Head Coach Chris Mize
Head Instructor
"The Human Catalyst", founder of Heroes Martial Arts Academy is one of the most experienced reality based martial arts instructors in Alabama. Starting his training in early 1984 in Judo, he has been on a journey of self discovery and technical refinement ever since. After the urgings of training partners he opened the first Mixed Martial Arts gym in the State. He has been referred to as "The Godfather of Alabama MMA", having directly or indirectly trained a majority of the prominent MMA Instructors in the area. His experience goes well beyond combative sports. Having trained Military Special Operations Units and Civilian Law Enforcement officers in Combatives and Special Tactics. Technical expertise aside, Chris' greatest strength is his ability to "connect" to his audience. Whether that is a group of 4 year olds or Navy SEALs, he is "The Man"
3rd Degree Black Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu under Master Pedro Sauer
Lead Instructor - Total Defense
Coach Level 2 in Combat Submission Wrestling under Sensei Erik Paulson
Civilian Tactical (C-TAC) Phase 4 Instructor
Coach Robby Eaton
Adult/Kids Instructor
Robby Eaton has a combined 26 years of experience within multiple styles of martial arts. He first started traditional Japanese karate at the age of 12 in the Style of Wado Ryu at IJKA under Sensei David Pope. Robby holds ranking of 1st degree black belt in Kyokushin Karate trained under Sensei Paul Rhodes and Sensei Don Monistere at UMA Karate. He has competed and placed in many full contact fighting and Jiu Jitsu tournaments.
Robby achieved the rank of black belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu by Professor Pedro Sauer Gracie in 2018 under Coach Chris Mize at Heroes Martial Arts Academy. He is a Coach Level 1 in Erik Paulson’s Combat Submission Wrestling (CSW). Robby also trains in Total Defense, CSW, STX Kickboxing, and C-TAC. He has experience teaching age groups ranging from 6 years old to retirees. He is dedicated to helping individuals reaching their full potential and goals. Coach Robby currently holds the rank of 3rd degree black belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu and continues to train and promote the art.
3rd Degree Black Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu
Coach Level 1 in CSW
Coach Steve Brown
Adult Instructor
Steven Brown started training with Pedro Sauer affiliate in Mobile, Al with Pat Langan He recieved his blue belt from Master Sauer in December of 2009 and after relocating to Birmingham for business, started training with Chris Mize and the instructors at Heroes Martial Arts Academy. After five years as a blue belt, Steven was promoted to purple in October of 2014. Steven has a strong technical influence and has attended seminars and trained with Ryron Gracie, Royce Gracie, Pedro Sauer, Allen Hopkins, Rener Gracie, Ralek Gracie, Kron Gracie, Rickson Gracie,Kid Peligro, Royler Gracie and many others. After starting jiu jitsu at 248lbs and getting down to 200lbs in just 6 months, Steven has dedicated himself to a pursuit of a healthy lifestyle through the art of Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
Black Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu
Coach Brandon VanSlambrouck
Adult/Kids Instructor
Brandon VanSlambrouck began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2006 at the age of 16. Over the past two decades, BJJ has become a major part of his life, both as a competitor and as an instructor.
Brandon co-founded the U.S. Naval Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Team, helping establish a program that continues to thrive today. His experience building and developing a team has shaped his approach to teaching: technical instruction, hard work, camaraderie, and an emphasis on helping every student improve.
As a competitor, Brandon has earned multiple bracket wins and medals in NAGA and The Good Fight competitions. His competitive experience has given him a deep appreciation for both the technical and practical aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Brandon also holds a brown belt in Kyokushin Karate and has studied boxing and Muay Thai, giving him a well-rounded background in martial arts and combat sports.
As an instructor, Brandon's goal is to create an environment where students of all experience levels can develop their skills, build confidence, and enjoy the lifelong journey of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Coach Philip Petersen
Adult Instructor
Philip is a BJJ black belt, who has been fascinated by, and trained in, several martial arts, since childhood. He has competed professionally and/or in amateur Muay Thai, mixed martial arts (MMA), bare knuckle (Kyokushin style) karate, amateur boxing, judo, submission grappling, and BJJ. He has also trained in “ancient” Asian and European weapons and fencing, and escrima/kali. He has a lifetime of training with, and using, firearms from an early age. He continued this training, starting at age 17 and with much larger weapons, when he joined the Army. Philip’s knowledge of close combat has led him to be utilized as an expert witness in legal proceedings.
Coach Chris Magyar
Adult/Kids Instructor
Chris Magyar began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu after a successful career in healthcare technology. He previously trained in Japanese Jujitsu, Russian Sombo and Judo. He operated the Birmingham Sombo Club from ‘98-‘07.
In addition to BJJ, Chris has extensive training in integrated combatives (full spectrum self protection), competitive and defensive firearms, and trauma medicine. His approach emphasizes practical, evidence-based instruction and helping students understand not just how techniques work, but why and when their use is appropriate.
Whether teaching children, new students, or experienced practitioners, his goal is to create capable, confident individuals that are difficult to victimize.
Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
1st degree Black Belt in Russian Sombo
Civilian Tactical (C-TAC) Phase 1 Instructor
Rangemaster Professional Pistolcraft Instructor; NRA Certified Pistol Instructor & Range Safety Officer
Massad Ayoob Group: Use of Deadly Force Instructor
Operates The Firearms Concierge and Kraken Combatives
Additional instructor certifications and credentials available here.
Coach Casey Reed
Adult/Kids Instructor
With over 8 years of combined martial arts experience, my training focuses primarily on Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, along with striking arts including Kickboxing and Muay Thai, as well as Combatives.
I have accumulated over 700 hours of experience instructing both adults and children, with an emphasis on youth bully-proofing, personal safety, and practical self-defense through jiu jitsu.
3 Stripe Purple Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Level 1 S.A.F.E. Instructor under Professor Leonardo Xavier and Professor Corey Richardson
Member of the Jiu-Jitsu Global Federation (JJGF)