Triad Martial ArtsCullman, Alabama
Alabama's oldest and most credentialed Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy. BJJ, MMA, Karate and Self-Defense for every age, from first-timers to champions.
Triad is the oldest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school in Alabama and home to the most black belts under one roof in the state. For nearly thirty years we've built the most accomplished grapplers in the region.
Our lineage runs straight to the Gracie and Machado families. Founder Johnny Lee Smith earned his black belt under Carlos Machado, with close training alongside Rickson Gracie.
Six arts under one roof, built to work together. Swipe through and pick your starting point.
Our Little Dragons and kids' classes turn shy first-timers into focused, confident young athletes. They learn discipline, respect and real skill in a safe, encouraging room.
Parents tell us the change shows up everywhere: at school, at home, and in how their kids carry themselves.
Johnny Lee Smith founds Triad Martial Arts Academy in Cullman, planting the first true Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school in Alabama.
Smith earns his black belt under Carlos Machado, tying Triad directly to the Gracie and Machado founding bloodline of the art.
Smith develops Strategic Self-Defense & Gunfighting Tactics, a self-defense program later adopted by law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Shihan Daniel O'Brien steps in as Head Instructor, bringing world-class Karate and BJJ competition experience to the daily mats.
Triad is home to the most black belts under one roof in the state, welcoming complete beginners and seasoned competitors alike.
The three highest-ranked Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts in Alabama all train and teach here, backed by a full team of coaches.
Alabama's first and highest-ranked BJJ black belt. Earned his rank under Carlos Machado with close training alongside Rickson Gracie. Creator of SSGT, the defensive tactics system adopted by law enforcement agencies nationwide, and The Equalizer, a self-defense program built for women.
One of the most senior Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts in the state and a pillar of the Triad mat for decades. Doubles as the academy's wellness coach, helping students build durable bodies that hold up to a lifetime of training.
Leading Triad's daily instruction since 2010. The first Triad student to hold black belts in both Karate and Jiu-Jitsu, with a competitive resume few coaches anywhere can match.
Every coach on this wall trains. Every belt was earned on this mat.
Real members, real results. Tap a story to watch.
Daniel O'Brien is a world-class martial artist with deep knowledge second to none, and the students are some of the nicest, most welcoming people you'll meet.
Visited from out of town and what a wonderful experience. Great group of folks, and Daniel was an outstanding teacher. A great group of Ninjas!
Gracious, welcoming and more than willing to share his knowledge of BJJ. If you're nearby and looking for top-notch instruction, I highly recommend Triad.
We have been at Triad for 8 months now. My little boy loves it and has learned so much. I highly recommend this place. We are family!
No experience needed. No gear required. Just show up and find out what thirty years of mastery feels like.
Book Your Free TrialTap a day to see that day's classes. Times are confirmed when you book your free trial.
New to the mats? Here's what most people ask before their first class.
Not at all. Most of our students walked in with zero experience. Every class is built so complete beginners can jump in safely and learn at their own pace.
Comfortable athletic clothes, flip-flops or slides for off the mat, and clipped nails. Show up clean and arrive about 10 minutes early so we can confirm your waiver. No uniform needed for your first class.
Our Little Dragons program starts at age 4. Kids' BJJ, Karate, MMA and Wrestling run for ages 7 to 12, and teens 13 and up train in our adult programs.
Yes. Your first class is a free trial with no obligation. Pick who's training, choose a class, and book your free day pass right here on the site.
Founded in 1996, Triad is Alabama's oldest and most credentialed Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy, home to 40 black belts under one roof. Our lineage runs straight to the Gracie and Machado families, and founder Johnny Lee Smith created the SSGT self-defense system used by law enforcement nationwide.
Yes. We run a dedicated Women's Only BJJ class in a supportive, welcoming environment, alongside our co-ed adult programs.
On the Mat, Online
@triadmartialartsacademy