Professor Chris Mize
Head Instructor
Professor Chris Mize is the founder and Head Instructor of Heroes Martial Arts Academy and one of Alabama’s most experienced martial arts and combatives instructors. He began training in Judo in 1984 and has spent more than four decades studying, teaching, and refining his approach to martial arts and practical self-protection.
Chris opened one of Alabama’s earliest Mixed Martial Arts academies and has been called “The Godfather of Alabama MMA” for his role in developing many of the instructors and competitors who helped establish the sport in the state.
His experience extends well beyond combat sports. Chris has trained military Special Operations personnel and law enforcement officers in combatives and tactical skills and has extensive experience teaching students ranging from young children and recreational martial artists to professional fighters and military personnel.
Known for his ability to connect with students and make complex material understandable, Chris continues to study and teach across Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, striking, and integrated combatives.
3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Master Erik Paulson
3rd Degree Black Belt in Civilian Tactical (C-TAC) under Sifu Alan Baker
Associate Instructor in Combat Submission Wrestling (CSW) under Master Erik Paulson
STX Kickboxing Coach
Shooto 2.0 Practitioner
Professor Robby Eaton
Adult/Kids Instructor
Robby Eaton has a combined 26 years of experience within multiple styles of martial arts. He first started traditional Japanese karate at the age of 12 in the Style of Wado Ryu at IJKA under Sensei David Pope. Robby holds ranking of 1st degree black belt in Kyokushin Karate trained under Sensei Paul Rhodes and Sensei Don Monistere at UMA Karate. He has competed and placed in many full contact fighting and Jiu Jitsu tournaments.
Robby achieved the rank of black belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu by Professor Pedro Sauer Gracie in 2018 under Coach Chris Mize at Heroes Martial Arts Academy. He is a Coach Level 1 in Erik Paulson’s Combat Submission Wrestling (CSW). Robby also trains in Total Defense, CSW, STX Kickboxing, and C-TAC. He has experience teaching age groups ranging from 6 years old to retirees. He is dedicated to helping individuals reaching their full potential and goals. Coach Robby currently holds the rank of 3rd degree black belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu and continues to train and promote the art.
3rd Degree Black Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu
Coach Level 1 in CSW
Coach Chris Bowlin
Adult/Kids Instructor
Chris started his martial arts journey in the early 90's taking traditional Martial Arts starting with Kenpo Karate while stationed in Hawaii in1994. Other styles to include Japanese Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Karate and Western Boxing. In the start of the 2000's he began competing in MMA, Tough Man and grappling tournaments. This is where he truly understood that Live training (training with resistance) was the true measure of whether you are honing your craft. After trying multiple gyms, he found a home at Heroes and has been here since 2012.
BJJ Black Belt 1 Degree
CSW Coach Level 1 under Eric Paulson
Coach Steve Brown
Adult Instructor
Steven Brown started training with Pedro Sauer affiliate in Mobile, Al with Pat Langan He recieved his blue belt from Master Sauer in December of 2009 and after relocating to Birmingham for business, started training with Chris Mize and the instructors at Heroes Martial Arts Academy. After five years as a blue belt, Steven was promoted to purple in October of 2014. Steven has a strong technical influence and has attended seminars and trained with Ryron Gracie, Royce Gracie, Pedro Sauer, Allen Hopkins, Rener Gracie, Ralek Gracie, Kron Gracie, Rickson Gracie,Kid Peligro, Royler Gracie and many others. After starting jiu jitsu at 248lbs and getting down to 200lbs in just 6 months, Steven has dedicated himself to a pursuit of a healthy lifestyle through the art of Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
Black Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu
Coach Brandon VanSlambrouck
Adult/Kids Instructor
Brandon VanSlambrouck began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2006 at the age of 16. Over the past two decades, BJJ has become a major part of his life, both as a competitor and as an instructor.
Brandon co-founded the U.S. Naval Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Team, helping establish a program that continues to thrive today. His experience building and developing a team has shaped his approach to teaching: technical instruction, hard work, camaraderie, and an emphasis on helping every student improve.
As a competitor, Brandon has earned multiple bracket wins and medals in NAGA and The Good Fight competitions. His competitive experience has given him a deep appreciation for both the technical and practical aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Brandon also holds a brown belt in Kyokushin Karate and has studied boxing and Muay Thai, giving him a well-rounded background in martial arts and combat sports.
As an instructor, Brandon's goal is to create an environment where students of all experience levels can develop their skills, build confidence, and enjoy the lifelong journey of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brown Belt in Kyokushin Karate
Coach Philip Petersen
Adult Instructor
Philip is a BJJ black belt, who has been fascinated by, and trained in, several martial arts, since childhood. He has competed professionally and/or in amateur Muay Thai, mixed martial arts (MMA), bare knuckle (Kyokushin style) karate, amateur boxing, judo, submission grappling, and BJJ. He has also trained in “ancient” Asian and European weapons and fencing, and escrima/kali. He has a lifetime of training with, and using, firearms from an early age. He continued this training, starting at age 17 and with much larger weapons, when he joined the Army. Philip’s knowledge of close combat has led him to be utilized as an expert witness in legal proceedings.
Coach Chris Magyar
Adult/Kids Instructor
Chris Magyar began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu after a successful career in healthcare technology. He previously trained in Japanese Jujitsu, Russian Sombo and Judo. He operated the Birmingham Sombo Club from ‘98-‘07.
In addition to BJJ, Chris has extensive training in integrated combatives (full spectrum self protection), competitive and defensive firearms, lawful use of force, and trauma medicine. His approach emphasizes practical, evidence-based instruction and helping students understand not just how techniques work, but why and when their use is appropriate.
Whether teaching children, new students, or experienced practitioners, his goal is to create capable, confident individuals that are difficult to victimize.
Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Chris Mize. BeltChecker
1st degree Black Belt in Russian Sombo
Civilian Tactical (C-TAC) Phase 1 Instructor under Sifu Alan Baker
Rangemaster Professional Pistolcraft Instructor; NRA Pistol Instructor & Range Safety Officer
Massad Ayoob Group: Use of Deadly Force Instructor
Operates The Firearms Concierge and Kraken Combatives
Additional instructor certifications and credentials available here.
Coach Casey Reed
Adult/Kids Instructor
With over 8 years of combined martial arts experience, my training focuses primarily on Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, along with striking arts including Kickboxing and Muay Thai, as well as Combatives.
I have accumulated over 700 hours of experience instructing both adults and children, with an emphasis on youth bully-proofing, personal safety, and practical self-defense through jiu jitsu.
3 Stripe Purple Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Corey Richardson
Level 1 S.A.F.E. Instructor under Professor Leonardo Xavier and Professor Corey Richardson
Member of the Jiu-Jitsu Global Federation (JJGF)