Masters That Shaped Us
The legendary figures whose teachings guide our training philosophy
Bruce Lee
Founder of Jeet Kune Do
1940-1973
Bruce Lee revolutionized martial arts by breaking down traditional barriers and creating Jeet Kune Do. His philosophy of "using no way as way" and "absorbing what is useful" laid the foundation for modern mixed martial arts. Lee emphasized practicality, directness, and personal expression in combat.
Nicolas Saignac
Savate Master
French Boxing Champion
A legendary figure in Savate (French kickboxing), Nicolas Saignac brought the elegant art of boxe française to international prominence. His technical precision and strategic approach to combat influenced generations of strikers, emphasizing footwork, timing, and the sophisticated use of kicks.
Jean Jacques Machado
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Legend
5th Degree Red & Black Belt
Member of the legendary Machado family, Jean Jacques is a 5-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion. Despite being born with a condition affecting his left hand, he became one of the most technical and successful BJJ practitioners in history. His innovative techniques and teaching methods have influenced countless grapplers worldwide.
Fariborz Azhakh
Hapkido & Kickboxing Master
Grandmaster, 9th Degree Black Belt
Grandmaster Fariborz Azhakh is a pioneer in blending traditional Korean Hapkido with modern kickboxing. His comprehensive approach to martial arts emphasizes both the philosophical and practical aspects of combat. Known for his dynamic teaching style and deep understanding of multiple disciplines, he has trained champions across various martial arts.
Carlos Gracie
Founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
1902-1994
Carlos Gracie founded Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and established the legendary Gracie family dynasty. Learning from Japanese master Mitsuyo Maeda, he adapted judo and jujutsu techniques to create a revolutionary martial art emphasizing leverage over strength. His vision transformed martial arts worldwide and laid the foundation for modern MMA.
Crispulo "Ising" Atillo
Balintawak Eskrima Grandmaster
1902-1986
Grandmaster Crispulo Atillo was one of the original students of Venancio "Anciong" Bacon and a founding member of the Balintawak Eskrima style. Known for his lightning-fast strikes and exceptional close-range fighting ability, he preserved and propagated this devastating Filipino martial art, emphasizing practical combat effectiveness.
Cecil Peoples
MMA Pioneer & Legendary Referee
UFC Hall of Fame Referee
Cecil Peoples is a pioneering figure in mixed martial arts, kickboxing champion, and one of the most recognized referees in combat sports history. With over 30 years officiating major MMA and boxing events, including the UFC, he helped establish the rules and standards that govern modern MMA. His martial arts expertise and fair judgment shaped the sport's evolution.
Choi Yong-sool
Founder of Hapkido
1904-1986
Choi Yong-sool founded Hapkido, one of Korea's most influential martial arts. After training for 30 years in Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu under Takeda Sokaku in Japan, he returned to Korea and created Hapkido, emphasizing joint locks, throws, and the harmonization of energy. His teachings spread worldwide and influenced modern self-defense systems.