About Triad Martial Arts HQ –
Cullman, Alabama
About Triad Martial Arts HQ –
Cullman, Alabama
The Triad Family
Established in January 1996 by Johnny Lee Smith, Alabama’s first-ever Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and currently the highest-ranked BJJ black belt in the state (6th Degree).
Triad Martial Arts stands as the oldest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) academy in Alabama, proudly producing the most BJJ black belts under
one roof in the state.
In addition to his BJJ rank under Carlos Machado, Johnny holds a 7th Degree Black Belt in Triad Karate, 4th Degree in Kobayashi Shorin Ryu, and 3rd Degree in Tang Soo Do.
Beyond the academy, Johnny is also the founder of SSGT (Strategic Self-Defense
& Gunfighting Tactics)
—a nationally recognized law enforcement self-defense programused by agencies
across the U.S.
With decades of experience, Johnny’s influence helped shape Alabama’s martial arts scene and establish Triad as the oldest and most credentialed BJJ academy in the state.
Our lineage is rooted in the teachings of the renowned Gracie and Machado families, with Johnny earning his 3rd Degree Black Belt in BJJ under Carlos Machado in 2009.
Today, Triad is home to the top three highest ranked BJJ black belts in Alabama:
Johnny Lee Smith:
6th Degree BJJ Black Belt
Chuck Talley:
4th Degree BJJ Black Belt
Daniel O'Brien:
3rd Degree BJJ Black Belt
Meet Head Instructor:
Daniel O'Brien
Daniel O'Brien began his martial arts journey
in 2004, quickly immersing himself
in Karate, MMA, and Jiu Jitsu.
By 2009, he earned his 4th Dan Karate Black Belt, and in 2011, he became the first Triad student to hold black belts in both Karate and Jiu Jitsu,
earning his BJJ black belt under
Johnny Lee Smith.
Daniel's accolades include:
-Undefeated Professional MMA Fighter
-Pan American Gold Medalist - First in Alabama
-Multiple time NAGA Champion
-3x Kakuto Champion
-EBI Competitor
-Judo Black Belt
In 2010, Daniel took over as head instructor of Triad Martial Arts, bringing his extensive experience and passion to the
forefront of our academy.
The Triad Way
At Triad Martial Arts, we offer a comprehensive martial arts education, emphasizing:
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Gi & No-Gi), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Karate, & Self-Defense Training
Our programs cater to all ages and skill levels, fostering a supportive community that values discipline, resilience, and personal growth.
A Legacy of Excellence in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Established in January 1996 by Johnny Lee Smith, Alabama’s first-ever Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and currently the highest-ranked BJJ black belt in the state (6th Degree).
Triad Martial Arts stands as the oldest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) academy in Alabama, proudly producing the most BJJ black belts under one roof in the state.
In addition to his BJJ rank under Carlos Machado, Johnny holds a
7th Degree Black Belt in Triad Karate, 4th Degree in Kobayashi Shorin Ryu,
and 3rd Degree in Tang Soo Do.
Beyond the academy, Johnny is also the founder of
SSGT (Strategic Self-Defense & Gunfighting Tactics)
—a nationally recognized law enforcement self-defense
programused by agencies across the U.S.
With decades of experience, Johnny’s influence helped shape Alabama’s martial arts scene and establish Triad as the oldest and most credentialed BJJ academy in the state.
Our lineage is rooted in the teachings of the renowned Gracie and Machado families, with Johnny earning his 3rd Degree Black Belt in BJJ under Carlos Machado in 2009.
Today, Triad is home to the top three highest - ranked BJJ black belts in Alabama:
Johnny Lee Smith – 6th Degree BJJ Black Belt
Chuck Talley – 4th Degree BJJ Black Belt
Daniel O'Brien – 3rd Degree BJJ Black Belt
Meet Head Instructor Daniel O'Brien
Daniel O'Brien began his martial arts journey in 2004,
quickly immersing himself in Karate, MMA, and Jiu Jitsu.
By 2009, he earned his 4th Dan Karate Black Belt, and in 2011, he became the
first Triad student to hold black belts in both Karate and Jiu Jitsu,
earning his BJJ black belt under Johnny Lee Smith.
Daniel's accolades include:
-Undefeated Professional MMA Fighter
-Pan American Gold Medalist - First in Alabama
-Multiple time NAGA Champion
-3x Kakuto Champion
-EBI Competitor
-Judo Black Belt
In 2010, Daniel took over as head instructor of Triad Martial Arts, bringing his extensive experience and passion to the forefront of our academy.
The Triad Way
At Triad Martial Arts, we offer a comprehensive martial arts education, emphasizing:
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Gi & No-Gi), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Karate, & Self-Defense Training
Our programs cater to all ages and skill levels, fostering a supportive community that values discipline, resilience, and personal growth.
See What Our Students Say About Us
Gary Newton
Visited from out of town and what a wonderful experience.
Great group of folks, and Daniel was an outstanding teacher.
Everyone was friendly and the atmosphere was clean and welcoming.
You can tell that Daniel is a wonderful Sensei.
Both he and his students have exceptional martial arts spirit, attitude and abilities.
A great group of Ninjas!
Christian Bullock
I was in the area, visiting, and scheduled a private lesson with Daniel (academy owner).
Daniel was gracious, welcoming, and more than willing to share his knowledge of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ).
The lesson was great, opening my eyes to different ways to approach some of the puzzles of BJJ.
If you’re visiting the area, or live nearby, and are looking for top notch BJJ instruction, I highly recommend Triad Martial Arts Academy.
Johnny H
If you're interested in BJJ/MMA, martial arts and self defense, you have to check this place out.
The head instructor, Daniel O'Brien, is a WORLD CLASS martial artist and has a very unique approach and a deep knowledge 2nd to none.
You'll also find the other instructors and the students to be some of the nicest and most welcoming people you'll ever meet.
Whether you're thinking about an incredible place for your kids, a challenging experience for yourself as an athlete, or a gradual and non intimidating dojo to learn how to defend yourself, you will find all of these and more at Triad.
See What Our Students Say About Us
Gary Newton
Visited from out of town and what a wonderful experience.
Great group of folks, and Daniel was an outstanding teacher.
Everyone was friendly and the atmosphere was clean and welcoming.
You can tell that Daniel is a wonderful Sensei.
Both he and his students have exceptional martial arts spirit, attitude and abilities.
A great group of Ninjas!
Christian Bullock
I was in the area, visiting, and scheduled a private lesson with Daniel (academy owner).
Daniel was gracious, welcoming, and more than willing to share his knowledge of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ).
The lesson was great, opening my eyes to different ways to approach some of the puzzles of BJJ.
If you’re visiting the area, or live nearby, and are looking for top notch BJJ instruction, I highly recommend Triad Martial Arts Academy.
Johnny H
If you're interested in BJJ/MMA, martial arts and self defense, you have to check this place out.
The head instructor, Daniel O'Brien, is a WORLD CLASS martial artist and has a very unique approach and a deep knowledge 2nd to none.
You'll also find the other instructors and the students to be some of the nicest and most welcoming people you'll ever meet.
Whether you're thinking about an incredible place for your kids, a challenging experience for yourself as an athlete, or a gradual and non intimidating dojo to learn how to defend yourself, you will find all of these and more at Triad.