Professional Experience
Official Non-lethal Defensive Tactics Instructor for Currituck County Sheriff's Department.
ISSA Elite Trainer with certifications in:
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Fitness Personal Training
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Strength and Conditioning
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Bodybuilding
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Fitness Nutrition
The combination of martial arts and science allows him to delivery well rounded, effective instruction for all ages and goals.
Influences and Instructors
Donnie has trained under and alongside some of the most respected names in martial arts, including:
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Master Luiz Palhares 8th Degree Red/White Belt Gracie BJJ
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Grand Master Missy Cann 7th Dan Taekwondo / Kukkiwon
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Ajarn Buck Grant Pro Fighter/Founder MTU
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Punong Guro Marc "Crafty Dog" Denny / Dog Brothers Martial Arts
Ranks and Affiliations
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Gracie Jiu-jitsu: 2nd Degree Black
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Muay Thai: Kru Muay Level 2
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Taekwondo: 6th Dan AAU, 5th Dan Kukkiwon, 3rd Dan Traditional CDK
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Hapkido: 3rd Dan
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Judo: Ikkyu 1st Degree Brown
Affiliated With
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Luiz Palhares Gracie Jiu-jitsu
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IBJJF Certified BJJ Black Belt
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Muay Thai University MTU
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AAU / Kukkiwon / WTA
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United States Judo Association
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Dog Brothers Martial Arts DBMA
Coaching and Competition
Donnie has competed, coached, and promoted at high levels across multiple combat sports disciplines.
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IBJJF, NAGA, & National Jiu-jitsu level competitor
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Judo State & National Medalist
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MMA, Muay Thai, & Kickboxing combat experience
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Founder and Promoter of AFL MMA
Philosophy
Donnie believes martial arts is a vehicle for transformation. Through consistent training, discipline, and the right environment, students build confidence, character, and purpose.
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Build people not just fighters
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Create a strong supportive community
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Help every student become their best self
Various Instructors and Seminars
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
These are people who Donnie have has trained with and under.
Founder LPBJJA
Master Luiz Palhares
Pro Fighter Founder MTU
Ajarn Buck Grant
Dog Brothers Founder DBMA
Punon Guro Marc Deny
"Crafty Dog"
7th Dan Grandmaster
Missy Cann
My Wife 4th Dan Master
Amy Tinsley
Our Team & Family
TFMA - Iron Sharpening Iron
In addition to the many influential long term instructors Donnie has had, he has also attending seminars, had private lessons and participated in training camps with many high level athletes such as:
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Pat Miletich *Level 2 MFS Instructor
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Chuck Liddel
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Pedro Palhares
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Rafael Lovato Jr
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Bernardo Faria
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Benny "The Jet" Urquidez
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Gokor Chivichyan
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Karo Parisyan
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Bas Rutten
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Marcelo Garcia
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John Danaher
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Judo Gene Lebell