Coach Matt
@matthew-kurnava
American Submission Grappling Coach
I have trained in martial arts for more than 34 years, beginning at age 12. My experience includes Tae Kwon Do, Isshin-Ryu Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, catch wrestling, American kickboxing, boxing, Jeet Kune Do, and U.S. Army Combatives. I earned multiple AAU national medals in Tae Kwon Do and later placed at the Pancrase North American Submission Wrestling Championships. I hold a Purple Belt under Apex Submission Grappling & Wrestling in Ashburn, Virginia, with lineage through John Brattelli, Sean Stoopman, Tom DeBlass, Ricardo Almeida, and Renzo Gracie.
My foundation in wrestling and catch wrestling emphasizes positional control, top pressure, ride mechanics, and chain wrestling. I draw influence from Mark Kerr, Josh Barnett, Neil Melanson, Erik Paulson, Snake Pit U.S.A., Owen Livesey, Daniel Cormier, and others. My no-gi development reflects modern systems associated with Eddie Bravo, Gordon Ryan, Craig Jones, the Danaher methodology, B-Team Jiu-Jitsu, and 10th Planet.
I define my approach as Dominate to Submit (D2S)American Submission Grappling. As a coach, I build training on clear expectations, mutual protection, and accountability. Technical rounds stay technical. Control precedes submission. Intensity is agreed upon, not imposed. Standards apply to everyone. A disciplined room allows athletes to train hard, improve under pressure, and return ready to work.
📍 Dacula, GA
