INSTRUCTORS / BIRMINGHAM
Jay Martin
Teach the person. Build what they need.
A student-centered approach
Jay starts with the person in front of him: their experience, abilities and the problems they may face. His aim is to develop capabilities that fit a student’s life.
A retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant and Modern Army Combatives Program Master Trainer, he brings a long background in teaching, grappling and practical self-protection. Jay also has a long history of teaching Sheepdog Response courses.
Keep learning. Find the gaps.
Army Combatives led Jay deeper into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts. His qualifications include a third-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Shawn Hammonds. Teaching large groups sharpened his ability to adapt instruction to different students.
His later security and executive-protection work reinforced the importance of planning, communication, judgment and recognizing medical emergencies—not only physical skills.
A local training community
Jay’s collaboration with Chris Magyar grew through combatives campouts and the community that became Combatives at the Lake. He leads the proposed Birmingham team.
This broader coaching background informs his approach; the teaching team for each SDR event will be identified in that event’s announcement.
Talk about training
Tell us what you’d like to learn and where you’re based. Teaching teams and participation are confirmed for each event.
Student & host inquiries →