David Dunn

David Dunn began his martial arts training at the age of 17 on the campus of Michigan State University in 1984. After training in striking arts for nearly a decade David expanded his knowledge and started training in the art of Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the instruction of Abu Dhabi Champion and martial arts legend, Jean Jacques Machado. Mr. Dunn has been a student of Jean Jacques for over fifteen years and is currently his longest running student. He also continues to expand his knowledge in the striking arts. After twenty-five years of training Mr. Dunn continues to lead by example training, expanding his knowledge, and competing at a high levels of the game.

Mr. Dunn opened Fight Academy in the Santa Clarita Valley in 1995 and has been actively involved in that school since. He is an innovator in the martial arts industry and was teaching mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes the day he opened his first school, long before the MMA craze. Fight Academy was voted number one in the Santa Clarita Valley the past two years with nearly forty competitor schools.

Mr. Dunn currently holds the rank of 4th Degree Black Belt in the art of Chun Kuk Do, the art founded by Mr. Chuck Norris, a second-degree black belt in George Dillman International Karate, and a black belt in JJ Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

His fighting credentials include numerous states, national, and international titles in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In 2007 Mr. Dunn won the prestigious no-gi world championships in his division.

Savant Young

Savant Young grew up in the heart of Los Angeles. Martial arts became a refuge from the streets at the age of 13. Back then it was a park run Kenpo Karate program, and a donated gi. The coach saw promise in this competitive youth always shining at the tournaments. Taken under a friend's wing, Savant had the opportunity to relocate just a few miles north to Eagle Rock where he was the star running back at the local high school. His passion for fighting was never far off. After high school Savant began his quest to be a self taught martial artist. By studying videos, reading manuals and working out, Savant was ready for the challenge. One day, a chance encounter with former UFC fighter Joe Charles may have forever lead him on a new path. Joe took an interest in Savant and began to teach him Judo, and introduce him to some major players in the game. Soon, Savant would learn some wrestling from Gene Labell and Sambo from Gokor Chivichyan. Savant began fighting in the Neutral Grounds shows. Just as the fighting picked up, family time kicked into high gear with the arrival of his son and daughter. Once the kids were walking, and could be easily transported, Savant was back in the gym totting along 1 if not both of his babies.

Savant has never shied away from a tough fight. Whether it was a fight in Maui against the foot taller Kendall Grove, or a last minute bout in Edmonton, AB battling John Alessio. In an attempt to find his perfect weight class, Savant had his try at Chris Lytle and Gabe Rudeiger before deciding lightweight was for him. Savant gave up his full time gig for the thrill of the ring. He wouldn't know that his next bout would give him his nickname of "Black Superman" and a chance at a new full time career. Danny Suarez was the opponent that may have paved more success to Savant than in that single bout. The new fight organization came about, The International Fight League or IFL. As the lightweight on the Tokyo Sabres team, Savant saw a chance to fight in such large venues as the Los Angeles Forum in which he delivered a knock out to Adam Lynn in the same neighborhoods Savant grew up. From television crews documenting his fights, to behind the scenes training, the fight game was also suddenly broadcast to the world. Savant had numerous episodes showcase his talents and his family life. Jet setting became the norm as he was frequently across America promoting his fights, fighting, and traveling to Japan and Korea as a trainer. Savant enjoyed a year with the IFL and moved on to win against #2 ranked featherweight Takeshi Inoue in Japan's Shooto. He was honored last year to be on the same Pay Per View fight card with World Champion Fedor Emelianenko fighting for Affliction Ent.

Savant has been fortunate to have trained with some major players in the game. Whether it be Joe Charles, Antonio McKee, Rickson Gracie BB Bo Hershberger, Bob Sapp or Quinton "Rampage" Jackson to name a few. He has taken what he has learned through his fight career to mentor other young athletes. He recently was the strength and conditioning coach for a local youth football team. He also speaks and mentors at-risk youth. Savant is married and lives in the Pasadena area with his wife and two children. It is his hope that other children will enjoy the lessons and benefits MMA can offer.

Strengths:
Excellent Wrestling,Boxing and Submission Skills
Very knowledgeable of Conditioning as it Pertains to MMA
Current Active Pro MMA fighter

Herb Dean

Today Herb is the most seen referee in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) with well over 3500 professional MMA matches worldwide. His resume is packed with officiating matches for:

The Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC)
King of the Cage®
Gladiator Challenge®
International Fight League® (IFL)
World Extreme Combat® (WEC)
Fight Fest®
K-1 Heros®
HDNet® Friday Night Fights
The Gracie Fight Fest®

He can be seen on the hit Spike TV show The Ultimate Fighter® and Showtime Elite Extreme Combat®.

Herb has refereed some of the most memorable fights in UFC history including Tim Sylvia vs. Frank Mir, Tito Ortiz vs. Ken Shamrock, Stephan Bonner vs. Forrest Griffin and Tim Sylvia vs. Andre Arlovski. He as also refereed notable names such as Royce Gracie, Renzo Gracie, George St. Pierre, Chuck Liddell, Matt Huges, Quinton Jackson, Randy Couture, Anderson Silva and Urijah Faber.

Herb is not only a MMA referee but also a MMA fighter himself with a professional record of 2-3-0 with wins via submission and knockout. He holds a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Jiu Jitsu.

herbdean.com

Joseph Del Real

Certified by The WORLD MUAY THAI COUNCIL and Muay Thai Institute of Bangkok Thailand

Joseph was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, and has accumulated over 14 years of Martial Arts and Athletic training. Along with being one of the very few instructors certified by the World Muay Thai Council in North America, he is an accomplished martial artist with a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and Karate-Jutsu kickboxing and has vast experience in Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo.

Joseph intuitively knows how to motivate each student and sees each person as an individual who learns in their own unique way. He takes great pride and joy in his ability to help his students reach their personal goals.

While pursuing a B.A. in Linguistics, Joseph founded the UCLA Muay Thai program from which he continued to grow a steady following of students throughout the Los Angeles area. As its program director, Joseph trained well over 400 students, some of whom have continued their training to become professional fighters.

Dustin Arklin

Dustin Arklin began his martial arts training at the age of nine after his parents looked for a method of discipline for their children. After training for 5 Years he received his black belt in the art of Tae Kwon Do under the instruction of Master Charlie Shin in Valencia. Mr. Arklin began assisting on the floor of his TKD school after receiving his black belt. Shortly there after Dustin took over teaching classes full time and has evolved into being a great instructor. He joined the Fight Academy fight team in 2006 and has been one of us since.

As a fighter Mr. Arklin is full of life, exciting and has never left the fans sitting still. Before finishing high school Dustin had fought 4 MMA fights against men. He continues to fight, train, and inspire the people around him with his second to none work ethic. We are blessed to have Dustin on our teaching team.

Jeff Martin

Jeff Martin is a mixed martial artist fighting out of Fight Academy, and training, since 2004. He is Fight Academy’s most active fighter turning in ten exciting pro fights in just three years. His knowledge of kickboxing, wrestling and jiu-jitsu are equal and balanced. As the underdog Jeff accomplished the goal of many by becoming the Total Fighting Alliance featherweight champion on Nov. 15th 2008.

Jeff’s shares his knowledge of MMA from a humble, passive place, allowing students to enjoy his methods created through repetition in the cage.

Alex Jovica

Alex comes to us from the highly respected Degeberg Academy in Chicago, IL. He holds the rank of Third Degree Black Belt in Mr. Degeberg’s Martial Arts Blend System. His ability to work with children is second to none.