Justin started training in MMA at the age of fifteen, over twenty-five years ago. Only one year later, he entered his first kickboxing match. Justin then competed in a total of ten amateur fights before establishing his professional Mixed Martial Arts career at the age of twenty-one.
In addition to his striking expertise, Justin earned a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and has competed against some of the best fighters in the world. He has captured multiple MMA titles in his twenty professional bouts. He has fought in multiple organizations and is a Bellator veteran. As a coach for twenty-three years, he has helped create dozens of regional and world champions in kickboxing and MMA. His commitment and dedication to training at an optimum level allows him to instruct students of all ages and levels, from the newest beginner to elite competitors.
Michael McDonald
Michael McDonald started training in kickboxing at the age of ten. At the age of fourteen he expanded his training to mixed martial arts. After competing in a total of nine amateur fights, he turned professional in 2007 at the age of sixteen. He competed in the WEC at the age of nineteen, eventually competing in the UFC. In 2013, he fought for the interim UFC Bantamweight Championship at 22 years of age. Michael also competed in the bantamweight division of Bellator MMA. During this time Michael also earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Mercedez Smitley
Kickboxing instructor Mercedez Smitley has been practicing Mixed Martial Arts for eighteen years. Her introduction to combat sports began with boxing at the age of seventeen. This led Mercedez to study and train in kickboxing and jiu jitsu just a year later at the age of eighteen.
Mercedez has earned her blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and competed in multiple tournaments. At the age of twenty, she entered her first amateur MMA bout. After her sixth bout, Mercedez became Oakdale, California's first female Mixed Martial Arts Amateur Atomweight Champion. This led to her first Professional MMA fight in 2017 at the age of 26. Mercedez is still an active fighter.
Mercedez’ experience in MMA makes her an exceptional instructor for all levels and ages at Legends Elite Kickboxing/MMA. She is patient and incredibly knowledgeable, able to help students by reviewing basic skills or fine-tuning important details.
