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'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.
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.
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). (3-0)
He teaches Kickboxing & Muay Thai classes. If you like a private session with Coach James, please contact us.
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
Professor Bryan Bartlett
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach - Black Belt
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.
Bryan Bartlett's Martial Art Background
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Black Belt
Wrestling
Professor Chris Fowler
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach - Black Belt
He teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Adults and youth classes. If you like a private session with Coach Chris, please contact us.
Chris Fowler's Martial Art Background
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Black Belt
10 years Kickboxing & Muay Thai
Vincent Morelli
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach
He is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach at Brunson's MMA & Fitness. He teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Tuesday & Thursday at 6pm. If you like a private session with Coach Vinny, please contact us.
Vincent Moreli's Martial Art Background
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Brown Belt
10+ years Kickboxing
Gus Morelli Martial Art Background
Purple 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)
2024 NOGI Worlds - (1st place)
Professor Adam Jetton
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach
Originially from Charlotte, NC - He began training in 2005. Black belt in Jiu Jitsu. Currently teaching every Tuesday at 12pm here at Brunson's MMA & Fitness. He helps teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for kids & adults. If you like a private session with Professor Adam, please contact us.
Adam Jetton Martial Art Background
Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
B.A. Physical Education from UNC-Wilmington
M.S. Exercise Science from Appalachian State
Researched Dehydration in MMA at Appalachian State University
Former Teacher at UNCW - Founded the UNCW Jiu Jitsu Club
Active Competitor & multiple time NAGA, US Grappling and IBJJF Medalist