Lineage

Head Instructor

 
 

Sensei Nardu Debrah

Sensei Nardu Debrah is a 3rd degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the legendary Renzo Gracie. He is a professional Mixed Martial Arts competitor and former Ring of Combat champion. He is also a Senior Full Instructor in Universal Defense System under Sifu Ralph Mitchell. He holds victories in the World Escrima Kali and Arnis Federation. He also holds numerous wins in various Brazilian Jiujitsu tournaments, as well as the U.S. Kuoshu Federation. He is trained in Southern Kung Fu, Tai Chi and has studied extensively the Concepts of Jeet Kune Do under Sifu Ralph Mitchell. Trained in Muay Thai, La Boxe Francaise Savate, Doce Pares, Kali, Fencing, Iaido, Western Boxing, Judo and Southern Mantis. He is currently an active Instructor who continues to teach and train Martial Art professionals. He has had the opportunity to learn from such experts as Sifu Ralph Mitchell, Rodrigo Gracie, Matt Serra, John Danaher, Renzo Gracie and Savoca Sensei of the Tendokan. He is also the author of “Journey Inward” a walk toward victory over the ego.

Universal Defense System Instructor

 
 

Sifu Ralph Mitchell

Master Instructor Ralph Mitchell has been a practitioner of the martial arts for over 40 plus years. He is a decorated Vietnam combat veteran. Master Mitchell has won tournaments nationally and internationally both in Thailand and Taiwan and is a World rated Full Contact Fighter. His martial arts background includes Southern Praying Mantis, Vee Jitsu, Judo, Western Boxing, Savate, the Philipino art of Kali, and is a Senior Full Instructor of Progressive Fighting System.

This diverse background has enabled Master Mitchell to develop Universal Defense System. UDS incorporates both eastern and western martial arts along with a focus on health and safety to develop the most effective and efficient martial artist. The UDS system begins with an evaluation to determine a fighter’s strengths and weaknesses. Based on this evaluation an individualized training program is developed to guide the student in the goals of self-preservation and self-perfection.

Master Mitchell is an experienced judge and referee. His system of martial arts incorporates the concept of cross training and provides a "trainer" for tournament competitions. This is in keeping with systems used in other disciplines and sports to maximize performance and minimize injury. In his classes he focuses on street survival techniques, utilizing both eastern and western styles. His students are consistent winners in Kung-Fu, stick and knife, and mixed martial arts competitions. He has trained amateurs and professional fighters including UFC level competitors. Master Mitchell is a rare combination of teacher, healer, trainer, and coach who helps to build students into champions. Discipline, and respect are the foundations of Universal Defense System.

Instructor/Co-Owner

 
 

Professor Matt Culley

Professor Matt Culley is a 2nd degree Black belt under Sensei Nardu Debrah, and Sensei’s first Black belt. Matt has trained in the Martial Arts since 2008, focusing mostly on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, and MMA. He has competed in various arts, winning first place in BJJ & Judo competitions, as well as victory inside the MMA cage. Through Sensei Nardu’s guidance, Matt has been fortunate to learn from a variety of legendary Martial Artists including, Sifu Ralph Mitchell, Renzo Gracie, Harry St Leger, and John Danaher. Professor Matt is also the co-owner and creator of RiSE Invitational: Championship Submission Grappling.

BJJ Instructor

 
 

Professor Akbar Muhammad

Akbar Muhammad, a 1st degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Sensei Nardu Debrah, has been a student at the Budokan since 2008 where he started in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Akbar’s competitive nature led him to compete in his first BJJ tournament and he hasn’t looked back since. Now with numerous medals and championships on the competition scene, he is using those experiences to help new Budokan students. Akbar is an instructor of the beginners BJJ class. He remains an active competitor while training Judo and Iaido and is currently working towards his goals in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Guidelines

 

In order to maintain a positive environment that is both conductive to learning and welcoming to potential students, we require our students, parents of students in the kids' classes, and staff to adhere to the following Dojo Etiquette guidelines.

  1. Always show respect to your instructors, training partners, and fellow human beings. Respect in training means: do not seek to harm fellow students physically (e.g., by cranking a submission harder than necessary to make them tap) Respect also means that you must train seriously and hard enough for you and your partner to improve his or her skills, conditioning, and fighting spirit. Not giving your best during training detracts from both you and your partner's experience. You must also address the Instructors by their title at ALL times, ex. Sensei, Shihan, Professor, etc.

  2. Maintain good hygiene (i.e., shower and brush your teeth regularly). As you can imagine, it is difficult to concentrate on technique when you find your partner's smells distracting!

  3. Keep finger and toe nails short and clean to prevent injury to yourself and others.

  4. Bring a clean, dry gi to each class. Also, always keep a rash guard or T-shirt in your gym bag for no-gi classes.

  5. Keep shoes off the mat, so that we can keep the mats clean and sanitary.

  6. Do not walk outside with bare feet. If you have to go outside, wear sandals or shoes. Items (5) and (6) are especially important to prevent the spread of skin conditions such as ringworm.

  7. Do not shout loudly or use profanity in the dojo. This should go without saying.

  8. Do not talk while the instructor is talking. It distracts those who are trying to learn and is disrespectful to the teacher, as well as other students.

  9. Stand, sit with your legs crossed or kneel during class. No lounging. Studies show that people learn more effectively when seated in upright postures.

  10. Do not leave the mat during class without the instructor's permission.

  11. Keep cell phones off or set to silent during class. Again, they distract those who are trying to learn.

  12. If the instructor has not changed the task, then continue doing the task he or she has given (i.e., don't sit around talking because you feel you have done a technique enough times). You can NEVER do a technique too many times.

  13. If the instructor has not asked you to help, teach or assist new personnel then do not! Do not begin conducting personal seminars or expounding upon technique which is being taught. You can ofcoarse help with the obvious. Our instructors are well equipt and prepared to help all students in their training. If a question arises from a fellow training partner please consult the acting instructor or Professor.