Meet the Instructors: Expert Coaching at Creighton MMA
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts has become the hottest, most demanded, and fastest growing martial arts disciplines in the world. It is hard to find legitimate and reputable world class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA instructors that you can learn from, but if you live in the Atlanta area then you are in luck! Paul Creighton earned and was awarded his black belt under world renowned Renzo Gracie. Renzo Gracie will go down in history as one of the world’s best Mixed Martial Arts fighters. He is also known for being one of the worlds most technical and thorough Brazilian Jiu-jitsu instructors. With Paul’s extensive competition background and training he has developed curriculums for each program at his academy.
Paul Creighton – Head Instructor - 4th Degree Black Belt
Paul Creighton began studying martial arts at the age of five. He started with wrestling, and wrestled competitively throughout high school and college. As a competitive wrestler in high school and college, Creighton compiled a 134-16-1 (win-loss-tie) record and was a Junior Olympic Gold Medalist. While obtaining his Bachelors degree in health science at SUNY Brockport, Paul began goshin jutsu karate, Japanese ju-jitsu, and judo where he went on to obtain a Black Belt in each of these disciplines.
Josh Bowie – 2nd Degree Black Belt BJJ
Josh originally began his Jiu-Jitsu training with Paul in 1998 and was Paul’s first student. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice at Georgia State University before returning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training when Paul opened his academy. Josh has achieved the rank of 2nd-degree Black Belt and thrives in teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Creighton Mixed Martial Arts Academy. Known for his instructional skills, Josh has a knack for simplifying techniques to ensure that students of all ranks can grasp them effectively.
Bray Deavours – 3rd Degree Black Belt BJJ
Bray has always had a passion for grappling arts, starting from his competitive wrestling days in high school. After completing his Bachelor's Degree at James Madison University and his Masters in Business at the University of Georgia, Bray sought to continue his training and competing journey. In May 2003, he found Creighton MMA Academy and became one of Paul's first students, eventually earning the rank of 3rd-degree Black Belt. Bray is a Silver Medalist in the no-gi Masters/Seniors Pan American Games and a Casca Grossa and NAGA champion. His rare combination of being a great competitor and instructor makes him an invaluable asset to the martial arts community.
Justin Parsons – 3rd Degree Black Belt BJJ
Justin has an extensive background in grappling, with 12 years of experience in wrestling before discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has trained exclusively under Paul and currently holds a 3rd-degree Black Belt, showcasing his technical prowess on the mat. Justin is a dedicated student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, investing extra time in studying the art and paying close attention to detail. As an instructor at Creighton MMA, Justin takes pleasure in sharing his technical knowledge with students at the academy.
Isaac Eberle – 2nd Degree Black Belt BJJ – Black Belt CMMA
Isaac has evolved into a well-rounded fighter since joining Creighton Mixed Martial Arts Academy, blending his stand-up striking and grappling techniques seamlessly. His technical, calm, and patient approach has led to success in both grappling and MMA events. Isaac applies these attributes as he teaches our kids' program, MMA striking, and Fitness Kickboxing classes at Creighton MMA Academy.
As an undefeated amateur MMA competitor, Isaac has transitioned to a successful professional career, maintaining an undefeated record. He holds a 2nd-degree Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Paul and a Black belt in Creighton’s Mixed Martial Arts ranking system. Isaac is notably the first student to receive a Black Belt in Paul's inner academy MMA ranking system.
Tyler Driskell – 2nd Degree Black Belt BJJ
Tyler Driskell joined us full-time after graduating from Georgia College and State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health and Human Services. During college, he trained and taught Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Frank Mullis at the Milledgeville Academy of Mixed Martial Arts. Tyler holds a 2nd-degree black belt under Paul and has an extensive competition record, including titles such as IBJJF (No-Gi) World Champion 2017 and Open weight IBJJF (No-Gi) World Champion 2017. Known for his high energy and passion for teaching, Tyler is dedicated to helping others improve their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills at Creighton MMA. Tyler also heads up our kids' classes, Fitness Kickboxing and Total Body Fitness classes as well.
Chris Jones – 1st Degree Black Belt BJJ - Yellow Belt CMMA
Chris Jones came to Creighton MMA & Fitness with a wrestling background and was a natural in the gentle art of jiu-jitsu since day one. Chris loves to compete, and has been very successful in many international competitions. In IBJJF Masters competitions Chris has compelled a very strong resume with a gold medal at the 2017 IBJJF (Gi) World Championships, 2017 gold medal at the IBJJF (No-Gi) World Championships, 2017 gold at the (Gi) Pan American Championships, 2017 gold at the (No-Gi) Pan American Championships, a 2-time silver medalist at the IBJJF World Championships and over 10 gold medals at the Atlanta Open. Chris is a black belt under Paul Creighton in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a yellow belt in our MMA ranking system. In addition to this, Chris has also lost a total of 55 pounds since his first day at Creighton MMA & Fitness. You can find Chris teaching and assisting in our BJJ classes each week.
Chris is also a Marine where he joined straight out of high school and is an Iraq combat action veteran. We thank you, and all the military, for your service Chris.
Chris Hughes – 1st Degree Black Belt BJJ
Chris Hughes started his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2001, delving into competition in 2003 and competing in tournaments across Georgia and some International IBJJF competitions. He achieved his Black Belt under Paul in 2016 and is currently a first degree black belt. Chris graduated from Eastern Illinois University in Chicago with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
Alex Jutis – 1st Degree Black Belt BJJ
Alex Jutis is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Paul Creighton and is highly active in competitions worldwide. He has achieved remarkable success, including being a No-Gi IBJJF Masters World Champion, 3-time No-Gi Pan American Masters Champion, Pan American Masters Silver Medalist, and Masters World Championships Bronze Medalist. Alex also boasts numerous medals from various IBJJF Open tournaments across the country. He occasionally leads and instructs our 6:30 am BJJ classes on Tuesday mornings and is the owner of a successful chain of chiropractic offices in the Atlanta area, having earned his Bachelor's degree in History from Binghamton University in New York and his Chiropractic degree from Life University in Georgia.
Orlando Correa – Black Belt BJJ – Blue Belt CMMA
Orlando has been an active member of our BJJ and MMA programs for many years, excelling in both disciplines and competing in local, national and international BJJ tournaments. He holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a blue belt in our MMA system. Orlando, originally from Georgia and a Collins Hill High School alum, is known for his patience, humility, and passion in teaching basic MMA striking skills to new students.
Randy Toussaint – Black Belt BJJ – Green Belt CMMA
Randy embarked on his martial arts journey with us 5 years ago, demonstrating unwavering dedication and consistency in his training. Achieving the rank of black belt in our BJJ program and green belt in our inner academy MMA system, Randy's technical prowess is matched only by his passion for assisting others. Hailing from Georgia and a graduate of Central Gwinnett High School, Randy's combination of skills and qualities makes him a perfect fit for assisting in our kids' BJJ/MMA programs and teaching our intro to BJJ classes.
Anya Frolov – Black Belt BJJ - Blue Belt CMMA
Anya holds the distinction of being the first female black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ranked by Paul. Additionally, she is a blue belt in our MMA Striking program and is highly regarded for her technical prowess in both Jiu-Jitsu and striking martial arts. Anya's role in assisting our kids' classes has been exceptional and aligns perfectly with our academy's ethos.
Anastasia Panasenko – Blue Belt BJJ - Blue Belt CMMA
Anastasia is a welcoming presence at Creighton MMA & Fitness Academy, often found at the front desk greeting visitors. In addition to her front desk duties, she assists in our kids' classes, Total Body Fitness classes, and Fitness Kickboxing sessions, fostering a dynamic and supportive training atmosphere.
Jared Frampton – Brown Belt BJJ
Jared joined our academy in 2015 and has since developed a strong passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His dedication and love for the art are reflected in his technique and commitment to learning. With his daughters Teagan and Amelia also training in our kids' program, Jared eagerly jumped at the opportunity to assist in our youth classes. Bringing experience from coaching youth softball in Gwinnett County, Jared's teaching skills enhance our kids' learning experience. We are delighted to have him as part of the CMMA team, where he holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Paul Creighton.
Jane Dobias – Brown Belt BJJ
Jane, originally from New York and a former student at a Renzo Gracie Academy, and has recently earned a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Paul. With her two children also enrolled in our kids' program and her strong technical knowledge, Jane is a perfect fit to assist in our kids' classes, enhancing their learning experience.
Will Lynn – Blue Belt BJJ - Blue Belt CMMA
Will is a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a blue belt in Creighton MMA's inner academy MMA ranking system. He assists in instructing the Introductory class in the MMA Striking program and is preparing to compete in his first MMA bout.
Blake Harvey – Blue Belt BJJ
Blake, a blue belt under Paul in our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program, is a dedicated assistant instructor in our kids' classes, contributing significantly to their learning and development. We are delighted to have Blake on our team.
James Baldwin – Blue Belt BJJ
James, a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Paul, and has proven to be a valuable asset in assisting with our kids' class. His dedication and contributions enhance the learning experience for our young martial artists.
Ayden Baldwin – Blue Belt BJJ
Ayden, a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Paul's guidance, plays a crucial role in assisting with our kids' classes, contributing to their learning and development in martial arts.
Will Clark – Blue Belt BJJ
Will is a versatile member of our team, lending his support to our kids' classes and Total Body Fitness sessions. Additionally, he provides occasional assistance at the front desk and leads our Fitness Kickboxing crew a few nights a week. Will holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu under Paul.
Katherine Panasenko – Blue Belt BJJ - Yellow Belt CMMA
Katherine is an active participant in both our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Striking programs, bringing a patient and kind energy that makes her a perfect fit for assisting in our kids' classes.
Tyler Hughes – Blue Belt BJJ
Tyler is a dedicated blue belt under Paul's instruction and assists in our kids' Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes. Inspired by his father, Chris, who holds a black belt under Paul, Tyler has embraced the BJJ journey with passion and dedication. We are delighted to have Tyler as part of our team.
