I began training in traditional martial arts in 1993 with Kieth Bost a Karate and Hapkido Blackbelt. Upon receiving the rank of Black Belt I began training with top ranked kickboxer Brian Heffner for 6 more years.

After Japanese Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Sok Song a native of Atlanta Georgia introduced I to some basic moves of Brazilian style Jiu Jitsu I was hooked. Of course Jiu Jitsu did not exist in North Carolina at the time so we studied tapes or traveled to seminars in other states. I was a pioneer in his area.

Finally, I met Relson Gracie who had a school and trained under him for several years. I became the FIRST American to train on the mats at Helio Gracie's home in Brazil in 2000. In 2001 I won the Gracie World Championships in the Blue belt division and the event, went to Brazil to compete in the Mundails. Later I made another trip to Brazil staying 3 months with Royler Gracie's Black Belt and 4X World Champion of Brazil Daniel Moraes who is credited for helping me develop the most. He would come and stay long periods at my home and even sent Phillpe Valdelia a State champion of Brazil Purple belt to come live with me at my Academy for 3 months to help perfect his art.