Instructors
Eric Turner
Mr. Turner is the head instructor and owner of KMAA. It is his vision that KMAA become one of the leading schools in the South-East. Through the help of his students and KMAA family that vision has become a reality.
Mr. Turner's strengths:
- Passionate teacher
- Makes learning fun
- Patient, Persistant, Positive
Mr. Turner currently teaches class at the West Knoxville school on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and all of the Pigeon Forge classes.
Joey Zonar
Mr. Zonar has been training at KMAA since 2002. In that time he has traveled all over the South-East and compiled an MMA record of 5 wins and 3 losses, a kickboxing record of 2 wins and 1 loss and too many grappling wins to recall.
Mr. Zonar's strengths:
- Great kickboxing skills
- Solid in every aspect of MMA
- Great teacher
Mr. Zonar currently teaches the Monday adult classes and assists in the adult class.
David Blackburn
Mr. Blackburn has been training at KMAA since 2003. Before he came to us at KMAA, Mr. Blackburn compiled an extensive background in Brazilian Jujutsu, Sambo and Judo.
Mr. Blackburn's strengths:
- Very technical grappler
- Solid standup
- Extensive MMA knowledge
Mr. Blackburn currently teaches in the adult class and is an assistant instructor in the Teenagers class.
Matt Norman
Mr. Norman has been training at KMAA since 2007. Already versed in MMA training, Mr. Norman is a boxing coach par excellence.
Mr. Norman's strengths:
- Very technical boxer
- Fantastic boxing
- Practical knowledge of boxing within MMA
Mr. Norman currently teaches in the adult class
Rafaello "Tractor" Oliviera
Rafaello is a lifelong student of BJJ, earning his blackbelt from Prof. Andre Pederneiras head of the prestigious Nova União Academy in Brazil. Rafé is also a very well-rounded and capable MMA fighter who has fought in numerous MMA organizations the world over, including three times in the world-famous UFC!
Professor Oliviera's strengths:
- BJJ blackbelt
- Complete understanding of both grappling and MMA strengths
- Excellent teaching ability
Prof. Oliviera currently is the coach of the BJJ program and occassionally teaches the MMA classes.
Chris Grosch
Mr. Grosch has been training at KMAA since 2006. A former amateur MMA champion, Mr. Grosch has since retired due to an eye injury however his knowledge of MMA and his love for teaching make him an invaluable instructor.
Mr. Grosch's strengths:
- Wrestled in the Navy
- Thorough understanding of MMA
- Love of teaching
Mr. Grosch currently teaches in the adult class as well as the early afternoon class at KMAA.
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Program Director
Nicole McGaha
Ms. McGaha has been at KMAA since 2008. She is a lifelong friend of Mr. Turner and has extensive knowledge of the MMA world. However, Ms. McGaha's expertise is running an efficient and productive business-place. She ensures that everything runs in a timely and orderly fashion.
Ms. McGaha's strengths:
- Good management skills
- People friendly
- Extensive MMA knowledge
Ms. McGaha can be found at KMAA just about anytime the doors are open.