Triad Martial Arts HQ
About Us
Triad Martial Arts HQ
About Us
A Legacy of Excellence in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Rooted in Legacy, Driven by Excellence
Triad Martial Arts, founded in 1996 by Johnny Lee Smith—Alabama’s first and highest-ranked BJJ black belt (6th Degree)—is the state’s oldest and most credentialed Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy.
Johnny also holds high ranks in multiple martial arts and founded SSGT, a nationally recognized law enforcement self-defense program.
Under his leadership and lineage from the Gracie and Machado families, Triad has produced more BJJ black belts than any other academy in Alabama.
A Legacy That Leads the Way
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 the 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.
Meet the founder
Johnny Lee Smith
Johnny Lee Smith is the founder of Triad Martial Arts and a pioneer
in the martial arts community.
With a lifetime dedicated to training, competing, and teaching, Johnny has made a lasting impact on both the martial arts and law enforcement communities.
He is the creator of two nationally recognized programs:
- The Equalizer — a practical self-defense system designed specifically for women.
- SSGT (Strategic Self-Defense and Gunfighting Tactics) — a defensive tactics program adopted into the training curriculum of numerous police, sheriff, and state law enforcement agencies across the country.
Through Triad Martial Arts, Johnny Lee Smith has inspired generations of martial artists and instructors to not only excel in competition but to develop character, discipline, and the skills to protect themselves and others.
His vision and leadership continue to shape Triad Martial Arts locations today, including Triad Martial Arts Academy of Ruston.
Meet the
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.
Meet the founder
Johnny Lee Smith
Johnny Lee Smith is the founder of Triad Martial Arts and a pioneer
in the martial arts community.
With a lifetime dedicated to training, competing, and teaching, Johnny has made a lasting impact on both the martial arts and law enforcement communities.
He is the creator of two nationally recognized programs:
- The Equalizer — a practical self-defense system designed specifically for women.
- SSGT (Strategic Self-Defense and Gunfighting Tactics) — a defensive tactics program adopted into the training curriculum of numerous police, sheriff, and state law enforcement agencies across the country.
Through Triad Martial Arts, Johnny Lee Smith has inspired generations of martial artists and instructors to not only excel in competition but to develop character, discipline, and the skills to protect themselves and others.
His vision and leadership continue to shape Triad Martial Arts locations today, including Triad Martial Arts Academy of Ruston.
Meet Our Triad HQ Instructors
Chuck Talley
Wellness Coach
3th Degree BJJ Black Belt
Gavin
Health Coach
Karate Black Belt
MMA fighter
Nerys
Nutritionist
Karate Black Belt
Jarrett
BJJ Black Belt
MMA Fighter
Chris
Holistic Health Practitioner
Karate Black Belt
Josette O'Brien
Lifestyle Coach
BJJ Black Belt
Women's Self Defense
Jason
Personal Trainer
BJJ Blue Belt
MMA Fighter
David
Holistic Health Practitioner
Karate Red Belt
Rachel is a lifestyle coach dedicated to helping clients create fulfilling and purpose-driven lives. She focuses on goal-setting, time management, and personal development. Rachel's strategic and results-oriented coaching empowers clients to make meaningful changes and achieve their long-term aspirations.
Meet our instructors to start your journey today.
Book your free trial now!
See What Our Visitors & Students Say About Us
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.
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.
Devin Henry
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!
Meet Our Triad HQ Instructors
Chuck Talley
3th Degree BJJ Black Belt
Gavin
Karate Black Belt
MMA fighter
Nerys
Karate Black Belt
Jarrett
BJJ Black Belt
MMA Fighter
Chris
Karate Black Belt
Josette O'Brien
BJJ Black Belt
Women's Self Defense
Jason
BJJ Blue Belt
MMA Fighter
David
Karate Red Belt
Meet our instructors to start your journey today. Book your free trial now!
See What Our Visitors & Students Say About Us
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.
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.
Devin Henry
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!