Triad Martial ArtsCullman, Alabama
Triad Martial ArtsCullman, Alabama
SSGT (Strategic Self-Defense and Gunfighting Tactics) is Triad founder Johnny Lee Smith's mission-specific defensive system, trusted by law enforcement agencies nationwide. Based in Cullman, Alabama.
Strategic Self-Defense and Gunfighting Tactics (SSGT) was developed by Triad founder Johnny Lee Smith and has been adopted by law enforcement agencies across the country. This is not sport martial arts. SSGT is a mission-specific defensive tactics system built entirely around the realities professionals face in the field.
Where sport disciplines train for points and competition, SSGT trains for survival and control under genuine pressure. Every technique is chosen because it works in a real encounter, for real officers and security professionals, when the stakes are highest.
SSGT carries unique credibility because of who built it. Johnny Lee Smith is Alabama's first and highest-ranked Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, trained under Carlos Machado with close work alongside Rickson Gracie. He distilled decades of grappling, striking and self-defense knowledge into a system designed specifically for the defensive needs of professionals.
That foundation is what makes SSGT practical, repeatable and adaptable. It integrates empty-hand control, weapon retention and the rapid decision-making that real encounters demand, grounded in proven martial arts rather than theory.
SSGT training is mission-specific and tailored to the needs of departments, agencies and individual professionals. Whether your team needs defensive tactics, weapon retention, or close-quarters control, we build the right program around your operational requirements.
If you represent a law enforcement agency or work in security and want to bring SSGT to your team, reach out. We will discuss your needs and design training that fits your mission.
Triad Martial Arts Academy has been based in Cullman, Alabama since 1996, and SSGT remains one of founder Johnny Lee Smith's most significant contributions to the defensive tactics community.
To learn more about SSGT training for your department, agency or security team, contact us directly at (256) 737-0961 or through the form below. We will get back to you to discuss a mission-specific program.
What people ask most about our SSGT Self-Defense program in Cullman.
SSGT is designed specifically for law enforcement officers, security professionals and agencies. It is a mission-specific defensive tactics system rather than a sport or hobby martial art.
SSGT stands for Strategic Self-Defense and Gunfighting Tactics, a system created by Triad founder Johnny Lee Smith and adopted by law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Yes. SSGT training is tailored to the needs of departments and professional teams. Contact us to discuss a mission-specific program for your agency.
No. SSGT is built to be practical and learnable for working professionals, taught so it is repeatable and adaptable regardless of prior martial arts experience.