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
As a 2nd-degree black belt under the legendary Carlson Gracie Jr., Phillip’s roots in Jiu-Jitsu run deep. However, his passion for martial arts extends far beyond grappling. Since 2006, he has been honing his skills in Boxing and Muay Thai Kickboxing, making him a true mixed martial artist.
Phillip’s extensive experience in the ring and on the mats has translated into a successful coaching career. As a coach and mentor, he has guided amateur and professional fighters to victory since 2009, including cornering UFC athletes. As the head of Carlson Gracie Team Louisville, Phillip has built a reputation as one of the region’s top coaches, leading champions to success in MMA, Boxing, Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, and even Bare Knuckle competitions. His achievements extend to a personal 5-1 MMA record, including two flyweight championship titles.
Phillip’s knowledge and passion have taken him across the globe. He has conducted seminars at renowned gyms in Canada, the UAE, and Brazil, training alongside some of the best martial artists in the world. In addition to his expertise in grappling and striking, he is also a certified USA Boxing coach.
As a fighter, coach, UFC cornerman, and gym owner, Phillip has developed a unique understanding of the needs of MMA athletes. His dedication to realistic and effective training has revolutionized the way fighters prepare for competition. Phillip’s commitment to excellence and passion for innovation have solidified his role as a pioneer in the martial arts community.
Currently, Phillip owns and operates Full Moon Martial Arts in Clarksville, IN, with an affiliate gym, 606 BJJ, located in Corbin, KY. His influence and expertise continue to shape the next generation of martial artists, both in the region and beyond.
Head Boxing Coach
Aaron Sheckles
With 23 years of boxing experience, including 17 years as an amateur and professional fighter and 10 years as a trainer, his dedication to the sport is unmatched. His accomplishments as a fighter are a testament to his skill and perseverance:
- Junior Olympic Champion
- 5-Time Golden Gloves Champion
- Music City Champion
- Ft. Smith Tournament Champion
- Ranked among the top ten amateur fighters
- National PAL Runner-Up
As a coach, his impact is equally impressive. He has trained champions at every level, including:
- 7 Golden Gloves Champions
- 4 Silver Gloves Champions
- 6 Junior Olympic Champions
- 1 Title National Champion
- 4 Sugar Bert National Champions
- 3 Ringside World Champions
Additionally, as a Level 2 USA Boxing Coach, he brings advanced expertise and a proven track record of developing elite talent in the sport.
Wrestling Coach
Blake O'Neil
Coach Blake is a dedicated wrestler with a strong foundation in competitive athletics. During his four years in high school, he secured two regional championships and qualified twice for the state tournament. His passion for wrestling continued at Lindsey Wilson College, where he further honed his skills.
As a proud purple belt under Coach Phillip Perkins, Coach Blake has achieved remarkable success in Jiu-Jitsu, earning numerous titles in both gi and no-gi competitions. Known as “Coach O Cinco,” he also boasts an impressive 7-1 MMA record, highlighting his versatility and skill as a martial artist.
In addition to his achievements on the mats, Coach Blake has valuable experience working at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, where he trained UFC fighters and gained unique insights into elite athletic performance. His expertise extends beyond combat sports; he serves as a strength and conditioning coach for the University of Louisville football program, further demonstrating his commitment to athletic excellence.
Coach Blake’s extensive experience, both as a competitor and a coach, underscores his dedication to developing athletes and fostering success in and out of the ring.
Jiu-Jitsu and MMA coach
ALEX HACKER
Alex Hacker is a Carlson Gracie Jr. black belt, a former wrestling coach, and a seasoned Thai boxing practitioner. With years of training and competition, he has fought across the country, demonstrating his well-rounded skills in both striking and grappling.
As a coach, Alex is deeply committed to helping fighters and students of all levels reach their full potential. Drawing from his extensive experience in wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, and striking, he focuses on developing well-rounded athletes who excel in all aspects of martial arts.
Jiu-Jitsu and MMA coach
Joshua Dominguez
Dominguez is a skilled mixed martial artist and a black belt under Carlson Gracie Jr., renowned for his well-rounded abilities in both striking and grappling. A formidable competitor during his time in the cage, Dominguez trains at Area 502 MMA under the guidance of his head coach, Phillip Perkins.
Beyond his fighting skills, Dominguez is an exceptional coach for kids. His ability to break down complex techniques into simple, easy-to-understand steps, combined with his patience and dedication to creating a positive environment, makes him highly effective in teaching and inspiring young students.
Jiu-Jitsu and MMA coach
Roger Skillman
Roger Skillman is a highly experienced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Carlson Gracie Jr., training under Phillip Perkins. Renowned for his expertise in gi chokes, he is dedicated to helping students improve their technique and deepen their understanding of the art.
Skillman’s patient approach and meticulous attention to detail make him an invaluable resource for those looking to refine their skills, particularly in gi-based submissions. His unwavering commitment to helping others progress in their Jiu-Jitsu journey has earned him widespread respect within the martial arts community.
Kickboxing Coach
RUBEN VARGAS
Ruben, a native of Northwest Indiana, began his martial arts journey at the age of five and has since achieved black belt status in multiple disciplines. A highly accomplished athlete, he has won world and national championships in sport karate, as well as numerous state and regional titles in kickboxing. Currently a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Ruben has also competed professionally in Muay Thai Kickboxing and mixed martial arts.
In addition to his martial arts achievements, Ruben served in the U.S. Army as an OEF veteran, deploying overseas multiple times during his military career. His dedication to excellence, both in martial arts and in service to his country, exemplifies his perseverance and discipline.
Boxing Coach
PHIL RUFF
A 2021 Heavyweight Golden Gloves Champion, he has demonstrated elite skill and perseverance in the ring, earning recognition as one of the sport’s top competitors. Ranked twice in the USA, his exceptional talent and performance have solidified his status on the national stage.
As a two-division Sugar Bert Champion, he has showcased his versatility and power, excelling across multiple weight classes. With seven years of intense training, he has combined dedication and discipline to refine his craft, gaining invaluable experience through 24 amateur fights. His consistency and commitment to excellence have established him as a formidable force in the sport.
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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.
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