(Strategic Self-Defense & Gunfighting Tactics)

Jiu Jitsu, Karate, and MMA in Cullman, AL


(Strategic Self-Defense & Gunfighting Tactics)

Jiu Jitsu, Karate, and MMA in Cullman, AL


SSGT – Law Enforcement Self-Defense


Strategic Self-Defense & Gunfighting Tactics

The SSGT Program (Strategic Self-Defense & Gunfighting Tactics) was developed by Johnny Lee Smith, founder of Triad Martial Arts and one of the most

respected defensive tactics instructors in the country.


Designed specifically for law enforcement and security professionals,

SSGT is a mission-specific system that provides practical, adaptable

techniques for real-world encounters.


Why SSGT Matters

Unlike traditional martial arts or generic defensive training,

SSGT is built for high-stakes, high-stress environments.

It emphasizes control, precision,

and decision-making under pressure.

SSGT has beenadopted by law enforcement agencies nationwide, including state police, sheriff’s departments, and federal task forces.

The program continues to grow as agencies seek safer and more

effective ways to train their officers.

What SSGT Covers:
Control Tactics: Safely control non-compliant subjects

Weapon Retention: Keep your firearm secure in close quarters

Disarming Techniques: Address real threats efficiently

Scenario-Based Training: Train how you fight—with purpose and realism

Use-of-Force Integration: Aligns with current legal and departmental standards

For Departments & Professionals

SSGT is available to law enforcement agencies, corrections officers, and security professionals looking to elevate their defensive readiness.

Training is available on-site, through certified instructors, or at scheduled seminars.

Interested in bringing SSGT training to your department or unit?
Click below or reach out to us directly to learn more.

[Request SSGT Info] Visit SSGT Website →


Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Classes in Cullman, AL


Strategic Self-Defense & Gunfighting Tactics

The SSGT Program (Strategic Self-Defense & Gunfighting Tactics) was developed by Johnny Lee Smith, founder of Triad Martial Arts and one of the most respected defensive tactics instructors in the country.

Designed specifically for law enforcement and security professionals, SSGT is a mission-specific system that provides practical, adaptable techniques for real-world encounters.

Why SSGT Matters:

Unlike traditional martial arts or generic defensive training, SSGT is built for

high-stakes, high-stress environments.

It emphasizes control, precision,

and decision-making under pressure.

SSGT has beenadopted by law enforcement agencies nationwide, including state police, sheriff’s departments, and federal task forces.

The program continues to grow as agencies seek safer and more effective ways

to train their officers.

What SSGT Covers:

Control Tactics: Safely control

non-compliant subjects

Weapon Retention: Keep your firearm

secure in close quarters

Disarming Techniques: Address

real threats efficiently

Scenario-Based Training: Train how you

fight—with purpose and realism

Use-of-Force Integration: Aligns with current legal and departmental standards

For Departments & Professionals

SSGT is available to law enforcement agencies, corrections officers, and security professionals looking to elevate their defensive readiness.

Training is available on-site, through certified instructors, or at scheduled seminars.

Interested in bringing SSGT training

to your department or unit?

Click below or reach out to us

directly to learn more.

[Request SSGT Info]

Visit SSGT Website →

Transform your mind and body through the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Our Martial Arts Programs

Training programs designed to enhance your Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, & Self Defense skills.

Adults BJJ Classes

(Gi and No Gi)

Take your Jiu-Jitsu skills to the next level with our advanced training programs. Refine your techniques, spar with experienced practitioners, and push your limits in a challenging and competitive environment.

(We offer both GI & No-Gi Classes)

Kids' BJJ Program

Introduce your children to the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu through our Little Dragons program (4-6 Years Old) and our big kids program (7-12 Years Old). Our dedicated instructors provide a safe and fun learning environment where children can improve physical fitness, discipline, and self-confidence.

MMA & Wrestling Program

Introduce yourself and your children to the benefits of MMA & Wrestling through our kids program (7-12 Years Old) and our adults program (13+ Years Old). Our dedicated instructors provide a safe and dynamic learning environment where participants can improve physical fitness, discipline, and self-confidence while learning practical

self-defense skills.

Karate Program

We offer structured Karate classes that build a strong foundation in striking, movement, and discipline. More than just punches and kicks, our Karate program ties directly into our self-defense, MMA, and Jiu Jitsu training—ensuring a complete and well-rounded martial arts experience. Learn precision, timing, and control while boosting confidence, focus, and physical conditioning with guidance from our experienced instructors.

Martial Arts Programs

At Our Academy

Training programs designed to enhance your Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, & Self Defense skills.

Adults BJJ Classes

Take your Jiu-Jitsu skills to the next level with our advanced training programs. Refine your techniques, spar with experienced practitioners, and push your limits in a challenging and

competitive environment.

(We offer both GI & No-Gi Classes)

Kids' BJJ Program

Introduce your children to the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu through our Little Dragons

program (4-6 Years Old) and our

big kids program (7-12 Years Old).

Our dedicated instructors provide a safe and fun learning environment where children can improve physical fitness, discipline, and self-confidence.

MMA & Wrestling Program

Introduce yourself and your children to the benefits of MMA & Wrestling through our kids program (7-12 Years Old) and our adults program (13+ Years Old).

Our dedicated instructors provide a safe and dynamic learning environment where participants can improve physical fitness, discipline, and self-confidence while learning practical self-defense skills.

Karate Program

We offer structured Karate classes that build a strong foundation in striking, movement, and discipline.

More than just punches and kicks, our Karate program ties directly into our self-defense, MMA, and Jiu Jitsu training—ensuring a complete and well-rounded martial arts experience.

Learn precision, timing, and control while boosting confidence, focus, and physical conditioning with guidance from our experienced instructors.

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 Visitors & 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.