Johnny Russell

Dr. Russell serves as the Executive Director of both the GMAU International and the GMAU Academies. He began his martial arts training in 1974 and holds earned black belts in seven traditional martial arts styles and the rank of Renshi in Okinawan weapons. Grandmaster John Pachivas promoted Dr. Russell to 6th degree black belt in 1999 in Okinawan Shuri Ryu Karate and Pachivas Pankration. In 2002, Hanshi George Brich, Kyoshi Gordon Garland, and Soke Kent Haralson presented Dr. Russell with the positional rank of 7th degree black belt and the title of Kyoshi.

"My primary goal in training and teaching the martial arts is to cultivate mature Christian students. This goal is attained through spiritual discipleship, mental discipleship, and physical development."

Mel Keaton