Chuck Liddell started training for his career at the age of 12 in Santa Barbara. He was a four year starter on the football team at San Marcos High School, and became a Division I wrestler at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo graduating in 1995 with a B.A.in Business. As a graduation gift to himself, he had his iconic tattoo inked on his scalp which reads "Koei-Kan" ("prosper with happiness.") He transitioned to mixed martial artist when he earned a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under John Lewis.