Raleigh MMA Gym
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Training is the perfect choice if you are interested in competing, getting in better shape, having better self confidence, or you just want to understand more about MMA. In any case, our Boxing and MMA Center can take you there! Kids and adults of every skill level are welcome to experience this incredible way of getting in shape. Become a Rapid Fitness member to benefit from the friendly staff, top notch coaches, and a motivating environment that you won't find anywhere else!
Read our MMA Staff Bios:
Johnny Keokongsy
District MMA Director
Hometown: Greensboro, NC
About Johnny:
Started his training at age 5. He was taught by his Father, a former fighter from Camp Mung Si Koat located between Laos and Thailand. Instructor Johnny Keokongsy has also studied other martial arts such as Tae Kwon Do and Brazilian Jiu jitsu. He has five plus years of teaching experience and would like to continue to not only perfect, but also share his craft with others. He has made it his mission to preserve the traditional sport of Muay Thai as well as carry on the teachings of where it came from Thailand.
Words to Live By: "A fighter does not lose because he is knocked down. A fighter loses If he never gets back up."
Education and Certifications:
- Under Keokongsy Muay Thai
- Under Muay Lao System
Professor Todd Wheeler
Team Renzo Gracie Black Belt
MMA Director Rapid Fitness
Chief Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Instructor
Hometown: Spruce Pine, NC
About Todd:
Professor Todd Wheeler began studying martial arts at the age of 14 in North Carolina. After moving to Los Angeles, CA at age 16, he was fortunate enough to meet actor Steven Seagal and began studying Aikido at his school. After several years training with Seagal, Todd met master of Tae Kwon Do and creator of Tae Bo, Billy Blanks. Professor Todd began teaching Tae Kwon Do and working as a Tae Bo instructor for six years. This interaction led him to study psychology as part of his minor in college, furthering his knowledge of how to interact with and incorporate his martial arts training for adults as well as children. In an effort to broaden his martial arts ability, Professor Todd went on to study traditional Jiu-Jitsu, Wing Chun Kung Fu and finally Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, achieving high ranking belts in all systems and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
Todd’s primary focus for the last eight years has been in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Todd’s current rank in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is black belt under the prestigious Team Renzo Gracie family given to him by 2nd degree Black Belt Professor Shawn Williams. Todd’s first experience with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was studying under renowned practitioner John Machado. While training with John Machado, Todd was fortunate enough to take classes with Jean Jacques Machado, Rico Rodriguez, and Eddie Bravo. After that he went on to study under the Team Renzo Gracie flag at Hollywood BJJ and has been an instructor under Shawn Williams at HBJJ/Team Renzo Gracie for the past several years. He placed as a silver medalist in the 2006 American Nationals and competed in the Pan American games. While at HBJJ Todd has been lucky enough to train with some masters of BJJ as well as some Hollywood celebrities, including Renzo Gracie, Rodrigo Gracie, Daniel Gracie, John Danahar and Dave Camarillo; film/television notables Director Guy Ritchie ("Sherlock Holmes"); actor Harold Perrineau ("Lost"); and actor Sean Patrick Flanery ("Boondock Saints").
Remy EB Fullwood
MMA Strength & Conditioning Coach
Hometown: Wrightsville Beach, NC
About Remy:
Personal Trainer for the past 9 years. Has been an athlete for most of his life. Started karate at 4 years old in Wilmington at the Community Boys Club. At 14, Remy started boxing camp at Wilmington Boxing Center. He is now USA Boxing certified under Coach Bradley.
Words to Live By: "Go HARD or GO HOME."
Education and Certifications:
- NCCU Sport Exercise Science
- USA Boxing Certified
Blake Risk
MMA Wrestling Coach
Hometown: Spokane, WA
About Blake:
Blake started wrestling at the age of 4 years old when his father Courtney Risk introduced him to the sport. Courtney a former Iowa state Champion in high school helped coach and mentor his son. Besides wrestling he has concentrated on such mixed martial arts as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Muay-Thai kick boxing, Judo and sparring. Blake helps in instructing Strength and Conditioning classes, wrestling, beginner boxing classes, kids' kick boxing, and Sparring sessions at Rapid Fitness. He is also training to fight at 145 lbs.
Words to Live By: "Work hard, play hard."
Steve Uhalley IV
MMA Trainer
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
About Steve:
Steve has been studying martial arts since the age of six years old. He first began his martial arts journey in the art of Karate under sensei Jarome. After two years of training he then turned his focus to Tae Kwon Do. He trained under Master Lee and acquired his first degree black belt by the age of thirteen. He then decided to diversify his training and started practicing Muay Thai Kick Boxing. He studied the art under the Kick Boxing Champion Scott Francis. At the age of sixteen he began studying Brazilian jujitsu and shamrock submission fighting. He has been practicing these arts ever since. Steve's goal in training is to create well rounded fighters. He teaches techniques that can be used in real world self defense situations as well as competitive fighting. Steve also understands that Martial Arts are not only just for fighting and strengthening the body but also for creating self discipline, respect, and strengthening the mind. Both the mind and body must be well balanced in order to achieve the goals we want.
Words to Live By: "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, It's the size of the fight in the dog."
Education and Certifications:
- Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do
- CPR/First Aid Certified
