About our instructors

Coach Tom brings a lifetime of athletics and fitness experience.  A 3-sport high school athlete and a short stint as a JUCO athlete, Tom never lost his itch to compete in his adult life.  He started his training under the late Sensei Paul Booe in both submission grappling and striking in April 2007.  Tom received his black belt from Gokor Chivichyan, founder of the Hayastan Submission Fighting System in 2021.

He has played a significant role in the training and development of multiple amateur MMA champions, as well as Pro MMA Champions and fighters including TUF29 winner and current UFC fighter Bryan "The Butcher" Battle.  Coach Tom has a vast and diverse knowledge base, along with unique and effective training tactics that leads to his students‘ and fighters’ success.  His strong communication skills, friendly style, and proven results are well regarded around the region.

Coach Bryan Battle was a varsity football and basketball player in high school and was searching for his next competitive endeavors when he started his MMA journey in early 2016. His ability to learn quickly, as well as his grinding work ethic was apparent from day one.  Since then, he has proven his metal as a 2 time Amateur Champion with an impressive 8-2 record. He is now embarking on his Pro MMA career in the UFC after winning The Ultimate Fighter Season 29. He is currently a Level 6 rank (purple) in Hayastan Submission Fighting System and a leader on the Fight Team.  Bryan‘s energy and style is very popular among the kids and adult students he interacts with.  He is a tremendous young man and positive role model for all the students.   

Coach Roger Pratcher is a 2 X amateur MMA champion and current Pro fighter.  He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our staff.  Roger is currently a Level 5 in Hayastan Submission Fighting System.  Despite his intimidating physical presence, his friendly demeanor and attention to detail is an asset to our team.

Shameek started his MMA journey in 2017.  Through hard work, dedication, and determination, he quickly exploded on to the amateur MMA scene in 2019 with his exciting fighting style and no quit attitude.  Shameek currently has earned a Level 6 (Purple) rank in Hayastan Submission Fighting System under Tom Ziegler and Gokor Chivichyan.

Shameek had a stellar amateur career going 5-2 before going Pro in 2021.  His next level talent and goal to make it to the UFC is an asset and inspiration to the fighters and students around him.  As an instructor, “Coach Meek’s” energetic personality and passion for mixed martial arts creates a fun environment for all.

Private lessons available. Contact us for times.

Coach Motsinger brings over 15 years wrestling experience and over 300 career wins.  although there were opportunities for college athletics, Josh chose a different route and became an Amateur Champion MMA fighter and current Pro fighter.  His ability to adapt his wrestling to MMA is on full display with every fight.

Josh has also coached wrestling at the high school level for several years and helped train multiple state champions and state placers over the years.  Josh runs the MMA Wrestling and Takedowns & Throws classes at Carolina Combat Sports and is a Level 6 (purple) rank in Hayastan Submission Fighting Systems.

Bryant “Taco” Bullock brings over 10 years fighting experience to our staff. He’s a former amateur MMA champion and is currently 2-1 as a Pro. Coach Taco is a Level 6 (purple) in Hayastan Submission Fighting System. He brings a wide, well-rounded knowledge of techniques to the table in both striking and grappling, as well as how to apply them to MMA.