Casey Leonard (Founder/Head Instructor)
In 1998, Casey began his training in southern California under Joe Moriera Black belt, Rick Lucero. He started Combative Grappling Systems in 2001 after returning home from the Marine Corps. Everything really began, during a chance encounter in a local tattoo shop, when Casey met TUF 6 Winner and future UFC fighter Mac Danzig. Having only two folding mats to work with, Casey began to teach Danzig the basics which eventually led to his becoming the Extreme Challenge 2001 U.S. MMA National Champion. It became clear that Mac needed to make the move to California and train full time.
http://www.spike.com/bio/494656?show=22307
Introducing Mac to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and being his first MMA instructor was just the beginning in what would become known as Team CGS. Since the early days many successful competitors have been developed in our school. Notably is Dustin Thornton, who began his training with CGS in 2002. Under our banner Dustin went on to win multiple grappling tournaments, including the NAGA World Championships. To pursue his dream of becoming a world class competitor, Dustin moved to San Diego in 2005 where he is now an Instructor, under Baret Yoshida, at Und1sputed in Point Loma. Having won many prestigious grappling tournaments, to include the No-Gi Worlds and Gracie Nationals, we expect Dustin to become another force in the fight world.
http://www.undisputedusa.com/PointLoma/Trainers.html
Along with training students for Combat Sports competition, Casey has also taught numerous military and law enforcement personnel since 1998. There are few instructors in the country who have his level of tactical background and experience when it comes to training those who operate 'downrange' or on the streets. From training active duty Marine Infantry, to members of the Armys 19th Special Forces Group and Department of Defense security contractors...his training expertise is invaluable to sustaining an operators survivability in close combat. With 11 years combined service between the US Marine Corps and US Army, along with three years as a contractor working high threat security overseas, Casey brings the real world experience that most black belts dont possess.
Casey's Bio:
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt
Advanced No-Gi Competitor
MMA Fighter
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
Competition Experience:
Having competed in over 2 dozen BJJ and MMA events, Casey has achieved some notable accomplishments. With 14 Divisional 1st place victories and numerous other 2nd and 3rd place finishes, his competition experience speaks for itself.
Highlights:
American Sport Jiu-Jitsu Federation 1st Place Team member
Keystone State Games (Judo) 1st Place
TATU Pennsylvania BJJ Championships 1st Place
Chaos In The Cage Grappling Super Fight Winner
Fight Nite In The Flats Champion
All Army Combatives Tournament 155lb Champion
USKBA MMA Champion
US Grappling Submission Only Advanced No-Gi 1st Place
Brad Hoyle (Assistant Instructor)
Brad has been with CGS since 2001 and has played a crucial part in its development over the years. Having trained in Muay Thai, level 1 certified, as well as Kali...his ability to teach various ranges of combat is proven.
As well as competing in various tournaments throughout the years, Brad is also an experienced MMA cornerman. He's cornered over 10 fights between Ohio and Pennsylvania and has become quite skilled at taping hands to Athletic Commission specs.
Brads Bio:
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt
No-Gi Advanced Competitor
Muay Thai Level 1
MMA Cornerman
Competition Experience:
Brad has competed in numerous BJJ and No-Gi grappling tournaments across the east coast and Canada. With several 1st place finishes, his skill has been tested against some very tough competition over the years.
Highlights:
TATU Pennsylvania BJJ Championships 1st Place
Kumite Classic 1st Place (Multiple Years)
WKR King of the Mat 1st Place
AKBJ Grappling Tournament 2nd Place
Joe Jones (CrossFit Trainer)
Joe started with CGS in 2003 with both BJJ and No-Gi classes. Having wrestled through high school, Joe "Jonesy" has alot of natural talent that he's demonstrated in competitions across the east coast and Canada. Along with training the ground game, Jonesy is also one of our resident CrossFit Level 1 trainers. Jonesy actively trains members of CGS, and other clients, in the CrossFit method of achieving Elite Fitness.
Jonesy's Bio:
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
