Our Instructors at Shackelford’s Mixed Martial Arts Center consist of professional fighters and the most experienced coaches in the area. They have worked with everybody from beginner to pro, for self defense, hobby and competition. Our Instructors are passionate about their sport and classes, they are very friendly and approachable. Everyone of them is here to help you reach your goals and enjoy your training to the fullest.



- Owner and Head Instructor
- Teaches or assists in all
   classes

John David Shackelford is a brown belt in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and also an accomplished mixed martial arts fighter who has fought throughout the US and Europe. His experience spans well over 9 years and includes many jiu jistu competitions, fights in such promotions as the IFL , Showtime's Elite XC, and various seminars.



- Advanced BJJ

Tim Galluzzi, our Advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach holds the rank of Purple belt and is a professional Mixed Martial Arts competitor. Tim has competed in some of the largest Mixed Martial Arts organizations in the world including King of the Cage and Bellator! Tim has one of the hardest work ethics we have ever seen! He is an over achiever in every aspect of his life, setting goals very high. This work ethic flows over in the way he runs his class! Although he is young, Tim is a very inspiring role model for all as he leads by example. He knows exactly what it takes to reach goals and that is why he is our advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach!



- Kids martial arts

Jamie Houston, our kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach, has been training at Shackelford's MMA Center for over 2 years. Coach Houston has been recognized and awarded "Shackelford's MMA Center's Hardest Work Ethic" and "Shackelford's MMA Center's Most Improved Student". Jamie has ranked 10th as well as 8th in amateur mixed martial arts competition rankings for the Tennessee area by Aroundtheoctogon.com. He has since moved from competing as an amateur to competing as a professional MMA combatant and currently holds the rank of Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Jamie moved into teaching the kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes so he could extend his abilities in the martial arts to those who want to learn the fine art. Having children himself, he finds it very rewarding to be able to help children develop life skills and fulfill their dreams through a sport that he is so passionate about.



- Advanced MMA Kickboxing

Jamie Langstaff is our Muay Thai kickboxing coach. He begain his martial arts studies in 1986 and has competed against and trained champions. Kru Jamie brings a wealth of martial arts knowledge and he enjoys watching his students grow into better martial artist! He runs a very fun and fast paced class that will get you in great shape! There is not another kickboxing coach in the area that has the experience Kru Jamie does! He also serves as our fight teams cut man while cornering them for their bouts! We are very excited to have Kru Jamie on our staff!



- Intro BJJ

Mike Hunter is our Intro level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach. Mike has competed in both Jiu-Jitsu tournaments and in MMA. His passion lies in teaching and helping people reach their goals in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and fitness! He is very passionate and upbeat when it comes to his students, always there to offer advise and praise for your dedication and hard work! Mike works very well with beginner students helping them feel welcomed, motivated and learn all there is to know about their new found hobby/sport. He is the golden standard for what a coach to new students should be.


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