Rick Koenig speaking on stage before a seated audience, arms open mid-gesture, black-and-white

Professor Rick Koenig

FORGED BY CONSEQUENCE. LED BY FAITH.

BJJ BLACK BELT / CARLSON GRACIE LINEAGE / AS SEEN ON HBO / MINISTRY FOUNDER / SPEAKER

2nd-degree Carlson Gracie black belt. Former inmate. Subject of an HBO documentary. Now he helps men, recovery groups, leaders, and faith communities replace chaos with discipline that survives real pressure.

Book Rick to Speak Get the Book
AS SEEN ON HBO 2ND-DEGREE BLACK BELT, CARLSON GRACIE LINEAGE 20+ YEARS TEACHING COMBAT SPORTS TRAINED LAW ENFORCEMENT FOUNDER, STRENGTH 4:13 MINISTRIES

The Story

Rick Koenig grew up around crime, violence, and survival thinking. The family pizzeria became tied to organized crime and drugs. That life ended in handcuffs, then in a cell he shared with his own father.

Prison did not fix him. It stripped him down to the truth. When Rick got out, the old hustle had lost its pull. He needed discipline, and he needed a reason to live differently.

Read Rick's full story

What Rick Does

  • Speaking

    A prison-to-purpose message for rooms that need the truth.

    Faith-forward or general-audience, Rick brings a true story and a straight answer about discipline under pressure. Churches, men’s groups, recovery and treatment centers, schools, law enforcement.

    Book Rick to Speak

  • Strength 4:13 Ministries

    Second chances, built on faith.

    The mission behind everything Rick does. Named for Philippians 4:13, Strength 4:13 exists to give people a real second chance through faith, discipline, and community.

    Learn More

  • Training Day

    Trade idle time for discipline.

    A four-pillar program developed inside the ministry: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. Starts with TD30, a 30-day challenge you can do from anywhere.

    Explore Training Day

  • The Book

    The full story, without polish or excuses.

    Rick put it all on paper: how it fell apart, and how he built it back. Read the full account in his own words.

    Get the Book

Press & Media

HBO#thrivemore with Roger MartinFind Your Leadership ConfidenceLet The Healing BeginThe Modern Revolution
Full media profile →

BRING RICK TO YOUR EVENT

Churches, conferences, men's groups, recovery events, leadership teams, and law enforcement.

Book Rick to Speak