Sensei Lawrence Patrick
- Owner and Head Instructor
- Jiu-Jitsu Blackbelt
- 26-0 Professional Kickboxer
He began training 26 years ago in striking arts (Boxing & Kickboxing). Realizing that these arts were one dimensional, he supplemented his skills by learning Jiu-Jitsu and Judo to become a more complete martial artist. To test his skills as a fighter he fought as a professional kickboxer and retired undefeated with a 26-0 record (24 wins by k.o.). He has also won hundreds of submission grappling matches in his career. In January 2002, Lawrence was honored by being the first inductee into the Freestyle Fighting Championship's Hall of Fame for his contribution to the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. Never being one to remain stagnant in his learning, he is constantly continuing his education and refining his craft to this day. For this reason he will always be a student of the Martial Arts.
Derek Arcement
Derek Arcement is our newest addition to our line of instructors. He has been training with Gold Dragon MMA since 2006. He enjoyed a successful fighting career and was the number two ranked ISCF Featherweight. Derek teaches two classes a week and has gained a reputation for being a gifted instructor.
Chris Myers
- Assistant Instructor
Chris Myers has been a member of Gold Dragon MMA since 2006. He is a valuable member of the staff willing to help experienced and newcomers alike with whatever they need. He is a professional fighter with well rounded skills in both stand-up and ground fighting. Chris assists with both the adult and youth classes.
Joseph Abercrombie
- Assistant Instructor
Joseph Abercrombie has been a member of Gold Dragon MMA since 2007. He is a professional fighter and has also won first place in several Jiu-Jitsu tournaments. Joseph works with all the fighters helping them prepare for upcoming matching through sparring, conditioning and grappling.
Sean Baudier
- Assistant Instructor
Sean Baudier's background is wrestling and he helps round out our fighters with those specific skills. Sean is always willing to work with any student by sharing his knowledge and grappling with them. Sean has had an accomplished amateur fighting career and looks forward to turning professional. Sean has recently transferred to Jackson, Ms. however he comes and helps us out whenever he is in town.
Honorary Instructors
The following instructors have been a large part of our gym's success. Although they are not currently instructing, they will always be apart of Gold Dragon MMA. We owe them a huge Thank you for all of their contributions over the years.
Mike Gallo
- Assistant Instructor
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blackbelt
Mike Gallo has been training in B.J.J. for over a decade. He received his formal training under Alfredo Ramirez and Ronnie Salas of Brazil.He has fought in mixed martial art events such as International Fighting Championships (I.F.C.), World Extreme Fighting, and Reality Combat. Mike also was the 1996 I.S.K.A. Grappling World Champion and a Rickson Gracie team member in 1999. Mike was an instructor at the Reality Combat Academy and now has been teaching at Gold Dragon Institute since 2002.
Rob Braniff
Rob Branniff trained from 1980-1985 with Master Yang Moon. He has been training at Gold Dragon MMA since 1998. Rob is co-owner of Sportfighting USA , a sports promotions corporation and home of the Freestyle Fighting Championships (FFC), Kings; The evolution of Kickboxing, and The International Boxing Challenge (IBC).
Brian Stewart
Brian Stewart has been training at Gold Dragon MMA for over a decade. He was the 2nd adult to ean black belt rank at the training center. Brian's forte is conditioning/stamina training. In class, Brian pushes the fighters to their limit and assists in the corner at almost every fight. Brian is also the assistant manager of the Vitamin Shoppe in Slidell, located on Northshore Blvd., and answers any nutritional concerns our team members may have.
Chris Engolia
Chris Engolia has been training at Gold Dragon MMA for over a decade. His specialty is street application in all techniques that he teaches. He also has the distinction of being the first student to earn black belt rank at the training center. Chris assists students in perfecting and fine tuning their technique. He also corners the fighters at almost every event they participate in.