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
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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.
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.