Our Instructors

Spenser Canup

Spenser has trained Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, and MMA for much of his life. Spenser began training under Royce Gracie in the 90's, and still actively trains under Royce. Spenser has a talent for teaching and his instruction is impeccable.

Black Belt under Royce Gracie 2008
Pro MMA Fighter
Army Special Forces Hand to Hand Combat Instructor- 1998 to Present
Standup/Striking Coach with 20+ years experience
Ultimate Fighter Coach
SOCP (special operations combative program) - Instructor
Level 1 CrossFit Certified
Sheepdog Response Tactical Instructor
Former Coach of UFC Fighters
NRA Pistol/Rifle/Shotgun Instructor
Range Safety Officer

Michael Moody

Michael Moody is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Spenser Canup. Mike is a Navy veteran who has be practicing the Art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for a little over 9 years. Michael is originally from Tallahassee, FL and is currently married with two children.

Garrett Carnes

Garrett is a brown belt under Spenser Canup. He has trained Jiu Jitsu since 2018 and began training under Spenser in 2019. Garrett and his wife have 3 boys who all train by his side. He is a USMC combat veteran and a Lead Instructor for Sheepdog Response where he teaches Combatives, defensive pistol and rifle shooting, prescision markmanship, and trauma response. Garrett is also a NASM certified nutritionist. Garrett enjoys teaching both adult and children and takes pride in the amount of smiles and sweat on the mats at the end of his classes.

Michael Irving

Tony Rains

Tony Rains is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Spenser Canup and a US Navy veteran. Tony served two overseas deployments on a destroyer as a radar and communication tech. Originally, from Florida, he is married with three grown children.

Chris Strader

Chris is a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Spenser Canup. He served in the US Air Force for 6 years as a jet engine mechanic.

Chris is a dad of two boys, both who train and compete along side of him.

Zane Cooper

Bryan Jones

Donovan McBee

Julia Neese

Six years ago, Julia embarked on her Jiu Jitsu journey as a shy and quiet 14 year old. Her parents hoped that the classes would boost her confidence and enrolled her for a weekly session. Despite being out of her comfort zone, Julia thrived in class. Her confidence grew, and she became happiest she has ever been. Jiu Jitsu changed Julia's life. At 17, she was awarded her blue belt.

Julia currently assists with KinderGrappling and Kids classes and is an asset to our program. When not at the gym, Julia attends classes at the local college.

Gabby Canup

Gabby began training martial arts at the age of 7. Gabby was awarded her blue belt when she turned 16. Gabby has been volunteering her time as an assistant instructor in KinderGrappling and Kids classes since she was 14. She has a passion for teaching children. She develops their knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense which builds their confidence and self-esteem.