Coaches

Our Team

Derek Brunson

Owner


Derek Brunson is a professional mixed martial artist who currently fights in the light heavyweight division in the Professional Fighters League. Derek is well known for his long career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the middleweight division. Originally from Wilmington, North Carolina, you will find Derek around the local shops in downtown and Wrightsville.
"After seeing how important it was for me to have a good mentor as a child, I decided as an adult that I wanted to be a good role model and I had always wanted to have my own gym. This way I get the opportunity to connect with so many kids and adults. I want them to see that if they are willing to put in the hard work and time into their craft, they can achieve things they never thought they could." - Derek Brunson

Derek Brunson teaches on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday at 12pm Tuesday + Thursday = Brazilian Jiu Jitsu NoGi at 12pm Wednesday = Wrestling at 12pm

Derek Brunson's Martial Art Background

Black belt under Renzo Gracie BJJ
3x D2 NCAA All American (2003, 2005, 2006)
2002 NC State Champion in Freestyle & Greco
Tied for the most 1st round finishes in UFC history
2nd most knockouts at the Middleweight Division in UFC history

DRE HERD

Striking Coach


Dre Herd - Originally from Wilmington, North Carolina, you may know him from Survivor: Fuiji & striking coach for UFC fighter Derek Brunson! He teaches various classes from Striking, MMA, and Kickboxing & Muay Thai If you like a private session with Coach Dre Herd, please contact us.

“Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them.” - Bruce Lee

Dre Herd Martial Art Background

Golden Gloves Boxing
3x 1st place
1x 2nd place
Pro MMA fighter

AUSTIN TROTMAN

Wrestling Coach


Austin Trotman - Originally from Wilmington, North Carolina Middleweight MMA fighter, App Wrestling 1st 4x NCAA qualifier, 2012 All-American, 3rd place in NCAA at 184 lbs, 3x SoCon Champion, 2 x NC State Champion, D1 Wrestling All American, USA team member, won Appalachian State Legend for 2023 Legends

He teaches Wrestling class every Wednesday at 8pm! Kids wrestling every Monday & Wednesday at 5:30pm. If you like a private session with Coach Austin, please contact us.

"I do not want to live a long life, but a full life" - Jim Elliot

Austin Trotman Martial Art Background

- Middleweight Professional MMA fighter
- 2 x NC State Champion
- D1 Wrestling All American
- USA team member
- App Wrestling 1st 4x NCAA qualifier
- 2012 All-American, 3rd place in NCAA at 184 lbs
- school record 49 consecutive dual wins
- School record 129 career wins
- 3x SoCon Champion
- 2 x NC State Champion
- D1 Wrestling All American
- USA team member
- won Appalachian State Legend for 2023 Legends

James Brown

Kickboxing & Muay Thai Coach


James Brown - Originally from Wilmington, North Carolina Professional featherweight MMA fighter for over 15+ mma fights & professional kickboxer
He recently signed a contract with Glory Kickboxing. Glory airs on the UFC Fight Pass & Fight Network
Additionally, he fights on the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).
He teaches Kickboxing & Muay Thai classes. If you like a private session with Coach James, please contact us.

“Just being able to make a living fighting and doing something I love and something that comes naturally to me.” - James Brown

James Brown's Martial Art Background

2nd Don Taekwondo Black Belt
2nd Don Hapkido Black Belt
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Blue Belt
Undefeated MMA Amateur
Hundred plus Taekwondo/Karate Point Sparring Gold Metals
# 3 SC Pro MMA Featherweights
# 4 Featherweight fighter at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

Bryan Bartlett

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach - Black Belt


Bryan Bartlett - Originally from Carthage, North Carolina
He teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Monday & Wednesday
Adults BJJ NoGi at 7am-8am
Adults BJJ Gi at 7pm - 8pm

Saturday:
Youth BJJ Gi at 10am - 11am
Adults BJJ Gi at 11am - 12pm

If you like a private session with Coach Bryan, please contact us.
"There is no losing in jiu jitsu. You either win or you learn." - Carlos Gracie, Sr.

Bryan Bartlett's Martial Art Background

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Black Belt

Wrestling

Chris Fowler

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach - Black Belt


Chris Fowler began his training in 2012 and earned his black belt in 2022. During his journey through martial arts, he studied under a variety of instructors, incorporating techniques from each of them into the development of his personal style. Chris has form his own gi and no-gi systems with an emphasis on flowing, efficiency and creativity.
He teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Adults and youth classes. If you like a private session with Coach Chris, please contact us.
"There is no losing in jiu jitsu. You either win or you learn." - Carlos Gracie, Sr.

Chris Fowler's Martial Art Background

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Black Belt

Vincent Morelli

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach


Vincent Morelli - Originally from Mount Holly, New Jersey
He is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach at Brunson's MMA & Fitness. He teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Monday - Saturday If you like a private session with Coach Vinny, please contact us.
"Do everything you ask of those you command."
General S. Patton

Vincent Moreli's Martial Art Background

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Brown Belt

10+ years Kickboxing

Gus Morelli

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach


Gus Morelli - Wilmington NC
He is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach at Brunson's MMA & Fitness. He helps teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for kids & adults. If you like a private session with Coach Gus, please contact us.
"No rest for the weary."

Gus Morelli Martial Art Background

Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
1st Degree Black Belt in Chun Kuk Do
2021 Pan Kids IBJJF Championship (Orange-Green) (1st Place)
U.S. 2019 National Pro UAEJJF Championship (Orange-Green)(1st Place)
2019 WCJJO World Championship (1st Place)
NCWAY 2020 State Championship (3rd Place)
1-1 Amateur Kickboxer
2022 Pan Jiu Jitsu IBJJF Championship (Blue) (3rd Place)
2022 NOGI Pans Blue Belt Division - 1st place
2022 NOGI Worlds - 2nd place