Our staff of well-trained, professional instructors have extensive backgrounds in many different forms of martial arts. Not only are they extremely proficient, but they also have the unique ability to relay this knowledge to others. Our instructors motivate students to achieve their goals and propel them to heights they never dreamed possible.

Professor

• 5th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do/ Kickboxing
• Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• Black Belt in Shorinji Kempo
• Pan American Silver Medalist

At age thirteen, Ryan began his martial arts training in a modern style of Tae Kwon Do / Kickboxing at the Jhoon Rhee Institute of Martial Arts. A childhood friend introduced Ryan to the school and to the idea of training in the martial arts. Initially he intended to train just two days a week as a casual hobby. After the first week of classes, he was hooked. Six days a week, five hours a day, and there was no stopping his thirst for knowledge for the martial arts. Once the brown belt level had been achieved, Ryan began teaching as an assistant instructor. By age sixteen, Ryan broke a record at the Jhoon Rhee Institute of Martial Arts in obtaining his first degree black belt. Within six months of becoming a black belt he found himself in the position of head instructor at the school. Ryan felt like his training needed to expand beyond the striking arts. The art of Shorinji Kempo was to be his next undertaking. Master Max Robin taught Ryan the wrist locks and defense techniques involved in the practice of Shorinji Kempo. In late 1993, he found what was to be his ultimate passion in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In March of 1996, Ryan received his blue belt from the infamous Rickson Gracie. Several years later he began studying Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu under his current Professor, Eduardo "Veio" de Lima. After over fourteen years of intense training, Ryan earned the coveted rank of Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Beyond the capacity to perform physically at a high level, Ryan has the unique ability to relay his knowledge to others. Whether teaching a young child how to interact with his/her peers, or a semi-professional fighter how to submit his opponent, Ryan has the patience and understanding to help all of his students. Giving back to the community and helping others is what the martial arts is really all about. Ryan strives to give his students the confidence and passion for life that the martial arts can provide.

Wrestling & Judo Coach

• World class International Wrestling Champion
• Black Belt in Judo
• Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• Coached at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China
• 2008 Canada Cup Champion
• 2007-2008 Hillsborough County Wrestling Coach of the Year

Program Director Robert J. Cook, Operations and Office Manager, has a Phd in business management and years of experience in operating small businesses. He has teamed up with his son, Ryan, to help operate the school. He divides the business into two sections - operations and teaching. He says, "Ryan is invaluable as an instructor, but dealing with all the other aspects of running a business is where my interests lie. Together we create a 'synergistic' combination. I consider it an honor to be able to work with Ryan in running what I consider one of the best martial arts schools in the area."

Assistant Instructor for the Kids Programs

• Black Belt in Evolution MMA
• Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brent Gallo has been training in the Martial Arts for most of his life under the direction of Professor Ryan Cook. He is a top level competitor who places in virtually every grappling tournament he enters. Brent has the unique ability of being able to fully understand and articulate the various details involved in the martial arts. "It is so nice to have an instructor who has the knowledge, patience and desire to help children learn and develop in today's society." - Ryan Cook

Instructor Seth Ronchetti started training in the martial arts ten years ago while enrolled at the University of Illinois. He was promoted to the rank of Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Ryan Cook. While primarily focusing on Brazilian jiu-jitsu, over the years Seth has also trained in goshin jitsu, jeet kune do, judo, kickboxing, krav maga, and the stick and knife fighting of the Phillipino martial arts. He enjoys learning, teaching, and competing which he believes helps make him a well-rounded practitioner of the martial arts. He believes in the philosophy that there is no single correct way for all martial artists, but that each individual must find his or her own way.

Instructor Instructor Jason Scarbrough started training Mixed Martial Arts in Dallas Fort Worth Texas nine years ago. After moving to Tampa, he continued his training and has earned the rank of Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Ryan Cook. Jason competes regularly in the Pan-American and World Jiu-Jitsu Championships in California, and has trained with some of the top MMA fighters in the world. Jason has also been actively training Muay Thai for over three years with our good friends at Khanomtom Muay Thai.