Our Coaches
Douglas Lima
Owner/Head Coach
Three-time Bellator Welterweight World Champion, Douglas, is a well rounded athlete. He is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has demonstrated his striking prowess by earning the most knockouts in Bellator history (nine!).
Originally from Brazil, Phenom moved to Georgia as a kid and began training at American Top Team Atlanta under the renowned, Roan “Jucao” Carneiro.
To the public, he is known as a determined athlete, warrior, and champion, but his friends and students speak to his family, faith, and humility as leading characteristics.
Dhiego Lima
Owner/Head Instructor
Two-time Ultimate Fighter finalist (Ultimate Fighter 19 and Ultimate Fighter: Redemption), Dhiego is a current UFC welterweight. He is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Originally from Brazil, Dhiego moved to Georgia as a kid along with his older brother, Douglas. He has trained at American Top Team Atlanta under the renowned, Roan “Jucao” Carneiro.
Like his brother, family and faith are central to his life. He is known for always having a positive attitude and having a smile on his face.
Devon Graham
Academy Manager, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach
“Sharpen the mind, harden the body and be of service to others”
Devon grew up in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He served 1 tour in Iraq and a total of 6 years in the United States Army as a Combat Medic. He still holds a great passion for helping others in his community. After separating from the service, he discovered martial arts as an effective and healthy outlet for combat veterans, PTSD survivors and truly anyone who wishes to better their life and unleash their potential. Devon understands the impact we can make on our community when we all come together for a common goal.
Norman Simoes
Head Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach
Born in Brazil, Norman started training BJJ when he was around 5 years old with his masters Yuri Carlton and Roan Jucão. At 8 years old he started competing in BJJ. Norman is a 15 time State Champion, Brazilian National Champion and Pan-American Champion. He started training boxing around 15 years old. Only 1 year later, he became a national boxing champion. At this time he had his first amateur mixed martial arts fight. At age 18 he had his first pro MMA fight. His current professional record is 6 wins and 2 losses.
When you spend time on the mat with Norman, you will gain more than awesome technique and knowledge. He will make you laugh, smile and inspire you.
Adrianne Torres-McDaniel
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach
Adrianne’s martial arts journey started in 2010 when she started training in Muay Thai, No-Gi BJJ, & MMA alongside her son who was 11 at the time. Although she was unable to keep up with training for herself, she spent the next few years as a Muay Thai/ BJJ/ Boxing/ Wrestling mom.
In 2017, her passion for martial arts was reignited and she began training again. This time around, Adrianne has been more dedicated to training than ever. She received her blue belt in 2018 from Douglas Lima. She continues to pursue knowledge and improvement not only in BJJ but also in Muay Thai.
Adrianne is an amateur Muay Thai fighter and an active BJJ competitor. She feels that the best part of martial arts is being able to share it with her son and husband. She has even shared the mats/ ring with her son during competition.
“Now I’m even more blessed to be able to share my knowledge and passion with a new generation.”
TJ McDaniel
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach
bio coming soon
Jessica Lima
Fitness Coach, CF Level 1
Hello! I’m Jessica Lima, I’m originally from Brazil and as a kid I played many sports, capoeira and gymnastics being my favorite ones! While In High school I did one season of gymnastics. I started CrossFit in 2012 and immediately fell in love with it! I love the atmosphere around the whole CrossFit community and gym, the intensity of the workouts and how everyone helps one another is another thing that made me fall in love. Seeing people accomplish their goals and go beyond what they imagine they can do is pretty cool. The workouts are always a good mix that you never get bored! We want to see everyone succeed in their CrossFit journey and that’s what we are here for! ❤️
Gabriela Gospodarska
Fitness Coach, CF Level 2
I was getting bored with the regular gym workouts and needed something to push me outside my comfort zone. I decided to give this “CrossFit thing” a try in the Summer of 2013, after graduating high school. I thought I was in shape until I was introduced to a “real” workout, and I was hooked after just one class.
Not only was I amazed at the intensity and effectiveness of the workouts, but I was inspired at how the coaches could push me even when I felt like I had nothing left.
I had no idea how much it would positively impact my life – far more than helping me get in shape. It was this broader impact that made me want to work as a Fitness coach. I love getting to watch someone reach a goal or hit a new PR.
I’m ecstatic to help others unleash their potential. So, bring your game face; I’ll bring the motivation.
Isis Kuhn
Fitness Coach, CF Level 1, Member Representative
Hi! I’m Isis, it’s pronounced like an e, eee-sis. Why? Well, I’m from Ecuador and my first language is Spanish, boom! I am a CF L1 trainer. I’ve trained in MMA, Jiu Jitsu, CrossFit, and different forms of weightlifting for nearly 8 years. In 2014 I walked in for a free trial Kickboxing class, and the rest is history.
Choosing to dive headfirst into a challenging sport has been one of the most empowering things I have ever done. With that being said, it’s a blessing to be able to share what I have learned with others. Outside of the gym, I keep having fun as much as possible. Literally, reading, watching movies, playing games, trying new foods, and taking naps. I am currently working towards my degree in Marine Biology, so that’s not stressful at all.
Lastly, I want to share with you that I firmly believe that we are capable of anything. The ingredients are simple. We need faith, the right people, and the right tools. Now, imagine finding them all in one place, that’s magic.
Brantley Furr
CrossTraining, BJJ, MMA, Striking & Kickboxing Coach
Brantley Furr began training martial arts in 2009. As an amateur fighter he held the ISKA bantamweight title. He is currently 3-2 in the Bantamweight division as a professional fighter. He holds a Brown Belt in BJJ.
Like his teammates, Brantley is very family oriented. Brantley continues to train in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu diligently under the direction of Roan Carneiro, Douglas Lima, and Dhiego Lima.
Desiree Bennett
Kickboxing Coach
Hola! I’m Desiree, but most people call me Dez. I’m a Muay Thai and MMA fighter, as well as an ice hockey goalie throughout the year. I originally started my martial arts career to improve my physical and mental health. Once I began training, it sealed the deal for me. I fell in love with Muay Thai and the thrill of competing.
My goal as a coach is to show proper form and technique in striking and build a solid foundation of fundamentals that students can continue to expand upon.
I am also deeply passionate about health and fitness, as I try to set the example for my daughters to see that you can be strong, smart, and beautiful. Training and coaching truly are my favorite things to do, and I am so lucky that I get to do them!
Cody Durden
MMA Coach, Kickboxing Coach
Cody Durden is a professional mixed martial artist who currently fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Cody wrestled in high school and won the 2008 and 2009, 3A Georgia State Dual Championships. In 2014, Cody started training Mixed Martial Arts with the Lima brothers. He began fighting professionally in 2016 and joined the UFC in 2020. He was named the 2014 breakthrough fighter of the year and also was the King of Sparta Champion and Valor Fighting Champion.
Cody takes pride in pushing people to unleash their potential, and he leads from the front by demonstrating that hard work, discipline, and consistency can get you to the top. “Come grow with us.”
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