shell and began participating in local competitions as both a child and a teenager.

After spending several years in the youth program, Lil Paul began his transition to the adult program as he started high school. As previously mentioned, his father, “Big Paul,” had a background in wrestling during high school, making it the perfect opportunity to create treasured father-son memories on the mat. One particularly memorable event took place in August 2022, when both of them were promoted to the rank of blue belt simultaneously. Lil Paul stayed committed to his training. With dreams of competing in MMA, he understood the need to develop his striking skills. To hone these abilities, he enrolled at Extreme MMA in Houma, LA. His confidence grew with each training session, and his coaches knew he was prepared to make his debut in the cage.

MMA Debut
HIngle Vs Tate

During his senior year of high school, Paul aimed to make his MMA debut. He was set to compete against Dawson Tate from Team Holobagh on October 7, 2023, as part of the CWC 30 card at the Thibodaux Civic Center. With a record of 1-1, Tate proved to be a formidable opponent for Lil Paul’s first fight. Following a closely contested first round, the match concluded in controversy due to equipment problems on Hingle’s side, resulting in both fighters seeking a rematch.

The Rematch Hingle Vs Tate 2

Both men agreed to meet on March 2, 2024 in Patterson, LA for their rematch on CWC 31. With five months to prepare, both fighters had a chance to come in fully prepared to bring home victory. Focused on making up for the misfortune in their first bout, Lil Paul trained like a man possessed. Basically torturing himself in preparation for his worthy adversary. Paul entered this rematch fully confident that he had prepared himself to the best of his ability. Looking forward to the rematch both men made weight and the fight was on.

The fight began with both fighters showing respect for the others ability. They felt each other out for a minute before a frantic exchange of punches, kicks, and takedowns. That initial contact let both men know they were in for the fight they hoped for. The first round ended with both fighters having tasted the others power, but it was Paul who was controlling the fight. He stayed composed and executed his game plan. With round one in the books, Paul knew he needed to remain calm and continue to execute.

Round 2 picked up right where Round 1 ended, with both fighters trading punches on their feet until Paul changed levels to land a big double-leg takedown. From the top position, Paul started landing solid strikes. However, Tate remained dangerous posing threats as he searched for submissions. Nevertheless, Hingle kept overwhelming Tate with relentless pressure and strikes, prompting the referee to call a stop the fight. This victory by referee stoppage was the one Lil Paul had been striving for over the past five months. Tate, gracious in defeat, proved to be a formidable and dangerous opponent throughout the match.

Lil Paul remained humble in victory by expressing gratitude to Tate for the fight. He recognizes that it requires a worthy opponent to truly challenge yourself, and Tate was precisely that. Tate elevated Hingle’s performance that night.

E.D White Catholic High School Graduation 2024

Despite dedicating a great deal of time to mixed martial arts training, Paul remained focused on his academic pursuits. He proudly walked across the stage to receive his high school diploma as a member of E.D. White’s class of 2024.

CWC 34

After struggling to secure opponents for CWC 32 and 33, Paul was unable to secure an opponent for MMA on CWC 34, so he agreed to a kickboxing bout against Caleb Carter from Baton Rouge, LA. In this fight Paul showed improved striking ability and took control of the fight from the opening bell. Paul was able to stay calm and work his striking for three rounds on his way to a unanimous decision victory.

More than just a fighter, Paul Hingle IV is an exceptional young man with a heart that exceeds his physical size. He gives back as a mentor by assisting with the kids’ classes at Next Generation Martial Arts in Thibodaux, LA. Humble yet confident, he has all the qualities you look for in a martial artist. Paul has found more than just success in the competitive area. He’s found his tribe of young men. He’s part of a brotherhood forged through the hardships of training. His brotherhood will be there for him during struggle and lift him up in victory!