CJ Nickolas, born Carl Alan Nickolas Jr., is the dazzling star revitalizing US Taekwondo. His electrifying presence on the mat and his exceptional skills have ended a long-standing medal drought for the country. In 2023, he captivated the world by winning a silver medal at the World Taekwondo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, becoming the first American man since 2009 to stand on that podium.

Known for his signature double-reverse back kick and double-reverse spin-hook kick, Nickolas combines precision with power, making him a formidable opponent. His journey into Taekwondo began at the tender age of three, driven by his boundless energy and a love for action-packed shows like Power Rangers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. “I started Taekwondo when I was three,” Nickolas shared with Teen Vogue. “I was very energetic as a kid, so my mom wanted me out of the house.”

His mother played a pivotal role in introducing him to the sport, but she wasn’t his only guiding light. Over the years, Nickolas has been mentored by influential figures, including his stepfather and dedicated coaches, who have shaped his path to greatness. Now, at 23, he is laser-focused on adding an Olympic medal to his impressive list of accomplishments, ready to take on the world with his unparalleled talent and determination.

Meet CJ Nickolas’ Coach, Paul Green

Paul Green, a distinguished British former international Taekwondo athlete, has left an indelible mark on the sport. Born on February 16, 1977, Green boasts an illustrious career, including being a two-time European Champion, two-time European silver medalist, and a World silver medalist. Transitioning from an accomplished player to a revered coach, Green now serves as the USA Taekwondo National Team coach. His coaching credentials are impeccable, having guided athletes to World Championship gold in 2015 and 2017, and to Olympic gold in 2012 and 2016. With a wealth of professional experience, Green is exceptionally equipped to mentor and inspire the next generation of taekwondo champions.

Green shares a profound and supportive relationship with CJ Nickolas. When Nickolas secured a silver medal at the 2023 World Taekwondo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, he was initially engulfed in disappointment for not clinching the gold. Reflecting on the match, he lamented missed opportunities and perceived moments of weakness. However, Paul Green’s unwavering support was pivotal. He comforted Nickolas, encouraging him to process his emotions and providing the strength to move forward. This emotional resilience, fostered by Green, was instrumental in Nickolas’ subsequent triumph at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, where he won gold. Under Green’s expert guidance, Nickolas has ascended to the No. 2 rank in the men’s 80kg weight class and secured his spot in the Paris Olympics.

Before Paul Green, during the early days of his career, Nickolas was under the tutelage of another coach who laid the foundational skills and discipline that Green would later refine and elevate to the world stage. Who was the mystery man?

CJ Nickolas’ First Taekwondo Coach and Inspiration Was His Stepfather

Nickolas was a whirlwind of energy as a child. To channel his boundless enthusiasm, his mother enrolled him in taekwondo classes, hoping it would provide a constructive outlet for his spirited nature. When he was about four years old, his mother married Edward E. Givans, his Taekwondo instructor who also runs the Givans Taekwondo Academy. Givans, a former US Army sergeant, now serves as the Regional Director for the USA Taekwondo organization.

Even after Nickolas’ parents divorced, Givans remained a steadfast coach and father figure to him. Drawing from his military background, Givans instilled a rigorous and disciplined training regimen in Nickolas. His mantra, “Don’t let anybody work harder than you in the room, or when you’re fighting or anything,” became a cornerstone of Nickolas’ approach to training and competition. This philosophy has profoundly influenced Nickolas, shaping his work ethic and fighting strategy throughout his career.

Under Givans’ tutelage, Nickolas developed the foundational skills and mental toughness that would later be honed by Paul Green, guiding him to success on the international stage. Givans’ impact on Nickolas’ life and career is a testament to the power of mentorship and the lasting influence of a dedicated coach.