State representatives are assigned their positions through a selection process. The National Coordinating director does extensive research on each and every applicant. Applicants are chosen by their experience, their moral fiber, and their ability to work as a team player. Leadership skills are a mainstay of all of the chosen applicants and these men have all demonstrated leadership skill and a high degree of ethics in their work. Their goal is to develop their State through coordinating with each other in mutual cooperation and training, utilizing the USAMMA staff to help benefit our country’s growth.

ALABAMA

– Keith Johnson

Keith is the 2001 Alabama Wrestling HS State Champion and holds a Professional MMA fight record of 5-2. He currently co-operates a gym in Auburn, Alabama with Randall Phillips and Andy Roberts where they teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Judo, Kickboxing and Submission Grappling. They also teach a variety of Fitness courses including Kickboxing and Kettle Bell.

ALASKA

- TBD

ARIZONA

– Jim Prendergast

Jim holds the title of NCAA Division 1 All-American Wrestler for Missouri State University in 1993 and was inducted into the University Hall of Fame in 2007 with a record of 108-46-1. After moving to Arizona, he remained active in his training and support for martial arts and wrestling as an official with training provided by Ralph Cook, Rod Wilson, John McCarthy, Ivan Rangelov and Chris Tognoni. He is very active in Nevada officiating MMA events at a variety of top Las Vegas venues since 2009.

Jim will support USA MMA KI Federation in Arizona and Nevada. Due to location and area coverage by officials, Jim works events in both Nevada and Arizona and is well respected by organizers and directors in both regions.

ARKANSAS

– William McLaughlin

William McLaughlin is long time student and professor of mixed martial arts in Arkansas. He has practiced martial arts since 1999. In his time he has achieved accolades in multiple arts. He has a 1st degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. William also holds a 3rd degree black belt in kickboxing under the late Joe Lewis. He also is a professional MMA fighter with a record of 5-3-0. He currently owns and instructs at two martial arts gyms in Cabot and Searcy Arkansas. Both of his gyms have seen a large list of accomplishments across the country. William has judged, cornered, and refereed hundreds of various events. It is easy to see that martial arts of all kinds are a large part of William’s life that he often volunteers his time to because of his love for the sport.

CALIFORNIA

– Randy Bloom

Randy trained with Joe Moreira for 22 years earning a fourth degree Black Belt. In 2008, he worked directly with Larry Ervin and Frank Munoz of the California State Athletic Commission to develop Rules for Amateur Fighting. He is a sought after Referee for MMA events in the USA, Canada, Mexico, El Salvador and Barcelona Spain. He has received certification from Alvaro Mansor and Carlos Gracie, Jr for CBJJ and IBJJF. He also holds certifications from Carlos Diaz and Brett Boycee A.D.C.C.

Beto is an active instructor in Gainesville, Florida as well as the current NAGA Black Belt Tennessee State Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Champion. He is also an active Referee and competitor in NAGA and International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Tournaments

GEORGIA

- Jacare Cavalcanti

Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti is one of the best instructors in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu history, having coached hundreds of fighters and produced some of the best the world has seen in Grappling, including Fabio Gurgel, Alexandre Paiva, Leonardo Vieira, Ricardo Vieira, Rodrigo “Comprido”, to name a few. One of the founding fathers of the Alliance academy, Romero Cavalcanti moved to the United States from his native Brazil in 1995, where grew the team. Jacare was also awarded the “On The Mat” Instructor of the Year award in 2009.

HAWAII

– Egan Inoue

In 1996, Inoue won the World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship in the blue belt division. He was the first American to win the title. He then returned to Brazil in 1997 and won the World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship in the absolute purple belt division. He now holds a 2nd degree black belt in Jiu Jitsu. Inoue went on to fight professionally in MMA. He retired in 2003 but came out of retirement on May 5, 2008 beating Hans Marrero by TKO at a X-1 – Legends, an mma show held at the Neil S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Inoue’s MMA record is 13 wins with 8 losses. He has opened up three MMA training schools in the state of Hawaii. Egan’s MMA career led him to fights in Pride, Shooto, Superbrawl and Luminex Cup. He enjoyed a successful career with five world championship titles.

IDAHO

– Jeremy Horn

MMA Champion, Jeremy Horn manages Elite Performance Gym out of Salt Lake City, Utah offering martial arts training and general fitness. He also hosts Jeremy Horn’s Elite Fight Night, an MMA showcase held approximately once per month in Sandy, Utah that gives local MMA fans the opportunity to support their hometown fighters competing in a professional venue.

ILLINIOS

– Bob Schirmer

An 8th degree Black Belt, Bob has fought on five continents representing the United States of America in jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, San Shou, and Tae Kwon Do. Competing in Mixed Martial Arts when there were no weight classes and no time limits, Bob fought for twenty straight minutes, against the unbeaten Gracie family, 10 Time World Champion and 6 Time Greco Champion Carlson Gracie Jr. Bob Schirmer has been instrumental in the development of Jiu-Jitsu and MMA in the United States. He has been strong supporter of safety Rules and Regulations.

INDIANA

– Chris Lytle

UFC Champion, Chris Lytle, has been involved in the sport since the early days. With over 15 professional boxing matches and nearly 60 pro MMA fights, he’s traveled with the Japanese organization Pancrase in addition to his representation with the UFC.

IOWA

- Eli Schuettler

Eli has been a martial arts enthusiast for over 20 years with experience studying American Boxing, Judo, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Sambo, Krav Maga, and Jiu Jitsu and the Modern Army Combatives Program. He met Pat Miletich in 1995 and began my study of Miletich fighting Systems. Under his guidance he began to compete in Mixed Martial Arts matches. He successfully participated in and won the 1998 Midwest Amateur Championship and the 1998 Amateur National Championship. He continued to compete in amateur and professional MMA matches until he was called upon to serve my country when the war in Iraq begun. Although he has experienced gaps in his studies due to my military service and deployments, he always comes back to MFS. Since my last deployment I have been actively engaged in judging MMA matches and training MMA athletes. I was presented the opportunity to purchase the fitness facility that MFS calls home as well as manage MFS and all its athletes.

KANSAS

– Rob Hulett

Robert Hulett is the owner of Midwest Fight League hosting events in Kansas and Missouri. He discovered Mixed Martial Arts in 1997 and began competing as part of Greg Jackson’s team before going pro. The Midwest Fight League has presided over 70 MMA events and has included a number of very talented fighters who have since moved onto professional arenas. As a coach, he owns Hulett House Gym, where he develops amateur champions and six Missouri state champions who have gone on to compete in Bellatore, Titan, K1 and Strikeforce.

KENTUCKY

– Bob Schirmer

An 8th degree Black Belt, Bob has fought on five continents representing the United States of America in jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, San Shou, and Tae Kwon Do. Competing in Mixed Martial Arts when there were no weight classes and no time limits, Bob fought for twenty straight minutes, against the unbeaten Gracie family, 10 Time World Champion and 6 Time Greco Champion Carlson Gracie Jr. Bob Schirmer has been instrumental in the development of Jiu-Jitsu and MMA in the United States. He has been strong supporter of safety Rules and Regulations.

Lousiana

– Rich Clementi

Rich is not only a decorated U.S. Naval veteran serving as a Military Police Officer, but a professional martial arts athlete as well. A 12 time UFC Veteran, Rich has participated in over 70 MMA bouts in over 12 years. As the longest running promoter in the State of Lousiana, Rich has developed a very strong relationship with the state sports commission. His credits in the state include working with the boxing commission to develop rules and regulations for MMA. He also operates “Clementi’s Gladiators Academy” in Slidell, LA.

MAINE

– Dale Hartt

Started Martial training at the age of eight ,Tae kwon do National Champion at twelve at the age of fourteen began Judo , Aikido, Joined the US Navy and study Jiu-Jitsu with Lionel Perez. Study Muay Thai with Tom Burke. Started training with Marcus Davis and fought in the UFC 2007 and in 2009. Study Kineaselogy at the University of North Florida.

MARYLAND

– Renzo Gracie

A Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Carlos Gracie Jr. and a retired mixed martial arts fighter, Renzo is member of the Gracie family of Brazil. He is the son of Robson Gracie, grandson of Carlos Gracie, nephew of Carlos Gracie, Jr. and grandnephew of Helio Gracie. A world famous Jiu-Jitsu coach, Gracie has helped train a number of professional fighters such as: Matt Serra, Ricardo Almeida, Georges St. Pierre, Frank Edgar, Rolles Gracie, Chris Weidman, Kyra Gracie and Roy Nelson.

MASSACHUSETTS

- Kirik Jenness

( pending )

MICHIGAN

– Marc Fennell under the direction of Dan Severn

( pending )

MINNESOTA

– Greg Nelson

Mr. Nelson is well known as one of the best Mixed Martial Arts coach in the sport. He has developed numerous world champions in both MMA and Muay Thai with athletes holding victories in all of the major fight organizations worldwide; including the UFC, WEC, Pride Bushido, Elite XC, Strikeforce, Sengoku, BodogFIGHT, Shooto, King of the Cage, Super Brawl, Hook-n-Shoot, Prince’s Cup Thailand, Sanshou Championships in Bejing China, All-Osaka Shoot Boxing Championships in Osaka, Japan and many more.

MISSISSIPPI

– James Sharp

James’s childhood home is in Louisiana, as an adult, he resides in Mississppi. He has trained with UFC fighter Alan “The Talent” Belcher for over eight years fighting for Strikeforce. He is the head MMA instructor at Alan Belcher MMA club in Diberville, MS and also trains and manages the gyms MMA fight team at the club. He is a Black Belt in Muay Thai, a four stripe Purple Belt in Jiu Jitsu, and he enjoys wrestling. He is currently the Fight Force International Welterweight Champion and holds a professional record of 15-6-0.

MISSOURI

– Mike Rogers

Head instructor Mike Rogers has been traning under Rodrigo Vaghi since 1997, and is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Mike was also an All American wrestler at SIUE graduating with a teaching degree, 2 time Golden Gloves Boxing Champion under the guidance of Jim Howe, and former #1 ranked light heavyweight contender in King of the Cage. Mike has a record of 14-3 in MMA with wins over such top-notch fighters as Travis Fulton and Greg Wikan. He is the former head wrestling coach at McCluer high school, coaching 5 state place finishers including Tyron Woodley to a undefeated senior season at 48-0, placing 1st in the state and 3rd in the country. Mike was also the assistant wrestling coach at Meramec junior college for 2 seasons. At St. Charles MMA Mike has coached fighters at all levels from amateur to the UFC. In 2009 SCMMA was the St. Louis Golden Gloves team champions.

MONTANA

- TBD

NEBRASKA

– Houston Alexander

Houston Alexander is an American professional mixed martial artist, who fights as a light heavyweight and heavyweight. He also works as a DJ in North Omaha, Nebraska.[1] In his MMA career he holds notable victories over Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, Alessio Sakara and Keith Jardine, all by stoppage due to strikes.

NEVADA

– Jim Prendergast

Jim holds the title of NCAA Division 1 All-American Wrestler for Missouri State University in 1993 and was inducted into the University Hall of Fame in 2007 with a record of 108-46-1. After moving to Arizona, he remained active in his training and support for martial arts and wrestling as an official with training provided by Ralph Cook, Rod Wilson, John McCarthy, Ivan Rangelov and Chris Tognoni. He is very active in Nevada officiating MMA events at a variety of top Las Vegas venues since 2009.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

- Joe Fortier / Nate Lamotte

Started off practicing professional wrestling moves with my best friend at recess Joined wrestling team in 7th grade. Wrestled 5 years.Started doing japanese jiu jitsu at 14. I have a black belt under osensei joe pulieo. Started bjj in 2002. Got my blue belt under the great Sergio Penha. Got my purple belt under Joe D’Arce, and my brown belt from the Vamos Brothers.Soon to be a black belt….Undefeated pro mma 2 – 0Currently a referee for NAGA for past ten years, and training for Combat-Do Black belt under Master Bob Schirmer.

NEW MEXICO

- Anselmo Martinez

Anselmo has been involved with Martial Arts since 2004. During my time he has competed in Kickboxing, Boxing, MMA, and Jui-Jitsu. As an amateur he was 13-2 in Kickboxing and 10-4 MMA before turning Pro. My professional record ended up at 2-0 Boxing and 9-5 MMA. In addition to operating and teaching at his own gym, The Eagles Nest MMA, he has experience as a matchmaker, promoter, event coordinator, and referee. In addition to his Purple Belt in Jui Jitsu earned under Tony Bonello, his more recent international accomplishments include representing Team USA Kickboxing and earning a Silver Medal in the Mens Low Kick in the Pan American Games as well as earning Champion in Mens Full Contact -81kg at the Irish Open – both in 2012.

NEW YORK

– Renzo Gracie

A Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Carlos Gracie Jr. and a retired mixed martial arts fighter, Renzo is member of the Gracie family of Brazil. He is the son of Robson Gracie, grandson of Carlos Gracie, nephew of Carlos Gracie, Jr. and grandnephew of Helio Gracie. A world famous Jiu-Jitsu coach, Gracie has helped train a number of professional fighters such as: Matt Serra, Ricardo Almeida, Georges St. Pierre, Frank Edgar, Rolles Gracie, Chris Weidman, Kyra Gracie and Roy Nelson.

NORTH CAROLINA

– Steve Hall

A competitive athlete, respected trainer and referee, Steve began competing in mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions in 1998 and holds an amateur record of 4-1 and pro record of 3-2. He also holds the current record for one of the longest MMA fights in Florida history – 48 minutes with no breaks. Since moving to North Carolina in 2007 Steve now runs one of the largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) teams in the Charlotte area and has led his team to win several MMA fights, and countless World, National, State and regional medals in BJJ. He is known for being one of the most technical instructors in the Carolinas, and his gym – Fight To Win – was named “The Best School in the South East” by the North American Grappling Association (NAGA).

NORTH DAKOTA

- TBD

OHIO

– Dustin Ware

Dustin holds a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under UFC and Strikeforce veteran Jorge Gurgel. He also owns and operates the Ohio Combat Sports Academy in Central Ohio. Dustin has one of the top Jiu-Jitsu and MMA teams in Ohio. He has been instrumental in the development of MMA and Jiu-jitsu in Ohio for 15 years.

With over 15 years of training martial arts, Piet Wilhelm is considered by many to be one of the top Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructors in the Midwest. He is the only jiu-jitsu teacher in Oklahoma who has served in the military to lead troops in and out of combat using his experiences from martial arts. Piet received both his blue belt and his purple belt from Henrique Stefani who happens to be a black belt from legendary NAFA founder Renato Tavares. After Henrique relocated his family to Canada, Piet became a student of Renato Tavares from American Top Team, where he earned his brown belt and black belt (October 23, 2010). Since Piet has been in Tulsa, he has been instrumental in leading many people to success. He is the co-founder of The Triton Fight Centers, where many mixed martial arts fighters and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu players come to train.

OREGON

– Edward Sheridan

Ed has been involved in wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since the age of 12. Currently holding a brown belt in BJJ, I have found my niche over the years to be in refereeing the sports I love. An active member of the PIAA or Pennsylvania Intramural Athletic Association, I have been refereeing wrestling at the middle and high school level since 2006 as well as lending a hand in coaching at local youth programs. With Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I have held the job of referee with NAGA since 2007, in which time I have officiated hundreds of events across 30 states, and 3 nations including 5 trips to the Hawaiian championships on Oahu, two trips to the European championships in Paris, France and multiple trips to Canada. Holding several local grappling and Jiu-Jitsu titles myself, I am thrilled to be taking this next step in my career in martial arts and helping regulate competition in Pennsylvania.

PUERTO RICO

- Angelo Rivera

Angelo M. Rivera sr. Born in Arroyo Puerto Rico. I’m 48yrs at 5’9 and old 230 lbs. A Child&Youth Development Specialist for Inner City (Prevention/Interventions) Social Service for 17 yrs. Security Guard&Bodyguard till Present Day. Graduating 2013 from Northwestern College as a Massage Therapist. I started Fighting for my Life in The Streets of Chicago. A dark skin Latino growing up in a Italian nieborhood. I started off as a Boxer in High School. I Won Illinois State Chicago Golden Glove in The Masters Division in my early 30s. A Illinois State Karate, 2X TBA Kickboxing Championship. I recieved 3 Black Belts in different styles of Karate. I learned that fighting in Cagefights I still needed more to my Arsenal. So I started Grappling and became a 7X World Juijitsu, 9X NAGA and Cutthroat Champion. Im a Combat-Do Juijitsu high Brown Belt…. Thank You Coach O’Shea, Arturo Salas, Master Chino/Eddie/Luis and especially you Master Bob Schirmer. I Adapted, Indured, Overcame and Survived!

RHODE ISLAND

- TBD

SOUTH CAROLINA

– Jason Gates

( pending )

SOUTH DAKOTA

- Joshua Usera

( pending )

TENNESSEE

– Nate Kittredge

- Andrew Correa

Andrew Correa is the head instructor of Jiu-Jitsu NOW!, a program located inside of “BJJ and MMA – Training Center Gym” in Chantilly, VA. Andrew is a certified 2nd Degree Black-Belt (under the CBJJ) with more than 20 years experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has trained directly under Master Wilson Mattos (9th degree red belt). In addition to focusing time on his students, Andrew is often seen refereeing local and national events for BJJ, submission grappling, & MMA.

WASHINGTON

– Jeff Houghland

Jeff is the former bantamweight for the UFC. He’s been involved in MMA since 1999 but also holds a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He has been coaching and training athletes at his own gym, Combat Sport and Fitness in Washington, since 2008. In 2011 he was named Northwest Fight Scene Coach of the Year.

WEST VIRGINIA

– Butch Hiles

MMA Trainer, Butch Hiles, produced more legitimate champions than any other training facility in West Virginia history as well as many championships that were the firsts of its kind in the state. Champions ranged from Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts, Boxing forms.

WISCONSIN

– Duke Roufus

Jeff “Duke” Roufus is an American former kickboxer who is now one of the top trainers as head coach of the Roufusport competition team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. He is one of the most recognizable striking coaches in North America, and is considered to be one of the top trainers of Muay Thai outside of Thailand.

WYOMING

- TBD