Empower. Discipline. Strength. | Heston's Gladiator Academy
By CORINN GUEMMER | Photos by JOHN BURNS
Scott Heston has dedicated his life to martial arts. Starting with traditional martial arts training at the age of five, he quickly developed an interest in other styles, including boxing and wrestling.
Scott’s childhood home was a popular place for local fighters to spar and test their skills — so popular, in fact, that it wasn’t unusual for his father to run over stray mouthpieces while mowing the yard.
“I didn’t really envision a career in martial arts,” Scott said, “but after watching the movie ‘Bloodsport,’ I knew I wanted to fight in a no-holds-barred competition.”
Now the owner and head coach at Heston’s Gladiator Academy in Topeka, he’s turned his love for the sport into a thriving business.
A FIGHTER’S JOURNEY
Scott’s professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career includes competing in a Bellator MMA match, at the Kansas Star Casino where he gained valuable experience that elevated his credibility and reputation.
“It was great. Everyone was top-notch and took care of the fighters,” he said.
Coaching wasn’t a part of Scott’s vision. “I never really wanted to teach,” he admitted. However, life had other plans. Encouraged by a local boxing promoter, Scott embraced the role of an instructor and founded Heston’s Gladiator Academy in 2006.
His vision for Heston’s Gladiator Academy was clear from the start: to train the toughest fighters.
Over time, he began offering classes for everyone in the community, not just competitive fighters. Today, the academy offers everything from MMA, boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and even youth training course.
“Our goal is to help people achieve the goals they’ve set for themselves,” Scott said, emphasizing the importance of starting young. “We see kids’ confidence grow as they progress in our training.”
WELLNESS THROUGH MARTIAL ARTS
At its core, Heston’s Gladiator Academy is about empowering people to feel stronger. Not just physically, but mentally. For many of Scott’s clients, it’s a stress reliever that fosters discipline and focus beyond the gym.
“MMA training is not only a great workout, but you’re also learning self-defense at the same time,” he said.
Even for those who don’t compete, Scott’s training standards are high. “If you’re disciplined enough to just show up, you will get results.”
“There’s something transformative about martial arts,” he said. “It’s about overcoming challenges, one step at a time. That mindset carries over to everything else in life.”
For Scott, one of the most rewarding aspects of running Heston’s Gladiator Academy is mentoring the next generation of fighters. Over the years, the academy has produced numerous champions, including two ISCF United States Champions.
Scott recalled one particularly memorable moment when his team went undefeated at a Missouri promotion, earning the best team trophy. “Watching a fighter get their first win is my absolute favorite thing as a coach,” he said.
Scott and his wife Kelly’s three children, Kaidence, Taylie and Colt, also train at the academy. “Training and watching my kids compete is one of my greatest feelings as a coach and a father.”
A COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY
Heston’s Gladiator Academy often collaborates with local businesses, fostering a sense of community among Topeka’s fight fans.
“Topeka is a fight town. People here always show up and support local businesses. We couldn’t do it without them,” said Scott, who is proud to call Topeka home.
For him, community is about building connections. Gladiator Academy hosts events and workshops that bring people together, whether they’re seasoned fighters or newcomers.
“We’re here for everyone,” Scott said. “It’s not just about training, it’s about creating a place where people feel like they belong.”
BEYOND THE RING
Scott and Kelly also run Fear Zone, a popular haunted house attraction, and Monster Splat, an interactive experience where visitors can ride in a Jeep and shoot glow-in-the-dark Orbeez tracer rounds at actors dressed as monsters.
These seasonal, Halloween-themed ventures reflect the couple’s creative approach to doing business.
“We’ve had a wide variety of actors work for us at Fear Zone, from teenagers and theater students to Marines and former special operations personnel,” Scott said.
Despite the seasonal nature of these businesses, they’ve become a beloved annual tradition.
Scott hinted at another business venture on the horizon, but the details remain under wraps. “We’re very happy with the way Gladiator Academy is currently going,” he said.
FIGHTING FOR MORE
Scott is also gearing up for his next big fight this January at Memorial Hall in Kansas City. Balancing coaching, fighting and business ownership isn’t easy, but he lives for the challenge.
“It can be tough to juggle everything,” Scott said, “but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
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