World Class Staff
Welcome to Warrior Defense Brazilian Jiu Jits specializing in practical self-defense and fitness for the entire family. We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Fitness Kickboxing, Kids BJJ, and much more!
We have classes for ages 4 to 100! We are committed to helping others develop the self-confidence and tools needed to protect themselves and their families. Many of our Black belts help in classes as part of their continuing training in earning further rank and because they love giving back!!
Meet the team
We are committed to helping others develop the self-confidence and tools needed to protect themselves and their families. Many of our Blackbelts help in classes as part of their continuing training in earning further rank and because they love giving back!!
Professor Russ Sirmans
Co-Owner, Instructor
Professor Russ Sirmans, alongside his wife Coach Amy Sirmans, is the co-owner of Warrior Defense Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Their journey began in 2012 when Russ, motivated by a desire to deepen his children’s understanding of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, embarked on his own training under the tutelage of Professor Ginger Mark, as well as Master Roberto Traven. Alongside progressing through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Black Belt) and training in Joddokdo (2nd degree Black Belt), a comprehensive self-defense system, Russ has cultivated a diverse range of artistic pursuits. As an artist, designer, sculptor, and photographer, Russ channels his creativity by seeing differently and embracing a unique vision to show students different paths in their own personal development.
In addition to his martial arts expertise and artistic endeavors, Russ is also a certified health and wellness coach with a Primal Health Coach Institute certification. Complementing this, he holds certifications in first aid, CPR and AED. As the owner of Warrior Defense, Russ serves as an instructor, competitor, and athlete, embodying dedication and excellence both on and off the mat. With a holistic approach to personal development, Russ is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their wellness goals, both physically and mentally. Through his coaching and martial arts instruction, Russ inspires others to lead balanced, fulfilling lives grounded in health, wellness, community, personal growth and development.
Certifications
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Black Belt
• Joddokdo – Black Belt 2nd Degree
• Primal Health Coach Institute – Health & Wellness Coach
• First Aid, CPR and AED
Classes Taught
• Mighty Warriors – 4-7 year olds
• Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – 7-14 year olds
• Kids No Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – 7-14 year olds
• Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – 14+ year olds
• Adult NoGi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – 14+ year olds
Coach Amy Sirmans
Co-Owner, Instructor
Amy Sirmans, co-owner of Warrior Defense Brazilian Jiu Jitsu alongside her husband, Professor Russ Sirmans, embarked on her martial arts journey in 2012, initially driven by a desire to engage with her children’s activities and lead a more active lifestyle. Starting with self-defense and kickboxing, Amy shortly following embraced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the guidance of Professor Ginger Mark, achieving a Black Belt in Joddokdo in 2017 and currently holds a Purple Belt in BJJ under Master Roberto Traven. Beyond instructing BJJ classes, Amy contributes to teaching Mean Girl/Hero Self Defense courses and seminars as a certified Level 1 & 2 Instructor. Drawing from her background in public involvement and project management, Amy fosters community within Warrior Defense, prioritizing empowerment and camaraderie. Her dedication to nurturing self-esteem and resilience echoes her own transformative journey, fostering lasting bonds within the Warrior Defense family.
Certifications
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Purple Belt
• Joddokdo – Black Belt 1st Degree
• Mean Girl/Hero Self Defense – Level 1 & 2 Certified Instructor
• First Aid, CPR and AED
Classes taught
• Mighty Warriors – 4-7 year olds
• Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – 7-14 year olds
• Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – 14+ year olds
Professor Ginger Mark
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Head Instructor, Founder
Professor Ginger Mark is not only our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Head Instructor but also the proud Founder of Warrior Defense. With over two decades of martial arts experience, she started her journey in Jodokkdo in 1997 before delving into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2007. Her passion for self defense and fitness led her to establish Warrior Defense, a space dedicated to empowering individuals through martial arts training. As a Black Belt 2nd Degree in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a Black Belt 5th Degree in Jodokkdo, Professor Mark brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Additionally, her certifications in First Aid, CPR, and AED underscore her commitment to safety and well-being. Beyond martial arts, Professor Mark’s personal experiences as a mother of three children and a breast cancer survivor further shape her teaching style, instilling resilience and determination in her students at Warrior Defense.
Certifications
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Black Belt 2nd Degree
• Joddokdo – Black Belt 5th Degree
• First Aid, CPR and AED
Classes taught
• Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – 7-14 year olds
• Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – 14+ year olds
Professor Raymond Mark
Instructor
Professor Ray Mark is an Instructor renowned for his expertise in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Jodokkdo. He embarked on his martial arts journey in 2000 with Jodokkdo, followed by Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2007. Motivated by a passion for self-improvement and a desire to empower others, Professor Ray delved into teaching, imparting invaluable skills and confidence to his students. His accolades include a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a 4th Degree Black Belt in Jodokkdo, alongside certifications in First Aid, CPR, and AED. Beyond the mat, Professor Ray’s role as a father to three adult children, including a daughter and a set of twin boys, influences his teaching style, characterized by a blend of expertise, empathy, and a uniquely dry sense of humor that effortlessly dissipates tension when things get too serious.
Certifications
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Black Belt
• Joddokdo – Black Belt 4th Degree
• First Aid, CPR and AED
Classes taught
• Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – 7-14 year olds
• Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – 14+ year olds
Sensei Tony Grant
Self-Defense Head Instructor
Anthony Grant, known as Sensei Tony, embarked on his martial arts journey in 2009, seeking a path to self-discovery and personal empowerment. With dedication and passion, he honed his skills and became proficient in various disciplines. Sensei Tony specializes in teaching self defense, fitness kickboxing, and yoga for Jiu Jitsu, empowering individuals to unlock their full potential in discipline, focus, and self-confidence. Holding a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Jodokkdo, a Blue Belt in Jiu Jitsu, and certification as a Yoga for BJJ Instructor, Sensei Tony is committed to sharing his knowledge and expertise to inspire others on their own transformative journeys.
Certifications
• Joddokdo – Black Belt 3rd Degree
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Blue Belt
• Yoga for BJJ – Instructor
• First Aid, CPR and AED
Classes taught
• Fitness Kickboxing – 14+ year olds
• Adult Self-Defense – Joddokdo – 14+ year olds
• 30 Minute Fit – 14+ year olds
Coach Leslie Steinmann
Instructor
Coach Leslie Steinmann is a martial arts instructor whose journey began in 2009, driven by a quest to overcome postpartum depression. Introduced to kickboxing initially, she soon discovered her passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) after Professor Ginger Mark invited her to a class. Today, Leslie specializes in Kids BJJ, Kids NoGi BJJ, and Women’s Self Defense, holding a Purple Belt in BJJ and a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Joddokdo. Her certifications in Mean Girl/Hero Self Defense and Krav Maga reflect her commitment to providing comprehensive self-defense training. With a Bachelor’s degree in physical education, Leslie’s teaching style is informed by her deep-rooted passion for physical activity and education, allowing her to empower others both on and off the mat. Beyond martial arts, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, exploring the outdoors through biking, hiking, boating, and fishing, and finding solace in quiet moments with a cup of coffee on her porch.
Certifications
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Purple Belt
• Joddokdo – Black Belt 2nd Degree
• Mean Girl/Hero Self Defense – Level 1, 2 & 3 Certified Instructor (Co-Owner and CPO of Mean Girl Self Defense)
• Krav Maga – Green Belt
• First Aid, CPR and AED
Classes taught
• Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – 7-14 year olds
• Kids No Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – 7-14 year olds
• Women’s Self Defense
Coach Benjamin Efird
Instructor
Benjamin Efird began his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey in 2015, captivated by its effectiveness and the familial bond it fosters. Under the mentorship of esteemed figures like Professor Ginger Mark and Master Roberto Traven, he earned his purple belt. Specializing in teaching fundamental principles, Benjamin emphasizes teamwork, perseverance, and strategic thinking, drawn from his diverse background in competitive sports. Rooted in values of respect, discipline, and continual improvement, his approach to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu reflects a holistic commitment to personal growth and development.
Certifications
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Purple Belt
Classes taught
• Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Fundamentals – 14+ year olds
Coach Steve Taylor
Instructor
Coach Steve Taylor is a dedicated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner and instructor. Since 2018, Steve has been sharing his passion for BJJ, holding a Purple Belt. He hosts “Technical Tuesday’s” sessions, offering valuable insights into the fundamentals of the art. With 25 years of experience in music, Steve sees parallels between music and martial arts, emphasizing skills like attention to detail and composure under pressure. Join Coach Steve on the mat for an enriching journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Certifications
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Purple Belt
Classes taught
• Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Fundamentals – 14+ year olds
Coach Heather Grant
Assistant Instructor
Coach Heather, has been deeply involved in martial arts since her childhood, beginning with TaeKwonDo in 1996 and continuing until 2002. Her journey in self defense training expanded when she joined Warrior Defense in 2015, where she remains actively involved to this day. Her passion for self-defense led her to embrace the Mean Girl Self Defense program in 2021, alongside her commitment to empowering individuals through martial arts. Coach Heather specializes in teaching the self defense program alongside Sensei Tony and actively contributes to the Women’s only self defense classes as part of The Mean Girl Self Defense program, working alongside Coach Leslie. With a 1st-degree black belt in the self defense program, a white belt in Jiu-Jitsu, and a pink/white belt in Mean Girl Self Defense, Heather’s expertise is further bolstered by her 3rd-degree black belt in TaeKwonDo and an orange belt in Krav Maga. Through her teachings, she strives to instill confidence and safety in women and young adults, fostering an environment where self assurance and self defense skills go hand in hand.
Certifications
• Joddokdo – Black Belt 1st Degree
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – White Belt
• Mean Girl/Hero Self Defense – Level 1 Certified Instructor & Level 2 Certified Assistant Instructor
• TaeKwonDo – Black Belt 3rd Degree
• Krav Maga – Orange Belt
• First Aid, CPR and AED
Classes taught
• Fitness Kickboxing – 14+ year olds
• Adult Self-Defense – Joddokdo – 14+ year olds
• 30 Minute Fit – 14+ year olds
Coach Tyler White
Wrestling Instructor
Coach Tyler White Wrestling Coach Coach Tyler is a USA Wrestling Bronze and Copper Certified Coach with a distinguished career in coaching and competitive wrestling. He has served as a Maryland National Team Coach (2014-2016) and a Florida National Team Coach (2021-2022). Since 2020, White has been the Associate Head Coach at Winter Springs High School, following his role at Cypress Lake High School (2017-2020) and Catoctin High School (2014-2016). Over his career, he has coached 62 state placers, 14 state runner-ups, 14 state champions, and 3 USA Wrestling National All-Americans. As a competitor, White set a school wins record with a 140-19 high school record, was a 4-time state placer and state runner-up, and went on to wrestle Division I at the US Naval Academy and West Virginia University. He trained under renowned coaches Bruce Burnett, former U.S. Olympic/National Freestyle Head Coach, and Jay Antonelli, former U.S. Olympic/National Greco Coach.