Coaches
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.
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Black Belt under Royce Gracie 2008
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Pro MMA Fighter
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Army Special Forces Hand to Hand Combat Instructor- 1998 to Present
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Standup/Striking Coach with 20+ years experience
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Ultimate Fighter Coach
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SOCP (special operations combative program) - Instructor
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Level 1 CrossFit Certified
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Sheepdog Response Tactical Instructor
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Former Coach of UFC Fighters
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NRA Pistol/Rifle/Shotgun Instructor
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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
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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.
Dane Haithcock
Dane Haithcock is a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Spenser Canup and has been training since 2020. He loves learning all aspects of BJJ but his focus is in the MMA and Self Defense aspects. Dane has a Masters of Divinity in Christian Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and is married with two young boys.
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.
Daniel Martin
Daniel C. Martin Jr. is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt under Spenser Canup and a North Carolina Central University alumnus. He has trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai since November 2021.
Inspired by a desire to build discipline, patience, and lead by example for his children, Daniel developed a passion for helping others grow through martial arts. He is dedicated to helping students build confidence, overcome challenges, and become stronger both on and off the mats.
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.