Mullins was born and raised in
Dallas, Texas. He began training in Taekwondo in October 1963, under Texas-based martial arts instructor
Allen Steen at the
Red Bird National Guard Armory. In April 1966, Mullins was promoted to 1st degree black belt by Steen. In November 1965, Mullins enlisted in the
U.S. Marine Corps. After finishing his basic training he was sent to
Marine Corps Base Quantico in
Quantico, Virginia, where his
MOS was that of a pay and separation clerk. Mullins was defeated several times by his close friend
Chuck Norris throughout 1965, 1966, and 1967. == Personal ==