MEET OUR MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTORS
Professor Charles Cherry
Head Instructor
Professor Charles Cherry (we affectionately refer to him as "Coach") is a lifelong martial artist with more than 40 years of training across multiple disciplines. He is an IBJJF 3rd Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, 2nd Degree Kodokan Judo Black Belt, Kickboxing Black Belt, certified Krav Maga instructor, and experienced Wrestling coach.
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Professor Cherry's background includes Wing Chun Kung Fu, Tang Soo Do, Shito Ryu Karate, Western Boxing, Wrestling, Muay Thai, Japanese Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, and Filipino Martial Arts. He has coached youth wrestling, assisted at the high school level, and trained numerous Wrestling, BJJ, Muay Thai, and MMA competitors.
Professor Cherry is also a retired federal law enforcement officer with more than 28 years of experience. He has trained federal agents in defensive tactics, firearms, active shooter response, and use of force, and he currently serves as an adjunct defensive tactics instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
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In addition to his martial arts and law enforcement background, Professor Cherry holds master's degrees in Business and Applied Behavior Analysis. He is a Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach. He is also the author of Bully Proofing Your Child and was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2024.
Coach Akaash
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Akaash Malik began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at age 21 after being introduced to the art by a close friend. He was drawn to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu because it allows smaller, technical practitioners to defend themselves against larger opponents through leverage, timing, and skill
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Akaash earned his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Professor Charles Cherry in November 2024. At Bellicose Martial Arts, he supports the Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program and teaches adult classes. His coaching emphasizes technical precision, strong fundamentals, and adaptability.
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Akassh also trains in Muay Thai Kickboxing, Wrestling, and Judo to continue developing as a well-rounded martial artist and instructor.
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"Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist." - Pablo Picasso
Coach DJ
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor
David "DJ" Jennings began training Tang Soo Do at age 6, after building a foundation in Japanese Jiu Jitsu. Over time, he expanded into Boxing, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, and Judo.
DJ has taught youth and adults since earning his Tang Soo DO Black Belt at age 12. He earned his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Professor Charles Cherry in December 2024 and focuses on helping students develop skills in striking, takedowns, grappling, and mentorship.
Outside of martial arts, DJ works in Applied Behavior Analysis, supporting individuals in building independence and personal safety.
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MEET OUR CARDIO KICKBOXING INSTRUCTORS
Certified Step, Aerobics and Cardio Kickboxing instructor through the American Sports and Fitness Association (ASFA).
International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Certified Personal Trainer, with specializations in glutes training and exercise recovery.
Certified in Step Aerobics and Cardio Kickboxing through the American Sports and Fitness Association (ASFA).
Certified through American Aerobic Association International and International Sport Medicine Association (AAAI/ISMA) with a focus on personal training and group fitness.