Always Keep Moving: The Life Story of the Scrambling King 

By Bill X. Barron

One of the world’s greatest fighters, Ian Butler, trained in MMA with Bellator, competed in Glory Kickboxing, and grappled for Polaris – Europe’s leading fighting organization. He was also twice invited to join the martial arts version of “Who’s Number One.” Yet you would never know it from talking with this most engaging and unassuming person.

Known as the Scrambler King, Ian has been featured in several videos showcasing techniques that have revolutionized both MMA and wrestling at the national and international levels. 

You could say Butler was born to be a scrambler, as he seems destined to keep moving. In his youth on the streets, he frequently shifted positions to avoid trouble. Today, Ian is still on the move and is recognized as one of the most sought-after clinicians globally.

“To keep me from wandering the streets of St. Louis, my single mother enrolled me in baseball and football through the Boys and Girls Club. We faced homelessness, and the equipment was expensive. For wrestling, I only needed a pair of shoes from the club's gear bin, so I started wrestling at age five.”

“Shortly after, I was separated from my mother, who was battling drug addiction. I never knew my father. My mom’s best friend took me in, and I moved to San Diego. Family isn't defined solely by blood. Although my adopted mom passed away during my college years, her children and relatives remain an important part of my life.”

“Back in St. Louis, my mom managed to get her life back on track, so she took me back. However, Ritenour High School was rife with drugs. I associated with the wrong people and made poor decisions. One of those decisions led to an overdose. I literally died in the hospital when my heart stopped beating.”

Having faced and overcome many of life's challenges, he believes God created this traumatic situation to keep him humble despite his successes. He also feels blessed to collaborate with and connect to those in need around the world to create a better life.

As Ian relates, “I love connecting. There’s nothing I enjoy more than sitting down with someone to learn where they’re coming from and what their dreams and aspirations are. Getting to know their history helps me work with them to build their future.

“Adoption defines who I am; even after establishing my identity, I continue to crave success. After my expulsion from Ritenour, I was homeschooled and earned a GED. At the same time, I began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing at Absolute Martial Arts.”

Soon after, Ian encountered Corey Corpodian, the author of “Emotional Fitness” and host of the “Unleash Your Success” podcast. Corey helped him realize that success alone is empty without fulfillment. He needed to trust that he could become the person others expected him to be.

“Corey completely turned my life around. I learned that your mind is the greatest weapon you can have. Belief will manifest itself in the fulfillment of your dreams. First, you must learn to be present and feel grateful for the opportunity. Your work is done. Know that you are mentally and physically prepared.”

From the start of his professional fighting career, Ian was called “Silverback” by his MMA trainer, Erick Jackson, a nickname that reflects his resilience and cleverness, qualities reminiscent of the leader of an African mountain gorilla troop. Like this equatorial native, Ian can be both a formidable force and a compassionate being. Toward his athletes, Ian is exceptionally approachable, freely showing warmth, love, and support. 

Ian’s life of sacrifice and success has led him to this moment as the founder and director of Silverback Wrestling Club, one of the nation's largest wrestling clubs, with locations and almost 200 wrestlers in California (Anaheim, Headquarters; Fullerton; Las Alamitos) as well as in Hilo, Hawaii; Portland, Oregon; Rochester, Minnesota; and Casper, Wyoming.

Dan Russell, director of Wrestling for Peace, an organization dedicated to supporting youth wrestling worldwide, reached out to Ian, sensing that Ian's charisma and positive energy would inspire the movement amid rising global tensions. “Ian is a special messenger sent by God; he is meant to help lead this cause.”

Coach Butler advocates for building allies rather than enemies and focuses on developing competitive athletes while reaffirming the mission of peace. Ian expresses, "Wrestling has truly changed my life," highlighting that "peace is something everyone desperately needs today. I aim to share God's message, who loves us all. In the person of Dan, God has given me one of the greatest mentors in my life."

Ian, the newly appointed High-Performance Director of India’s National Freestyle and Greco Team, looks forward to coaching in a culture where wrestling is deeply ingrained. “It will be my first time ever, at age 36, being paid for something I am passionate about every single day. Having my family join me in the Olympic Village is like a dream come true.”

Back home, Butler aims to establish an Olympic Regional Training Center at one or more of the expanding Silverback club locations. Nonetheless, his main priority remains providing life-changing opportunities to underprivileged youth.

He is currently conducting his Scrambling and Leg Wrestling clinics in England and Greece. “Wrestlers tend to over-scramble. I teach them to recognize when they are in a dominant position and to stop when they are. It’s all about making it a systematic process, relying less on instinct and more on learned positioning.”

Ian's expanding coaching responsibilities have enabled him to assemble a team of renowned, world-class coaches who share his vision of opportunity and growth and provide reliable support when he travels. In effect, he has created a support network for his organization, similar to the one that helped him rise from ashes to glory.

Key leaders whom Ian has attracted to lead his various clubs include Michael Lopez, USC Wrestling Coach and Anaheim Director; Johnny “Mr. Nice Guy” Lopez, who helped start the Silverback kids’ program and has been a staple in helping kids get off the streets; Ray Raucher, Los Alamitos Head Coach, who fought as an amateur MMA fighter; and Josh Johnson, Oregon Head Coach, who was a 2-time Oregon state champion and a Fargo All-American.

Notes Ian: “I have learned the importance of surrounding myself with good people.” On the Silverback coaching staff, he has added a second world-class coach, Señor Ricardo Gilbert Martinez of Oregon, who served as head coach of the Olympic teams for Honduras and Nicaragua. Ricardo is internationally recognized for elevating wrestling at home and abroad.

Additionally, Ian has brought in two top female wrestlers: Randi Miller, a world bronze medalist at 63 kg who later transitioned to MMA, and Samantha Stewart of Canada, a world bronze and silver medalist at 53 kg.

Beyond merely surviving uncertain circumstances, Ian has learned to thrive amid conflict. He expresses gratitude for the support and opportunities he's received, acknowledging their significant impact on his life and career. His message offers hope and motivation to fellow athletes and coaches, underscoring the importance of perseverance and the pursuit of dreams.

“My experience with combat sports helped me discover my identity. They can be truly transformative. When I look in the mirror, I see that I can only rely on myself. It’s my responsibility to unlock a version of myself I never imagined.”