INSTRUCTORS | Area 502 MMA

Our Instructors

Area 502 MMA Instructors

Meet Our Professional Instructors

Welcome to the heart of Area 502 MMA, our dedicated team of instructors! Each coach brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and experience to the mats\ring\cage. Ensuring that every member from beginners to seasoned receives top-notch training and guidance. Dive into the profiles of our skilled trainers, who are not just mentors but also avid practitioners of the art, committed to elevating your Martial Arts journey.

Head MMA and Jiu-Jitsu coach

Phillip Perkins

Coach Phillip is a 2nd Degree Blackbelt under Carlson Gracie Jr. and has also been training in Boxing and Muay Thai Kickboxing since 2006.

Head of Carlson Gracie Team Louisville
Has been coaching some of the best fighters in the region amateur and pro since 2009.
Has taught seminars at top name gyms across the country. And he has taught 5+ seminars in Brazil. Both Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai Kickboxing.
Holds a 5-1 mixed martial arts record. He was the second 2 none flyweight champion in 2012 and the Absolute Action flyweight champion in 2012.
Has traveled across the country and to other countries training with Carlson Gracie Jr.
The only coach in Kentucky to coach fighters to win in MMA, Boxing, Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu and Bare Knuckle
First coach in Kentucky to coach a fighter to win in Bare Knuckle
Spent over 3 months living and training in Brazil
resident MMA mastermind.

He is also the owner and coach at Full Moon Martial Arts (Clarksville, IN) and P5 Boxing and Fitness (Big Pine Key, FL).

Head Boxing Coach

Aaron Sheckles

23 Years of boxing experience
17 years as a fighter amateur/professional
10 years as a trainer

List of accomplishments as a fighter:

Junior Olympic Champion
5 Time Golden Glove Champion
Music City Champion
Ft. Smith Tournament Champion
Ranked top ten Amateur Fighter
National PAL runner-up

List of accomplishments as a coach:

7 Golden Glove Champions
4 Silver Gloves Champions
6 Junior Olympic Champions
1 Title National Champion
4 Sugar Bert National Champions
3 Ringside World Champions
Level 2 USA BOXING COACH

Wrestling Coach

Blake O”Neil

Coach Blake wrestled for 4 years in high school where he won 2 regional championships and qualified for the state tournament twice. He wrestled at Lindsey Wilson college for three semesters. He is a purple belt under coach Phillip Perkins and has won numerous jiu-jitsu tournaments competing in the white and blue belt divisions for gi and no-gi. “Coach O Cinco” holds a 7-1 MMA record and is currently a strength and conditioning coach with the U of L football program.

Testimonials

see what people are saying

     Excellent  
     Based on 170 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Harry Hunsucker 
 2024-01-05
 
 
  I've know coach Phil for years. I've watched him grow his 502 family into something really special. Something for everyone of all ages and top notch instructors to help you achieve your goals ????
  
 
       
   Michelle Nguyen 
 2023-11-26
 
 
  My son takes boxing lessons here and he loves it! He’s always bummed when we have to miss class.
  
 
       
   Jaxon Smith 
 2023-11-23
 
 
  Dropped in for a thanksgiving open mat, super welcoming, got a bunch of great rounds, no awkward visitor treatment. Guys puttin in work!!
  
 
       
   Wyatt L 
 2023-11-19
 
 
  Place is great. Had no experience showed up one day just trying to learn. Every single person I talked to, member or coach, was awesome. There 3 days a week now. Learn new things everyday and have met a ton of great people. Definitely recommend to anyone interested.
  
 
       
   Alisha Heady 
 2023-10-16
 
 
  This is such a WONDERFUL gym! There are many classes, and such a great group of coaches.

My son and I have been going to this gym for about 5 years and it has been one of the best things I could have done for my son. They have a really huge training area, so it was really easy to go as a mom, and take my son with me. He would have kids class while I did my class on the other side of the gym, so I could see him the whole time and felt safe. Now he’s big enough to do adult class with me and how cool is that?

Each class is different so I would recommend trying a few classes before making judgment, find what is right for you.

I also like that their is a great weightlifting area in The Jungle Gym so you have everything you need in this one huge building.

It’s clean, and there are a great group of people from all walks of life, of all ages that attend. There’s something for everyone.

Louisville’s only Official Carlson Gracie Academy

Join the Legacy: Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Team

Area 502 is proud to be the Louisville’s only Official Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy. Our head coach Phillip Perkins is a Carlson Gracie Jr. Blackbelt. He has taught and trained all over the world. He has spent over 2 months in Brazil training and teaching seminars. We are proud to carry on the Carlson Gracie Legacy at Area 502.

Try Area 502 MMA for free!

THERE IS NO BETTER TIME TO START TRAINING THAN NOW!

Dive into the dynamic world of Mixed Martial Arts with our limited-time FREE TRIAL OFFER! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced martial artist, our world-class training program is designed to elevate your skills, fitness, and confidence.