Bas Rutten (MMA Pioneer/Legend/Champion)

Sebastiaan "Bas" Rutten is a retired Dutch-American mixed martial artist (MMA) and kickboxer. He was the UFC Heavyweight Champion, a three time King of Pancrase, and finished his career on a 22 fight unbeaten streak (21 wins, 1 draw). He is currently the co-host of Inside MMA on HDNet.

As a fighter, one of his favorite tactics was the liver shot (both punch and kick), and he popularized its use in MMA. Bas is known for his charisma and has capitalized on his celebrity status since retiring from fighting in 1999. He has worked as a color commentator in several MMA organizations, including Pride, and has appeared in numerous television shows, movies, and video games. Bas also coaches MMA and has authored several instructional materials.

Pat Miletich (MMA Pioneer/Legend/Champion)

Often known as “The Croatian Sensation” Pat Miletich at the age of 26 began to train for MMA. He had already trained in a variety of martial arts including karate, kickboxing, and boxing. He was very much inspired by the boxing aspirations of his uncle, Johnny “Miler” Miletich who was present at the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles as part of the boxing squad. He would begin training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and compete in his first MMA event “Battle of the Masters” in Chicago in 1995.

Miletich holds a third degree black belt in Shuri-ryu karate. He has also trained with Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Sergio Monteiro and was awarded his BJJ black belt by Oswaldo Alves.

He made his official UFC debut at UFC 16 and won the very first UFC Lightweight Tournament. During "UFC Brazil" Pat become the first UFC Lightweight champion, defeating Mikey Burnett. In 2001, the UFC changed weight class limits, making Pat Miletich the Welterweight division champion.

After a two year break Pat returned to the Octagon in "AMMA 2 - Adrenaline" where he battled against Thomas Denny in December 2008, and he was victourous by KO early in the second round.

Pat is the founder of Miletich Fighting Systems, which trains some of the most talented and popular fighters in MMA, such as former UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Tim Sylvia, former UFC Lightweight Champion Jens Pulver, as well as former ICON Sport and Elite XC middleweight champion Robbie Lawler.

Dan Severn (MMA Pioneer/Legend/Champion)

Dan Severn has captured the attention of fight and wrestling fans all over the world since his 1994 debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championships [UFC]. Dan is known as "The Beast", a name given to him by Jim Brown during one of his many fights in the UFC. The native of Coldwater Michigan has accepted all challengers in any no holds barred, or professional wrestling events. On May 17, 1996, Dan was crowned the UFC Superfight Champion in his home state of Michigan. He demolished "The World's Most Dangerous Man", Ken Shamrock to regain the title. Dan is the only Triple Crown UFC champion in the sport today. Severn has won two eight man tournaments and The Ultimate Ultimate 1996, which pitted champions and runner-ups against each another to determine the true champion of the sport.

Severn began his career in the fight game as a Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestler. Dan quickly became a top high school and collegiate wrestler capturing many titles, honors, and several national and world titles. As a high school wrestler Severn was a two-time national champion and set eight national records in his career. Dan was inducted into Arizona State University's wrestling hall of fame at the end of his prestigious collegiate career.

After completing his degree program and graduation, Dan continued on a quest to be the best amateur wrestler in the world. Numerous competitions from 1982 to 1994 took him to Japan, Hungary, Cuba, France, and Turkey. On each trip, Severn captured another title. Dan also secured 13 National AAU wrestling championships during those years. The Beast also tried his hand at coaching wrestling at ASU and Michigan State University as he continued to compete and excel after his collegiate career.

In 1994, this distinguished athlete stepped into "The Octagon" for the first time. The octagon is a 6’ high steel cage that is the focal point of the Ultimate Fighting Championships. The UFC is a no holds barred competition where athletes display their skills in a full contact event. This sport is the only event that pits athletes of different disciplines against one another. In the beginning there were few rules; no biting and no eye gouging. Through the years more rules have been added to the event to help the promoters work with the athletic commissions around the country. A bout is ended by a KO, TKO, athlete tap out, referee stoppage, or the towel being thrown. Severn easily established his place among the best fighters in the world with his awesome competitive fire to be the best.

The Beast's world class wrestling skill, commitment, and desire provided the foundation for his success. Severn knew he needed to continue to improve his arsenal, so he added black belts in the sports of Sombo, Judo, and Jui Jitsu to his athletic package.

In addition to being technically skilled and feared by his opponents, Dan is undeniably popular with the public. His athletic abilities and charisma with the fans have created a bond with supporters of this controversial sport. Severn always enters the arena to thousands of fans chanting "Beast"!

Severn, through his notoriety in the UFC stepped in a different ring in 1998. The World Wrestling Federation wanted to capitalize on Severn's skills. Dan wrestled weekly for the WWF weekly as he continued a grueling appearance, seminar, and no holds barred fighting schedule. He is known around the world as the most active competitor in sports today. Competing for over 30 professional wrestling organizations, 12 fight promotions, and speaking engagements. Dan also held the National Wrestling Alliance heavyweight title in the professional wrestling ranks for longer than any other previous NWA champion. He has over 95 state, national, and international wrestling titles under his belt, and in 1999, reached a milestone by competing in his 4000th match.

The future of this Renaissance man is unlimited. Dan has been profiled in the press around the world in such publications as USA Today, People, Karate and Kung Fu Illustrated, Black Belt Magazine, MAD, Full Contact Fighter, and many of the pro wrestling publications. The Internet is full of the Beast's accomplishments, as well as his official web site. Severn also runs a wrestling product company and holds annual wrestling clinics for kids of all ages. He has appeared on 48 Hours, 20/20, The Gordon Elliot Show, Nash Bridges, and many commercials.

Dan has been instrumental in introducing fighters into the UFC, including a two-time tournament champion, Don Frye. He has also introduced the first female no holds barred fighter in the U.S. to the world. She is now the number one ranked fighter on the scene today.

Severn has developed a 10,000 square foot training facility on his property. This facility will be able to house and train individuals for martial arts, amateur wrestling, professional wrestling or the fight game. This facility is a haven for athletes to train and gain the knowledge that the Beast has to offer.

In 1999, Dan created a Mixed Martial Arts promotion called The Danger Zone and currently showcases tremendous fight cards around the country. This promotion is geared around the amateur fighter to help develop a backbone to the sport. Professional bouts and amateur tournaments are all part of the Danger Zone.

With all the success and attention, Severn remains humble and down to earth. Dan has strong ties to the community in Coldwater, and in being a good role model for children. His motto is "Not only do you need to build a strong body, but you must also build a strong mind to enhance it".

Titles
The only Triple Crown Ultimate Fighting Champion. Winner of UFC V 8-man tournament - the Ultimate Ultimate that pits tournament Champions and runner-ups in the best of the best 8 man tournament, UFC IX where Dan beat Ken Shamrock in front of a sold out crowd in his home state of MI.

Master Alan Goldberg (Wing Chun Kung Fu Legend)

Master Alan Goldberg has 37+ years experience in the martial arts, has been inducted in 36 Halls of Fame, has studied (besides his primary art of Wing Chun Kung Fu) Five Animal Kung Fu and Shotokan karate. He now devotes his time to the teaching of Wing Chun. He is the creator of Law Enforcement Survival Systems (L.E.S.S.), which was taught to the New York City Emergency Service Unit of the police department. He is also the New York State Commissioner of ORA.

 Alan is Grandmaster Jason Lau's number one disciple, having been right alongside him from his days in the Flatbush Avenue neighborhood. He has been seen and heard in magazines, newspapers, television, cable, and radio throughout the United States. He also has several instructional video credits, and is also the publisher of Action Martial Arts Magazine.
 
Action Martial Arts Magazine is a quarterly publication for Martial Artists, which contains a variety of articles and interviews from various masters and celebrities in the martial arts and MMA world. Articles range in content from nutrition in the martial arts to advisement by masters on how to improve your skills. It is the official magazine carrying the ratings for F.A.M.E, New England Karate Commission and the Work Karate Union. After ten years, it has grown to become the largest FREE FULL COVERAGE magazine on the market today.

Alan has put together and carried out the largest Martial Arts Hall of Honors Awards Ceremony and weekend ever seen in the history of the martial arts. It was first held January 20th, 2001 at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, NJ, and was the largest catered event in Atlantic City history, PERIOD. There were 1,400 Martial Arts personalities and Hollywood celebrities in attendance. Alan’s historic 10th Anniversary Hall of Honors Banquet, Seminars, and Trade Show will, as always, take place at the Tropicana Casino and Resort, January 8 and 9, 2010.

Professor Silverio Guerra (Founder of the Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame/MMA Pioneer)

Professor Silverio Guerra, Ph.D., M.A. is a career professional in the martial arts with over five decades experience in a variety of disciplines. He is internationally recognized for his superior achievements and has been honored by the Confederaco Brasileira De Kickboxing, World Kickboxing League (WKL), United States Karate Association do Brasil, U.S.K.A. Full Contact Kickboxing Association, Wa No Michi-Ryu Association, European Society of Soke-European Presidium of Certified Head Founders of Soke, International Brotherhood of Martial Artists, Knights of Heaven-Soke.

Professor Guerra has been inducted into 21 national and international Halls of Fame. Professor Guerra holds memberships in the International Union of Martial Arts-Soke and the Society of Black Belts - Life Membership.

Professor Guerra actively teaches a number of martial arts disciplines including Police Defensive Tactics, Kakuto Shin~Ryu Karate, Kai No Kenson Ju-Jitsu, and Pressure Points. He is also a certified massage therapist and an expert on human physiology. He has served in a number of positions including President of the Open Hand Martial Arts Association, Instructor for Grand Valley University, Instructor for members of the Edouch/Elsa City Police Department and Instructor for Community Mental Health, Holland, Michigan. In addition to all of this, he has worked in the entertainment film industry as a trainer and technical advisor to actors portrayed in martial arts films. He is widely respected and internationally acclaimed in the martial arts community and is one of the most highly decorated martial arts experts in the United States.

Joe Lewis (Kick boxing/Karate World Champion and Legend)

Joe Lewis is an American kickboxer and point Karate fighter whose success in the ring in the 1960s and 1970s is legendary. He has twice been voted the greatest fighter in karate history, and has attained the titles of "United States Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion," "World Heavyweight Karate Champion," and "United States National Black Belt Kata Champion."

Joe was born in Knightdale, North Carolina. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1962 and was stationed at Cherry Point. He studied Shorin-ryu Karate with Eizo Shimabukuro, John Korab, Chinsaku Kinjo and Seiyu Oyata in Okinawa while serving in the United States Marine Corps, earning his black belt in a mere seven months. Joe was one of the first Marines stationed in Vietnam, there meeting Rocky Marciano. Upon returning to the USA, he began a winning tournament career. From 1967 to 1968, he studied privately with the influential martial artist and Jeet Kune Do founder Bruce Lee.

Ed Parker, Jr. (American Kenpo)

Ed Parker Jr. (Edmund Kealoha Parker, Jr.) is a martial arts master and artist. He is a world renowned instructor of American Kenpo (the system his father Ed Parker, Sr. created), and is also well known for his artwork, including many portraits of notable martial arts practitioners. His illustrations have been commissioned for film projects, DVDs, book and magazine covers, corporate identities, and custom certificates.

Ed was born in Glendale, California, the son of Ed Parker Sr. and his wife, Leilani Parker. He portrayed his father in the 1993 Bruce Lee biography, Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story. He is married and the father of three daughters and one son and resides in Pasadena, California.

Scott Shaffer (Sports/Boxing/MMA Attorney, The Lustigman Firm, NY, NY)

Scott Shaffer is a member of The Lustigman Firm, P.C. He represents clients in both federal and state litigation as well as in various forms of alternative dispute resolution. A significant portion of Scott's practice is devoted to protecting intellectual property rights, and he has litigated trademark, copyright, false advertising and cybersquatting cases on behalf of The Lustigman Firm's clients. Scott has also worked extensively with the firm's direct marketing clients to ensure compliance with the myriad of complex laws that regulate solicitation of consumers via telephone and e-mail. His practice areas also include contractual disputes and appellate work.

Scott is also prominently involved in sports and entertainment law. He concentrates on providing legal representation to boxing promoters, managers, individual boxers, and entertainment and media businesses involved in the sport of boxing in New York, New Jersey, and nationwide. Scott has more recently focused some of his attention and his vast array of expertise on MMA as well. A large part of his boxing practice involves representation of major fight promoters, such as Gary Shaw and Sauerland Events. Current and former clients include world champions Ricky Hatton and Kermit Cintron. Perhaps no other lawyer in the U.S. has the depth of knowledge and experience that Scott brings to a boxing law case. Long before he became a boxing lawyer, boxing was an integral part of his life. He's been a sports writer for years, covering the sport of boxing for various publications and websites including The Ring magazine. He is also a former officer of the Boxing Writers' Association of America. The boxing industry and his clients benefit from his knowledge, experience and familiarity with the unique aspects of the sport of boxing.

Prior to graduating from Fordham University School of Law in 1996, Scott was a staff member of the Intellectual Property, Media & Entertainment Law Journal. He is currently a member of the New York and New Jersey Bar and a member of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York (Sports Law Committee)

Dr. Adam Persky (The World Renowned "Fight Dentist")

Dr. Adam Persky, a native “New Yorker” attended Tulane University of New Orleans and is a 1990 graduate of the prestigious Boston University Goldman School of Dentistry. Along with his wife Dr Silva Battaglin, also a 1990 Graduate of Boston University they take care of their clients’ one patient at a time! They have a very successful Family, Cosmetic and Sports Dental Practice in Las Vegas.

Such clients include:
- Dana White (UFC President) & Lorenzo Ferrttia (UFC CEO)
- Forrest Griffin
- Frank Mir
- Joe Stevenson
- Ken Shamrock & Ken Shamrock Fitness Center
- Trainer Mark Laimon and his Cobra Kai Jiu Jitsu Alex Karalexis
- The fighters on the last 5 seasons of The Ultimate Fighter
- Many amateur Mixed Martial Fighters

Adam brings to Las Vegas a unique style of Dentistry, a style that makes their Guests feel like they are at home and not in a dental practice. He makes every effort to have a very relaxed atmosphere at their Las Vegas Cosmetic Practice. Just seeing his Practice demonstrates the high standard he sets for himself, his Team Members and for the level of service and treatments presented to their Guests. Smileshapers is the Official Dentist of the Best Modeling Agency, Sin City Chamber of Commerce, CALLBACK Entertainment Newspaper Beachers Madhouse and is an approved vendor with the Greater Las Vegas Realtors.

Adam, in cooperation with Nevada Athletic Commission performed a study on 580 boxers and MMA fighters at 36 events and was given the privilege to attend these Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Fights in Las Vegas.

Smileshapers and Fightdentist have provided the mouthguards for the UFC’s Ultimate Fighter on Spike TV for the last 4 seasons and has recently been licensed as the “official custom mouthguard of the UFC and WEC. These custom mouthguards with the official UFC and WEC Logos will only be available on the UFC and WEC’s websites.

Elvis Sinosic (Former UFC Fighter/Australian MMA Star)

Born in Canberra, Australia to Croatian parents, Elvis Sinosic now resides in Sydney where he continues his martial arts training. Elvis currently runs Sinosic Perosh Martial Arts (SPMA) with business and training partner Anthony Perosh. Having trained in various arts for the last 20 years, the "King of Rock N Rumble" has been exposed to a myriad of art forms including:Freestyle Wrestling, Tae Kwon Do, Boxing, Jun Fan (Kali, Silat, Thai), Kai Shin Freestyle, Capoeira, Kickboxing, Judo, JB Will Shootfighting, and Machado BJJ. Sinosic holds a black belt in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Elvis has been competing on a national level since 1995, and has competed in such prestigious events as the Abu Dhabi World Submission Championships, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and the K-1 Grand Prix as their highlighted superfight as well as Pancrase, RINGS, Warriors Realm, Fighter Extreme, UCC (now called TKO), Australian Vale Tudo Open and Caged Combat 1.

Chuck Zito (The Italian Bad Boy/Author/Radio Personality)

Former 25 year member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, former Golden Gloves boxer, Actor,  bodyguard to the stars,  Stuntman, and Martial Arts expert. Actor on the award winning HBO drama Oz, is the star of the upcoming USA Network series Chuck Zito's Street Justice. And coming soon his new training and martial arts video Chuck Zito's Street Survival System.

In 2003, Chuck released his autobiography, Street Justice, co-authored with Joe Layden. In 2006, he expanded into radio with the show Chuck Zito's View on Howard Stern's Sirius Satellite radio station.

Dr. Jeff Davidson, MD (World Famous/UFC Ring Doctor)

"Doc" Hamilton (Legendary 3d Man In The Ring! Elite Combat Sport Referee and Judge!)

Nelson "Doc" Hamilton has been an advocate, educator, instructor and practitioner of martial arts since 1973. He holds advanced ranks in both Judo and Hawaiian Kenpo.

In addition to his martial arts involvement, Doc stays busy as a chiropractor, specializing in sports medicine. As a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), he is a consultant to both professional and amateur athletes. Also, he is a contributing editor to Ultimate Grappling Magazine.

Doc has been a licensed kickboxing referee in California since 1986. He also is a licensed Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) ring official in Nevada and New Jersey. He has worked as a referee and judge for the UFC, PRIDE, KOTC, SHOOTO, WEC, EliteXC, StrikeForce, and K-1.

Based upon his knowledge of the martial arts and his reputation in that community, Doc was appointed on four separate occasions to serve in an advisory capacity to the California State Athletic Commission. Having served eight years as an advisor, he has been instrumental in writing and re-writing the rules governing kickboxing and MMA in California.

John Hackleman (Owner/Trainer at The Pit, MMA Gym/School!)

Born in New York City, from the age of four John Hackleman grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was around the age of nine years that he began studying Judo. By high school he was a golden gloves boxer and a competitive kickboxer. He had initially added Shotokan Karate but by 10 years old had settled upon studying Judo and KaJuKenBo under Walter Godin who he would continue to train with until Godin’s death in 2002. KaJuKenBo was a mixture of Karate, Judo, Kempo and Western boxing which had developed in Hawaii in 1947 specifically as a street fighting art.

In 1979 John enlisted in the Army because of the hostage situation in Iran. He ended up spending his three years on the Army boxing team, winning State and regional Golden Gloves titles. He went on to a pro boxing career under the management of Don King Promotions. There is some speculation that speaks of him having a professional boxing career of 17 wins, 3 losses, with 15 knockouts.

By 1985 he moved to California where he renamed his style Hawaiian Kempo. The Pit (his MMA training gym) is the only Hawaiian Kempo school that favors the Ke-m-po spelling as opposed to Ke-n-po. John describes his style as more hardcore than other Hawaiian Kenpo schools may teach it, but decided to give his school the style name KuZen; a mix of the god of war "Ku" in Hawaii and "Zen" for Zen Buddhism; to attract children and families to his school.

John Maalouf (Senior Partner at Maalouf Ashford & Talbot, LLP, NY, NY)

John J. Maalouf, Senior Partner of the Firm, is a globally recognized expert in the areas of International Trade & Finance Law, Corporate Law, Securities Law and Mergers & Acquisitions, and has been ranked as one of the Top 10 International Trade & Finance Lawyers in the United States for the past 4 years in a row by the United States Lawyer Rankings - 2009 Edition, 2008 Edition, 2007 Edition and 2006 Edition.        

John regularly counsels clients on matters involving International Finance, IPO's, M&A's, private placements, international banking, foreign investment in China and the Middle East, and on securities offerings by multilateral financial institutions and government sponsored enterprises. He also specializes in the creation of U.S. and international private investment funds, as well as traditional hedge funds, private equity and venture capital funds.

John also represents clients in connection with IPO's on foreign stock exchanges, including the London Stock Exchange's Alternate Investment  Market (AIM). To date, John's cases have been featured on the American television programs 60 Minutes and 20/20 as well as being on CNN and in the Wall Street Journal. John splits his time between the firm's New York and Hong Kong offices.

John is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and New York, and is also admitted to practice before the United States Court of International Trade and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.  He is a member of MENSA, (September 2006 International Mensa Journal article on John Maalouf), and of the Shaolin Temple. 

John received his B.S. in Economics from Boston University, (1990) his J.D. from Suffolk University School of Law (1993) and his LL.M. in International Banking and Financial Services Law from Boston University School of Law (1994).

Bernard Kerik

Bernie Kerik was born in Newark, New Jersey, and raised in Paterson, New Jersey. Bernie has worked as a U.S. Army Military Policeman (MP), a bodyguard, a jail warden and an undercover narcotics detective, NYC Police Commissioner (during the 9/11 terrorist attacks), and Interim Minister of Interior for Iraq. He is also a 5th degree black belt master instructor in the martial arts, who holds black belts in both Japanese Karate and Korean Tae Kwon Do. In 2001, Bernie published a memoir, The Lost Son: A Life in Pursuit of Justice, a New York Times best seller.

Bernie Kerik is considered one of the most decorated Police Commissioners in the history of the New York City Police Department, he earned 30 medals for excellent, meritorious and heroic service, including the New York City Police Department Medal of Valor for his involvement in a gun battle in which his partner was shot and wounded and he returned fire, downing the suspect. Other medals included 1 Honorable Mention, 5 Commendations, 10 Meritorious Police Duty and 13 Excellent Police Duty medals.

Bernie received a U. S. Presidential Letter of Commendation from President Ronald Reagan for heroism and was appointed Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen Elizabeth II. He was also appointed Knight Commander, of the Military Constantinian Order of St. George by the Duke of Calabria, Italy. He received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Mayor’s Medal of Honor from the City of Paterson, New Jersey and a Mayor’s Meritorious Commendation from the City of Passaic, New Jersey, all for heroism. He earned the Medal of Merit from the New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association and the Medal for Valor from the International Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association.

Other honors have included: The New York State Senate Liberty Award, the Golden Star Leadership Award, Los Angeles, California; Special Achievement Award, Special Narcotics Prosecutor's Office, City of New York; Man of the Year Award, Honor Legion, Police Department – City of New York; Man of the Year Award, Detective’s Endowment Association, Police Department – City of New York; Man of the Year Award, Brooklyn Law School, LELSA; 2 Distinguished Service Awards, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; DEA Administrator's Award, U.S. Department of Justice, DEA; Distinguished Person of the Year, NYC Correction Captains Association; Distinguished Service Award, New York Shields; Distinguished Service Award, New York City Retired Detective's Association; Dedication and Commitment Award, NYC Correction Officer’s Association and the President’s Appreciation Award, NYC Correction Guardians Association.

Professor Daniel Torres (Jujitsu Master – DanTor Ryu Jujitsu)

Hanshi Torres is one of the few Martial Artists in the history of Martial Art and in JuJitsu to obtain the rank of 9th Dan with the same instructor for over 39 years, Grandmaster Jose A. Velez, and with the late Supreme Grandmaster Professor Florendo M. Visitacion (Vee) 27 years.

In addition, Daniel trains Professional MMA fighters, and people who just want to learn self-defense. He is licensed as a Professional MMA Referee, Professional MMA Judge, Professional Boxing Judge, Professional Kickboxing Judge and works for the State of Florida Boxing Commission. On March 12, 2009, Daniel also obtained his license in Puerto Rico as a Professional MMA Referee & Professional MMA Judge. 

Throughout his career as a martial artist, Daniel remained a faithful student to Grandmaster Prof. Jose A. Velez and the late Supreme Grandmaster Prof. Visitacion. As a result of his die-hard commitment and allegiance to the study of Vee Jitsu Jujitsu, he was acknowledged and certified to be of unquestionable moral character. Having met all the qualifications as a Student, Instructor, Master and Grandmaster, Daniel was held in the highest regard with the Vee Jitsu Family.

In addition, to this noteworthy accomplishment Grandmaster Prof. Velez personally bestowed upon Daniel, the title of Hanshi,(Grandmaster) Dai Shihan and the exclusive right and honor to create his own interpretation of Vee Jitsu Jujitsu System now known as DanTor Ryu Jujitsu, School of Modern Vee Jitsu Jujitsu/ MMA.

Ian “The Machine” Freeman

One of the most celebrated MMA veterans of the UK whose fighting career spanned the period 1999 – 2008. The Machine fought in the UFC on six occasions, with his most notable win coming over Frank Mir at UFC 38. The Machine has also won the UKs Cage Rage    championship three times, twice as a LHW, and once as a HW.

Ron Van Clief (The Black Dragon)

Ron Van Clief born in Brooklyn, New York, is an American martial arts legend and an actor in Hollywood and Hong Kong action films.

Ron began his martial arts career competing in both full-contact and non-contact karate tournaments in New York, going on to win several tournaments and championships. He was a student of Goju-ryu masters Peter Urban, Frank Ruiz, and Moses Powell, as well as Wing Tsun founder Leung Ting Modern Arnis (Remy Presas) Brazilian Jiujitsu (Joe Moreira). In 1971, Ron created his own style of martial arts, called "Chinese Goju," attempting to unify Japanese style goju-ryu with its roots in Chinese martial arts. He currently holds the rank of 10th degree red belt (shidoshi or grandmaster), in this system.

On December 16, 1994, Ron returned to the ring to fight in the 4th Ultimate Fighting Championship, as the oldest competitor to date to fight in the UFC at the age of 51. His sole fight in the tournament was against Brazilian jiu-jitsu exponent Royce Gracie. Gracie won the match by submission with a rear naked choke near the four-minute mark. Ron served as the commissioner of UFC such is his enthusiasm for the sport of MMA. Ron retired from competition in 2002 after winning the All American Karate Championship at 60 years old. He is presently finishing new book INSTANT SELF DEFENSE to be published 2009. Ron competed in over 900 tournaments in over 40 years on the tournament circuit. Ron retired as a 5 time world karate/kung fu champion and 15 time all American champion. Ron has earned over 12 different black belts in his martial arts carrier. Those include black belts in karate (goju-ryu and goju-kai), jiu-jitsu, judo, kung fu, muay thai, tae kwon do, boxing and many more.

Ron is also the author and creator of a number of instructional books and video recordings. Presently in post production is BLACK DRAGON THE LEGEND OF RON VAN CLIEF, a compelling documentary of his life story.

John “PapaJohn” Gorman

PapaJohn is the Commissioner of USA Jiu-Jitsu. USA Jiu-Jitsu is a nonprofit corporation that was established to serve as an organization to govern the sport of Jiu-Jitsu in the US, and to provide service to all levels of the Jiu-Jitsu community. If you are a Black, Brown, Purple, Blue or White belt…  USAJJ was created for you.

USAJJ exists to establish Jiu-Jitsu in the United States as an official amateur sport, to govern the sport, provide rules for tournaments, set standards for promotions, provide guidance to individuals wishing to participate in the sport, either as operators of schools and academies, students just wanting to learn and those individuals and companies providing products and services to the Jiu-Jitsu community. The idea is to open up the sport to everyone.

Dr. Sherry Wulkan

Sherry is a member of both the New York State Athletic Commission and the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board, and feels very fortunate to be able to work ringside as part of a team of highly committed, competent and knowledgeable ringside doctors (M.D.s and D.O.s).

Sherry has worked most often in New Jersey, where some of the requirements to be a ringside physician include graduating from an accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical school, being a licensed physician in good standing in the state in which one practices, being board certified in the specialty in which one has trained, CPR certification, familiarity with sports medicine and combat sports injuries, and the satisfactory completion of an apprenticeship with a Commission appointed ringside physician (minimum of five regulated shows).

In sports it helps to have a doctor present who understands the game. A doctor who is also an avid fan of the sport in question can help in areas that a less knowledgeable doctor cannot. Also a fan of MMA, Sherry has worked at events such as UFC, IFL, Pro Elite, Bodog, Ring of Combat, Cage Fury and Extreme Challenge, among others. Sherry also trains with and is the team physician for the Serra-Longo team.

Carlos Machado

Carlos Machado is the eldest of the five Machado Brothers (in descending order:  Roger, Rigan, Jean-Jacques and John).  He is nephew to one of the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, late master “Carlos Gracie” (1900-94).  Carlos has been involved in the martial arts since 4 years of age, under the instruction of several of his Gracie relatives.  He had the privilege to learn at different times from some of the greatest legends in the family, like late great ”Carlson Gracie”, and also another late and legendary champion “Rolls Gracie”.  His main instruction came from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu visionary and cousin “Carlos Gracie Jr”., and one of his most revered cousins “Crolin Gracie”.  Carlos was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and shared fond memories of good old times training with the likes of cousins Rilion, Renzo, and living legend Rickson Gracie. 

His brothers Roger, Rigan, Jean-Jacques and John, each carrying on amazing careers as martial artists and entrepreneurs, have also been very influential in shaping Carlos’ skills and outlook in life. 

Carlos first came to the U.S. as an exchange student in 1982, in the East Coast.  After attending Law School at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, between 1982-87, Carlos decided to follow in the footsteps of brother Rigan Machado, and along with younger brother John, travelled to the West Coast of the U.S. earlier in the 90’s.  At that time, Carlos and Jean Jacques were instructors and associates at the famous “Gracie Barra” academy, in Brazil.  Once leaving for the U.S., the brothers started the journey to help spread Brazilian Jiu-jitsu throughout the world.

After opening two locations in San Fernando Valley and Redondo Beach, Ca, in the year of 1992, the Machado Brothers started travelling through the U.S. and other Countries giving seminars to keep up the demand for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  Once good friend and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast “Chuck Norris” made his home in Dallas, Texas, through his invitation, Carlos chose to move his operations to Dallas as well, in 1995.  Besides starting up his new school in Texas, he also appeared several times in the then very popular TV show “Walker, Texas Ranger”. 

Carlos has since then started a training program for different martial arts schools around the Country, with the intent to provide down to earth and high quality guidelines for other instructors to successfully implement Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs at their locations.  Today Carlos’ list of affiliate members nears 30 schools nationwide, and a growing number of new member requests.  He is fulfilling a dream of providing other students what it is like to learn in detail the concepts of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu it took him over 40 years to realize. 

Carlos also believes that martial arts is a positive tool to change the quality of each of his students’ lives.  He lives by the motto of “We do not just teach martial arts, but change lives”.