Matt is the founder and owner of Paragon Martial Arts & Fitness. He’s been training in martial arts for over 17 years and holds the rank of 2nd Dan in Minna Jiu-Jitsu and purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is currently working towards completion of the SPEAR:PDR instructor course. He is a certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructor (Pedro Sauer). Paragon Martial Arts & Fitness is a member school of Cinematic Martial Arts. Matt hold’s a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and a Master’s Degree in Sports Management. He is a certified Personal Trainer through ACSM. Matt is the founder of the stunt and action design team, Kane Action Team. He is an adjunct professor at Kent State University where he’s teaches Self-Defense and Jiu-Jitsu.

I started training at East Coast Martial Arts when I was 4 years old and I am now a Martial Arts Instructor. I’m currently a 3rd Dan Black Belt (tested under Grandmaster I.J. Kim) in our Martial Arts program (mix of Karate, Muay Thai, Jiujitsu, and MMA) and also a Blue Belt in our Kickboxing program. I also train myself in the art of Martial Arts Tricking and Extreme Taekwondo, and as my nickname suggests I put an emphasis on the aesthetics of kicking techniques more over the flipping and twisting. I’m now living the dream sharing my passion for Martial Arts through film making. My number 1 goal is to inspire people to do great things and to put their mind, body, and spirit into everything that they do. Keep kicking!!