Greg Smith

As the co-founder of Bushido Mixed Martial Arts and head instructor of the Bushido Striking System,
Greg began his journey in the martial arts in 1989 at Old Dominion University. Greg was introduced to the world of Martial by Sensei Hiroyuki Hamada (highest ranking Martial arts Master outside of Japan).
Empowered not only by the physical benefits, but also the mental and spiritual attributes of the study of martial arts , Greg continued his training in Tang Soo Do and Aikido. His study of martial arts continued in 1995 when he began Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In addition, in 2004, he added Combat Submission Wrestling to his arsenal.

Through the study of these arts Greg has met and had the honor of training with some of the best instructors in the world to include but not limited to: Guru Dan Inosanto, Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, Ajarn Chai Serisute, Erick Paulson (CSW), Saulo Ribeiro, Xande Ribeiro, Pedro Sauer, Frank Cucci (Linxx Academy), Wahsei Miran (Eastern Academy) and Antonio Torres.

Greg found these arts to be a fantastic combination, covering many of the aspects needed to become a complete Martial artist. With 18 years of Martial Arts training and 10 years of teaching experience Greg continues his journey, conveying the benefits of martial arts to his students.

Accomplishments:

• Blue Belt under Sensei Hiroyuki Hamada 1990
• Six Degree Green Belt inTang Soo Do Sept 1995
• Younkyu level in Aikido Aug 1995
• Black belt under Frank Cucci of Linxx Academy 1999
• Certified Instructor in Mauy Thai under Ajarn Chai Serisute 2000
• Full instructor under Wahsei Miran of Eastern Academy 2005
• 4-Stripe Blue Belt in Braziliian Jiu-Jitsu under Saulo Ribeiro 2006
• Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Saulo Ribeiro 2007
• Level One Coach in Combat Submission Wrestling under Erik Paulson 2007
• Certified Kru under Sakasem "The Punisher" Kanthawong 2009.
• Assistant boxing coach for Dorin Spivey NABA light weight world champion 2009.
• Certified Personal Defense readiness coach (PDR) under Tony Blauer 2009

Awards

• Grapplers Quest masters Blue Belt 2004 Gold medal
• Grapplers Quest masters No Gi bronze medal 2005
• Yamasaki 10th anniversary tournament Blue Belt Bronze medal 2005
• ISWA Tidewater Submission Wrestling competitive light heavyweight Gold medal 2006
• ISWA Grappling Challenge Team Champion Coach 2007
• Saulo Ribeiro BJJ Annual Tournament Blue Belt Silver medal 2007

Alan Merullo

In addition to being the co-founder of the Bushido MMA, Alan is the head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor and coach. His study of the martial arts started in 1992; beginning with Karate and then moving to Wing Chun Kung Fu with the intentions of finding a practical self-defense style. After a few years Alan felt as if he was a fairly well accomplished martial artist, well capable of self-defense. Around that time a friend invited Alan to his first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class. It only took that one class for Alan to realize that he was missing the most important, yet most neglected aspect of a real confrontation. That missing link was apparent when he recognized that fights typically go into a clinch, or end up on the ground. Alan humbly accepted the fact that he could not only rely on punching and kicking for self defense while sparing with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students, who had less than six months experience. Very excited about his new discovery Alan began practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that same week.

Currently, Alan is proud to have earned the rank of two stripe Brown Belt ( one of very few in world to attain this high rank under the direction of Professor Saulo Ribeiro). Alan considers it a privilege to learn from the best and truly believes that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has not only helped him accomplish the goal of practical self defense, but also the pursuit of becoming a better person in general. Alan enjoys teaching and passing on this good information to anyone who wants to learn. Alan has had the privilege and honor to train and learn from many famous instructors such as: Saulo Ribeiro, Xande Ribeiro, Royler Gracie, Ryron Gracie, Kid Peligro, Chris Blanke, Pedro Sauer, Sylvio Bering, Alvero Berretto, Matt Serra, Frank Cucci, Joao Morais, and Kazeka Muniz. Alan has also recently earned his Brown Belt in Judo, under Sensei Alberto Cruz.

Some of Alan’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu accomplishments include the following:

• First Place at the Dominion Grappling Championship in January '08
• First Place no-gi at Saulo Ribeiro's tournament 2008
• Gold medal at the 2006 Schwarzenegger - Gracie tournament in Columbus Ohio
• Silver Medal at Saulo Ribeiro's tournament in Toledo Ohio 2007
• Bronze Medal at the 2006 Virginia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu championships
• Over eight years experience teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• Trained several police and and elite military personel

Brodie Leap

Began wrestling as a child, which has allowed him to develop skills obtained from some of wrestling’s most accomplished veterans. He has received instruction from international and Olympic coaches from the USA Wrestling organization. Two of these coaches have actual Olympic experience. Through wrestling, Brodie had the privilege of traveling throughout the country, and even provided him with opportunities to compete outside of the U.S. Brodie has also attended wrestling camps by some of the sport’s premiere competitors and coaches such as: Bruce Burnett, Robin Ersland, Terry Brands and Troy Steiner.

Wrestling’s international footprint is undeniable. As well as being the world’s oldest sport, wrestling offers its practitioner’s limitless opportunities. Among these opportunities are scholarships awarded to student athletes, which can cover a large portion, if not all, of a student-athletes tuition

Brodie’s Mixed Martial Arts Accomplishments include:

• 2001

• Missouri Greco-Roman State Champion
• FILA Cadet Nationals, Greco-Roman Silver Medalist
• FILA All-American

• 2002

• Missouri Greco-Roman State Bronze Medalist
• Team Missouri Junior National team member

• 2004

• All-Navy Wrestling Greco-Roman team member

• 2006

• Began training mixed martial arts at Bushido MMA
• East Coast Grappling Championships White Belt Gi Jiu-Jitsu Champion • ISWA Tidewater Submission Wrestling Silver Medalist

• 2007

• East Coast Grappling Championships Intermediate Division No-Gi Silver Medalist
• ISWA Virginia Beach Grappling Challenge Champion
  1. ISWA Tidewater Submission Wrestling Silver Medalist
  2. East Coast Grappling Championships Intermediate Division No-Gi Silver Medalist
  3. ISWA Virginia Beach Grappling Challenge Champion

• Bushido MMA Green Belt (8/15/07)
• Saulo Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Association Blue Belt (4/28/07)

Dorin Spivey

Dorin is a seasoned veteran of boxing. Turning pro in 1993 with no amatuer experience Dorin has compiled an amazing 36 wins and 5 losses record. Dorin has fought and won on many televised events including Pay-Per-Veiw and ESPN. On November 6th 2009 Dorin captured the NABA lightweight world title with a fourth round TKO of Meacher Major. Dorin now has his sites set on the WBO lightweight world title. Dorin has the talent and experience to become the world champ and is working relentlessly towards his goal.

Dorin's story is a living example of a strong work ethic and indomitable spirit. Because of his many years of experience and having trained with the best in the world Bushido MMA is proud and honored to have him as our boxing coach / instructor.