Our Team

We bring different perspectives to the table, but we’re united by a love for purposeful work, thoughtful design, and real connection.

Professor Chris Mize

Chris Mize, founder of Heroes Martial Arts Academy, is the most experienced reality based martial arts instructors in Alabama. Having trained Law Enforcement and Military Special Operations while in the past functioning as a fighter, promoter, referee, coach and even fight medic/cut-man, he has seen and done it all. A Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Master Pedro Sauer and Coach under the legendary Erik Paulson, Chris continues on a daily basis to learn and improve his technical ability to better serve his students on meeting their personal and training goals.

  • Black Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu under Master Pedro Sauer

  • Lead Instructor - Total Defense

  • Coach Level 2 in Combat Submission Wrestling under Sensei Erik Paulson

  • Lead Instructor - Civilian Tactical (C-Tac)

Founder and Head Coach

Robert Eaton

Robert (Robby) Eaton has 14 years of experience the martial arts. He first started traditional Japanese karate at the age of 12 in the Style of Wado Ryu at IJKA under Sensei David Pope. Robby holds ranking of 1st degree black belt in Kyokubugei at UMA Karate under Sensei Paul Rhodes and Sensei Don Monistere. He has competed and placed in many full contact fighting and Jiu Jitsu tournaments. Robby currently holds a purple belt in Pedro Sauer Gracie Jiu Jitsu at Heroes Martial Arts Academy under Chris Mize. Robby also trains in Total Defense, CSW, and C-TAC. He has experience teaching age groups ranging from 6 years old to retirees and helping individuals reaching their goals. He has an emphasis on personal integrity and mutual respect for one another.

  • Black Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu 

Coach

Coach

Steve Brown

Steven Brown started training with Pedro Sauer affiliate in Mobile, Al with Pat Langan He recieved his blue belt from Master Sauer in December of 2009 and after relocating to Birmingham for business, started training with Shris Mize and the instructors at Heroes Martial Arts Academy. After five years as a blue belt, Steven was promoted to purple in October of 2014. Steven has a strong technical influence and has attended seminars and trained with Ryron Gracie, Royce Gracie, Pedro Sauer, Allen Hopkins, Rener Gracie, Ralek Gracie, Kron Gracie, Rickson Gracie,Kid Peligro, Royler Gracie and many others. After starting jiu jitsu at 248lbs and getting down to 200lbs in just 6 months, Steven has dedicated himself to a pursuit of a healthy lifestyle through the art of Gracie Jiu Jitsu.

  • Brown Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu 

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