Our Coaches

Matt Fencik pressing weighted barbell

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.

Wes Neal lifting 40 lb medicine ball
Clayton McKenney flying on the gymnastic rings

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

John Easterling with his dog
Clayton McKenney flying on the gymnastic rings

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! ❤️

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. 

John Easterling with his dog
John Easterling with his dog

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.”

John Easterling with his dog

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