Coaches

Our Team

Derek Brunson

Derek Brunson

Owner

Derek Brunson is a professional mixed martial artist who currently fights in the middleweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. 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

Derek Brunson
Dre Herd

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

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Austin Trotman

Wrestling Coach

Austin Trotman - Originally from Wilmington, North Carolina Light heavyweight MMA fighter & 2 x NC State Champion, D1 Wrestling All American and USA team member He teaches Wrestling class every Wednesday at 8pm! 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

Light heavyweight professional MMA fighter

2 x NC State Champion

D1 Wrestling All American

USA team member

Austin Trotman
Wrestling
James Brown

James Brown

Kickboxing Coach

James Brown - Originally from Wilmington, North Carolina Professional fatherweight MMA fighter & professional kickboxer He recently signed a contract with Glory Kickboxing. Glory airs on the UFC Fight Pass & Fight Network 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

James Brown
James Brown
James Brown
James Brown
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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 - Black Belt

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

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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 from Monday - Fridays He teaches a BJJ Competition class every Friday at 5pm - 8pm 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)