Gary Trappler has practised martial arts since the age of 9 years. He was awarded his 1st Dan - Shodan - in Goju Kai by Gogen Yamaguchi at the age of 18 years. In his early twenties he switched to Kyokushin Kai and was awarded his third Dan - San Dan - by Mas Oyama. After Mas Oyama died, kyokushin split into various factions and Mr Trappler then joined the family of Muaythai.  

Despite having his own fully equipped private training gym and despite his seniority, Mr Trappler has remained a martial arts student and seldom instructs classes of his own. 

Mr Trappler's other interest is his law practise where he has an office in Cape Town South Africa and specialises in International Commercial Law and Public Law. Mr Trappler has been in private practise since 1985 during which time he worked also in the United Kingdom for a couple of years as well as the United States where he worked also for two years. 

Mr Trappler is also a director of Companies and also Managing Director of his own Company ChefTrapps Ltd - an international company specialising in the design and manufacture of Slip Resistant Safety Shoes.

Due to his wide and varied experience both in business and Law, Mr Trappler was invited to join the IFMA Board as an Executive Member in 2007, then became Vice President in 2009 and then Chairman of its Legal Commission in 2010. In his own country South Africam Mr Trappler has played a significant role in furthering Muaythai within his country and his Vice President of Muaythai Amateur and President of Muaythai Professional.