Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriel Ford
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From a young age, I had an abundance of energy and a natural inclination toward movement. Diagnosed with ADD early on, I struggled to find structured activities that held my focus until I discovered martial arts in my preteen years. Inspired by shows like Power Rangers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, I became deeply fascinated with the discipline, history, and culture of martial arts.
I trained at the U.S. Martial Arts Academy, immersing myself in various styles while independently studying weapons-based techniques. Nunchaku, in particular, captivated me, and I dedicated countless hours to self-teaching, practicing, and refining my skills. Over time, I found myself not only excelling in my personal training but also developing a passion for teaching. Through my martial arts school’s instructor program, I honed my ability to break down complex techniques and adapt to different learning styles, laying the foundation for my teaching career.
As I expanded into the world of flow arts, I found a community that blended movement, self-expression, and prop manipulation in ways that resonated deeply with me. Teaching became as important as performing, and I began leading workshops, creating instructional content, and traveling to festivals to share my knowledge. Now, with over 30 years of martial arts and movement experience, I’ve built a career as a professional fire performer and instructor, continually evolving my craft while fostering a deeper appreciation for these art forms in others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. The road has been filled with obstacles, but each one has shaped my journey in unexpected ways. As a performer and instructor, one of the biggest struggles has been finding places that truly value the art forms I teach. Many venues and organizations prioritize mainstream appeal and financial return, making it difficult to introduce something as unique as nunchaku or flow arts. There is an inherent paradox in this. How can people develop an interest in something if they are never given the opportunity to experience it?
Another challenge has been navigating the undervaluation of performance art. Early in my career, I encountered the all too common expectation that artists should work for exposure or accept free event entry as compensation. It took time and experience to recognize my own worth and advocate for fair pay, not just for myself but for others in the flow and fire arts communities. I have since worked to set a higher industry standard in my region, encouraging upcoming artists to value their skills and time.
On a more personal level, my journey has also been shaped by health challenges, including a past severe back injury and more recently my battle with cancer. These struggles have forced me to adapt my training and performance approach while maintaining my passion for movement. Though the road has been far from smooth, each challenge has strengthened my resilience, deepened my appreciation for my craft, and reinforced my commitment to pushing forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a fire and LED performer, martial artist, and instructor with over 30 years of experience in movement. My performances blend martial arts precision with the artistry of flow, creating dynamic and visually captivating routines for festivals, concerts, and private events. I specialize in fire and LED performances using a variety of props such as poi, staff, fans, and nunchaku.
One of my greatest achievements has been founding both the Cincinnati Nunchaku Club and the Cincinnati Flow Arts Collective. These communities have allowed me to teach and inspire others, helping to grow the flow arts scene in my area. I am known for my skill and ability to teach the nunchaku and other flow arts props, which I have honed over many years of personal practice and instruction.
What I’m most proud of is the opportunity to guide students as they discover their potential. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch someone progress, from mastering the basics to performing with confidence and creativity. I am deeply passionate about teaching, and seeing students develop both their technique and self-expression is what keeps me motivated.
What sets me apart is the fusion of martial arts expertise and flow arts. My approach is shaped by a unique combination of athleticism, technical precision, and artistry. Whether I am performing or teaching, I aim to push boundaries and share my passion for movement with others.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about this city is the vibrant creative community. There’s an undeniable energy in Cincinnati that fosters collaboration and innovation, whether through arts, music, or performance. The way local groups, like the flow arts community, come together to share ideas and support one another is something I truly appreciate. The variety of events, from art shows to live performances, provides a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their work.
On the flip side, what I like least about the city is the occasional difficulty in finding consistent spaces that fully embrace and support niche art forms like flow arts. While there is a growing interest, there are still challenges in gaining widespread acceptance in certain venues and institutions. This often makes it harder for smaller, alternative arts communities to thrive, but it’s something I’m committed to changing through my own efforts and by continuing to nurture these communities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://muse.io/gabrielford
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriel.a.ford/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gavelepo/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielford425/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/gavelepo
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabrielnunchaku
