After graduating from French High School in Beaumont, Texas, in 1968, Pat Hardy enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving from 1968 to 1970. While enlisted, he moved through the ranks to Sergeant E-5. He attended Lamar University – Beaumont earning an A.S. in Law Enforcement and a B.S. in Criminal Justice. In May 1981, he earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence. Patrick went on to serve as Assistant District Attorney and a Criminal Investigator in Hardin County, Texas.
 
Patrick "Superhawk" Hardy began his Karate training at age 16, under the direction of Jack Hebert in Port Arthur. He received his 1st Black Belt from Ernest "Radar" Smith in 1974 and his 2nd Black Belt from Hebert in 1975. Hardy competed in many tournaments, winning 43 first place, 12 second place, 6 third place, and 2 fourth place finishes. He reached professional status when he claimed the 1975 U.S. Karate Championship title.
 
As a professional full-contact fighter, Hardy fought his way up to the 1977 World Championship but was defeated in the title fight. He continued his involvement in the martial arts by learning and teaching Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Silsbee, Texas. Hardy was named the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Senior Division National Blue Belt Champion for his weight class in 1997, 1998, and 1999. From 2000-2008, he competed extensively in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, winning four World Titles, four Pan American Titles, and three National Titles at the largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments in the world. In 2004, he was the legendary Royce Gracie's first Black Belt, an achievement that Hardy has stated was his proudest moment in Martial Arts.
​
Hardy holds a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, Tang Soo Do, Shoto Kan (5th Degree), and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. In National and World Competitions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Hardy won 21 Gold Medals, 4 Silver Medals, and 7 Bronze Medals.
​
Patrick Hardy also served as Assistant District Attorney and a Criminal Investigator in Hardin County, Texas.