MMA Instructors

Mike Reilly- MMA Coach, Jujitsu Black Belt,

Judo Black Belt, Wrestling

Mike has been training in Martial Arts and Wrestling since childhood. Mike received Black Belts in Judo and Jujitsu from the USJA, The USMMA and the USJSA including personally receiving belts from Phil Porter and Bill Maxie.

In 1998 Mike formed Team Bison with a focus on Western Martial Arts including Sambo, Catch Wrestling and Boxing. As the sport of MMA evolved Team Bison evolved as well adopting more striking and a more MMA specific approach to training.

The results have been over 400 wins in the cage, 25 regional titles, fighters in the UFC, WEC, Elite XC, BoDog, Strike Force and other major events around the world. Team Bison had the first victory ever on National Television when Brett Rogers knocked out John Murphy in the first round of the first show on CBS.

Mikes approach to Martial Arts is highly pragmatic and aggressive. In all aspects of the game Mike believe realistic training and an aggressive mindset is vital for the professional fighter. Those seeking to become competitive fighters Mike will be help push you to the edge and teach you the skills needed to win. Mike also believes fighters need to take from everywhere and everyone one. Mike has come to Ambition to join a team that will give fighters world class skills.

In his own words…

“I have always been confident about my own skills and what I bring to the table; but the sport of MMA has grown beyond what any one person can give a fighter. At Ambition we can bring together the best in every area of the game. Mixed martial arts are all about the blending of styles. We will remove the artificial walls that separate one art from another and dress our fighters in seamless armor, effective in every part of the fight.”

Mark Royce- Striking Instructor & Youth Martial Arts Instructor

1980-1985 – Kung fu, Judo & Aikido.  Began martial art training in February of 1980 after being attacked in an alley in South Minneapolis, near my childhood home. After spending approx. 3 weeks in the hospital for severe injuries that incurred during the attack, I began to train in the martial arts. Starting in Kung fu, Aikido & Judo, then Tae Kwon Do, boxing, And others.

1985-1993 – American Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing & Boxing

Changing styles of training a couple of times over the next few years, and finally in 1989 while working as an assistant instructor for National karate Schools, I tested and received my 1st Degree Black Belt. Beginning In 1986 I trained with several national and world ranked fighters, such as World Middleweight Champion John Longstreet, (sparring partner for 4 years) US welterweight champion Terry Norbloom, Scott Masterton and other top fighters. I also stepped up my boxing training at this time, to enhance my abilities in the ring. I fought to a record of 7 wins 1 loss, 4 (wins by knockout) as an amateur, and decided not to turn pro, do to family commitments. This is when I began teaching martial arts in a corporate environment. I trained several fighters (professional & amateur) in kickboxing, & boxing. Taught private lessons to Minnetonka Police Department in hands on self defense – joint locks, chokes, submissions. Also taught professional football players from MN Vikings boxing & kickboxing private lessons.

1994-1996 – Boxing, Kickboxing

I Taught for National Karate Schools for several years, and then switched to United Karate Schools, where I received my 2nd & 3rd degree Black Belt Ranking. Continued to train fighters, and kids in world class competition.

1997-1998 – TKD, Hapkido, Judo, & Aikido

After leaving United Karate, I was the head instructor for World Martial Arts, and received my 4th degree Black Belt in 1998.

1998-2008 – JKD, Penjact Silat, Kali, Escrima, MMA, boxing, kickboxing, & Jujitsu

I founded American Self-Defense Systems (ASDS) in 1998, which is a martial art style that incorporates several styles of martial arts together with the focus being on primary street self defense. Principles, attribute training, fighting/sparring and covering all 4 of the fighting ranges (Kicking – Striking – Trapping – Grappling ) which are taught to a level of proficiency to all students. This is a teenager and older program not suitable for small children. Primary focus is similar to Bruce Lee’s philosophy, use what is useful, be open minded, learn from everyone you can. ASDS is now merged with TAT. In 2007 I was promoted to 5th Degree Black Belt in Tactical Attribute Systems (T.A.T.) (An Affiliate of ASDS & Midwest Martial Arts Institute)

I am currently working as a Martial Arts Instructor & MMA Stand up Fighting Coach at AMBITION TRAINING ACADEMY in Eagan, MN.

Gabriel Hobbs-Judo Instuctor- Black Belt- Shodan Judo, – Jujitsu.

Background- At the age of 23 had first been introduced into MMA, by competing in local amature competitions. Having virtually no skills or training Gabe started to advance his skill set in MMA. Desiring further knowledge in the arts gabe started traditional judo. After two years he added Jujitsu to his repituar. Training under Junior Brasil, Combat Jujitsu, & Kali Group to name a few. In addition to the quality instruction Gabe is also in the Army and has trained with the Army Combatives Champion Sgt. Benjamin Bradley at the Ground Zero gym.  After years of training Gabe has recieved his Black Belt in Judo, Blue Belt in Jujitsu under Junior Brazil and is on his way to his Jujitsu Black Belt! Gabe has also entered the sport of MMA. He is on Team Ambition MMA as a pro fighter. His current pro record of 2-1 with 2 submission wins!

Highlighted (many other championships and state /regional championships)                                 Record and Accomplishments-

*2008 Land o Lakes Champion- Judo

* 2008 USJA Regional Champion- Judo

* 2008 MN State Tournament Champion- Judo

* 2008 Duluth Tournament Champion- Judo

* 2006 USJA Regional Champion- Judo

* 2006 MN State Tournament Runner Up- Judo

* 2005 USJA Regional Runner Up- Judo

* 2005 Iowa State Championships Runner Up- Judo

*2005 MN State Tournament Runner up- Judo