World Black Belt’s AID Instructor Brian Gates is “Kaptain” Robbie Knievel’s Personal Bodyguard and Executive Protection Specialist

One of the bright stars of both the Hollywood bright lights and the music industry is Master Brian Gates. One of his most recent additions to an already impressive resume is his role as Executive Protection Specialist to “Kaptain” Robbie Knievel, World Record Motorcycle Jumping Daredevil / Stuntman.

Gates feels that the people he has met in life have been truly a blessing to him. “I know the friendships and respect I’ve made with people will affect our lives forever,” notes Gates.

Few may be aware that many years ago, Gates employed a professional tattoo artist by the name of Richard to complete a serious life-meaning tattoo. In their conversation, Richard had mentioned that he had met a young professional stuntman by the name of Cory Scott.

He further noted that Scott was a member of the Chitwood Thrill Show that was performing at a nearby Fair in Bedford, Pennsylvania. In their conversation, Richard recalled that Scott mentioned about attending Gates’ school and taking some private classes in martial arts and kickboxing while the Fair was in the area for a few weeks.

“Scott did approach thereafter and he and I hit it off in a positive manner. We trained together and then he was on the road performing,” expresses Gates. “One time he was performing with Stuntman Spanky Spangler in Atlanta at the Georgian Dome. He invited me to be part of the Stunt Team and help out with protection as well as other aspects of the show.”

Meeting Spanky Spangle began to create another important turning point in Gates life. He recalls that Spanky wanted Gates as part of his group to assist him and possibly make him a professional stuntman. Gates began his training immediately and began wowing crowds with his world record breaking stunts. “One of the stunts I did was at the Charlotte Motor Speedway where I crashed into six cards on fire. It became world record stunt crash and it was even shown on several television show as well as the pre-show for the NASCAR RACE in front of over 200,000 people Live.”

Over his years of performing and acting as Spanky’s security specialist, Spanky asked Brian to join him in meeting up with Robbie Knievel, the “Kaptain.” Knievel, son of the great Evel Knievel, was a top performer in his own right. Knievel is a world record motorcycle stunt jumper who was preparing to perform a TV record jump of the Grand Canyon.

After a long drive, they arrived at “Kamp Knievel,” the stunt compound. They met up with Mr. Fred Bezark, the legal counsel for Robbie, sitting in a lavish RV.

The counsel remarked, “I see your success commands you to have a Bodyguard and a large one at that.” Robbie shook hands and they all sat, talked and enjoyed the view of the Canyon, then they all went and inspected the jump site and talked over details about the jump and production.

“That was the first meeting to see if Robbie could successfully make that Canyon Jump!!! Months later, Spanky and I went to Las Vegas. We prepared and got ready to perform a stunt for FOX "World’s Most Dangerous Stunts". In that same show, Robbie was performing the World Record Limo Jump the very next evening,” points out Gates.

Knievel decided to join Spangle and Gates at the jump site of Spangle's car spiral and hung out with the crew. The Spangle and Gates jump was successful as they joined Knievel for his jump the next afternoon. Spangle handled all of Knievel’s calculations, speed configurations and Gates assisted in securing the jump area ramps. Personal stunt cycles were escorting some of the guests including Mathew McConehey, Evel Knievel, Robbie’s mother, Robbie’s daughters and friends, Art Fowler and many more.

Knievel had even created a special shirt embroidered for the team commemorating the LIMO jump at the Tropicana. The jump was a success and all of the crew attended a celebration party at the Tropicana with special guest Joe Jackson.

“Staying in touch, I always maintained friendship and communication on both a friend level as well as a professional level,” adds Gates.

Gates continued to attend jumps including the Charity Motorcycle Ride to raise money for children held in Sequim Washington at the 7 Cedars Casino. “I even took my son, Brian junior along for the ride as we met Spanky Spangler at the Seattle Airport. We arrived for the weekend ride with many celebrities including John Paul Digoria of Paul Mitchell Products, Dan Hagarty of Grizzley Adams fame , Ian Ziering of 90210, Nikki Ziering Model and actress, Mike of Red Robin restaurants , Bill Sytallings of wild thing productions and more. We raised so much Money for those children. We even auctioned off one of Robbie’s Jump Bikes,” says Gates.

Between all of this, Gates had assisted in the security and protection of Evel Knievel and his wife Crystal on several occasions in Daytona Beach, Main Street and the Adams Mark Hotel, Pittsburgh River Regatta, Sheraton helping make the appearances and autograph sessions go smoothly, occasionally riding their custom motorcycles and enjoying the areas like Daytona Beach, Florida.

“The time came for a 2004 TOUR and a reality series for A & E. Beginning to gain speed and the need for specialized and professional protection, I was once called on again for stunt venues like "23 Police Cars" Jump in NJ at Warnock Auto,” adds Gates. “In West Virginia, I visited the Mountaineer Casino and the Intrepid Air and Space Museum in New York City.”

The event included 5 Airplanes and 2 helicopters for TNT LIVE that aired show. Washington State, Nooksak Casino 200 Slot Machines, 18 Kenworth Tractors New Mexico at Sky Casino and next Arizona.

On one occasion, A & E followed Robbie Knievel and the Crew filming 13 episodes of the live reality series “On Tour with Kaptain Robbie Knievel” to air March 2005. This entailed shooting travel, Stunt Preparation, rest and relaxation techniques, training Martial Arts and Kickboxing to just hanging out at his Home riding Dirt bikes , the Harleys or Boating.

“We have met some great people while traveling and being on the road , staying and relaxing with X NFL Player Greg Zappla and his Wife Candy at their Lake home.Bart and Michelle McConley, Al and Dawn Johns really great people while riding boast / jet skis on the Lake or dinner or just cooking out on the grill. Their families are the best!” points out Gates.

“I really had an experience when we went to Los Angeles for some PR and film Evel Knievel. What an experience. Beau Bridges and George Eads were just as excited to meet Robbie as he was to meet them,” says Gates. “While in LA we went to Bob Wall’s office prior to going to meet Robbie’s Knievel’s Mentor and Idol * Chuck Norris at his home.”

“As Chuck came out of his home to greet us. Robbie light up as he saw the sincere smile on Chucks face, a warm welcome and such a gracious guest as we spent hours just hanging out, talking of the great things Mr. Norris has done for our youth as well as helping in so many areas for awareness of drugs abuse and underprivileged children or which Robbie is a great supporter,” says Gates. “Seeing the area personal Gym / training area that Chuck works out in Dailey was a real treat and motivator. Speaking of faith, God and religion and how that has helped us all in times of need.”

Norris signed a copy of his new book as well as a few special photos. Wall also gave Gates some souvenirs to take on the road.

Robbie Knievel inturn gave Norris two crosses, one for him and his wife Gina. It was especially designed for him and Knievel pointed out that he wears his everyday to show his faith while he is jumping. He also added a special large poster for Norris.

“Words could not express the heartfelt appreciation that was Robbie felt for Bob, Mr. Norris and I,” says Gates. “I know that we are truly blessed to have such a God that envelopes us with friends and families such as this.

WBB and the Martial Arts have made this all possible for without that area of my life I would not have met these fine people and been able to help them in the way that I am. Just giving back is all I care to do, As I appreciate being alive and living in such a great Country the USA with a President that truly cares making it possible to be FREE and give back by sharing the Martial Arts and life experiences, professional services with all of those I come in reach with giving praise to GOD.”