INstructors
Instructors at Plus One Defense Systems, West Hartford, CT
Instructors at Plus One Defense Systems will help you meet your training goals in a healthy and positive environment. We’re very proud to have the talented team that we do. Please click an instructor’s name below to view that instructor’s picture, profile, personal statements, and some noted achievements.
Kyoshi Darin Reisler
Let me start by saying the martial arts have been a wonderful addition to my life. I have been a student for over 35 years, and I hope to continue studying and teaching for at least fifty more!
Professor Robert Austin
Professor Austin has achieved high level black belt ranking in several disciplines, and he is an avid practitioner of the Filipino martial arts systems. He is the current head of the United Martial Arts Alliance, and he has founded a number of martial arts academies in Colorado.
Mestre Marcus Aurelio
Mestre Marcus has nearly 40 years of experience with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He runs the Marcus Aurelio Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Florida. As a multiple time Pan Champion, PRIDE Fighting Champion, and the person who holds the record for the fastest submission in UFC history, we are thankful to be in his lineage.
Professor Marco Delima
Born and raised in Fortaleza, Brazil, Professor Marco has been practicing Jiu-Jitsu for over 20 years, Marco Delima is a 3rd degree black belt under Marcus Aurelio (Carlson Gracie lineage).
Marlene Reisler
Professor Marlene has been training at Plus One for about twelve years. An experienced educator by profession, teaching is in Marlene’s blood. She enjoys being the Head Instructor of the Women’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program and is one of the founding members of that group.
Karen Myrick
Doctor Karen Myrick is a great martial artist with a very diverse background. There's an expression that states, "Before you learn to hurt, you should learn to heal."
Michaela Carr
Coach Michaela can be found helping with the junior and youth classes. She is an “up-and-comer” that we have our eye on for the future! Coach Michaela originally started training with us in 2016, and her training ethic is super strong.
Tristian Sudac
A mechanical engineer by day, Coach Tristian Sudac has been enthralled with the no-nonsense approach that Krav Maga provides for many years. He enjoys the adaptability of the system and the fact that it is constantly developing and growing.
Scott Myrick
Scott Myrick is a Certified Athletic Trainer and is the preferred strength and conditioning coach for the competitive athletes who train at Plus One Defense Systems.
Alberto Collazo
Coach Alberto originally started training with us in 2006 when he was just a boy. He grew up on the mats at Plus One! 🙂 With experience in the ring and on the mats, Coach Alberto works with advanced and beginner Muay Thai students.
David Abreu
Coach David has been training with us in Muay Thai for over five years, and he’s one of our active fighters. He brings an understanding of competition to his training methodology, and he greatly enjoys working with students and helping them improve their skills in the ring and on the mats.
Ajarn Nelson Siyavong
Ajarn Nelson started training at twelve years old in the Northeast Esan regions of Thailand under his late grandfather Sattrajarn Peuy in 1962. Ajarn Nelson turned pro at 14 years old securing his first local championship title.
Keith Scagliola
Keith, or Pai, as he is affectionately called by his fellow Capoeiristas, has studied Capoeira for many years under the direction of Joel Melendez and Mestre Pinga Fogo, with Capoeira Ginga Brasil.
Travis Johnson
Travis has been training for close to ten years. He is an accomplished martial artist and is the captain of our Karate competition team. He is an assistant instructor with the kids and adults, and he is the head instructor of our Kali program.
RonZel Hendrix
A black belt in the Sho Biyn Jiu system, Ronzel is a fantastic martial artist. His dedication shows in the way he performs. He is wonderful example of what it means to be a martial artist… on and off the mat. We are proud to have him on staff as an Assistant Instructor.
Joel Melendez
Joel (AKA Suave) is an accomplished Capoeirista with an energy for the art that is highly contagious. Included in his experience, Joel trained with Mestre Efraim Silva for four years, and he has trained with Mestre Pinga Fogo for eight years.
Mark Balkun
Mark has been involved with sports his entire life and has been a coach for over 15 years. His knowledge gained from competition has provided him with a strong foundation.
Bruno Lichtenstein
Styles Taught Brazilian Jiujitsu, Financial Jiu jitsu. (Bruno loves being on the mat. I have offered to pay him. He has refused to accept it; he just wants to be here, train, and share his knowledge and love of BJJ with others.)
Aaron Hickey
Started Muay Thai in 2006 in Minnesota at the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy (now known as The Academy) under Greg Nelson Continued when moved back to Vermont, and then on to CT where I began at Plus One
We train students to become more than the sum of their training.
We offer martial arts classes for people in the greater Hartford, CT area. We have martial arts classes in many styles. Click a class of interest for more information on this martial arts system:
