Hey there, friend! If you want to dive headfirst into martial arts, you've come to the right place. At Ground Control Owings Mills, we've assembled a stellar team of instructors passionate about sharing their knowledge and helping you reach your full potential. From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Muay Thai kickboxing, our instructors cover it all. So, without further ado, let's meet the crew!

Ryan Mackin - Black Belt | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blackbelt | Head Instructor

Ryan Mackin is the Lead Instructor of our BJJ program. As a homegrown Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Ryan brings a wealth of experience to the mats. With a professional MMA and Muay Thai background, Ryan is a force to be reckoned with both on and off the mats. His dedication to teaching and nurturing talent is second to none.

Alec Wolinski - Black Belt | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

Alec Wolinski is the definition of dedication. Starting his journey as one of the first students at Ground Control Owings Mills in 2009, Alec has become a black belt under Ryan Mackin himself. Known for his detail-oriented teaching style, Alec's classes are always packed with valuable insights and techniques that work at the highest levels.

Tim Dodge - Brown Belt | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

Tim Dodge is all about the basics. With a strong emphasis on drilling and situational sparring, Tim's classes are perfect for those looking to build a rock-solid foundation in BJJ. Plus, with experience competing in IBJJF tournaments and SCA heavy armored combat, Tim knows a thing or two about what it takes to succeed on the mats.

Byron Brooks - Brown Belt | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

Byron Brooks is a true all-rounder. From coaching women's self-defense to kids' kickboxing, Byron's passion for martial arts knows no bounds. As a former Ground Control fight team member, Byron has competed in MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at a world level, making him a valuable asset to our team. He has experience in boxing, wrestling, and in traditional martial arts.

Elaina Morisi - Brown Belt | Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

Elaina Morisi is the heart and soul of our kids' program. With years of experience teaching youngsters Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Elaina knows how to keep classes fun and engaging. Plus, with a brown belt under Ryan Mackin, Elaina's expertise in BJJ is truly top-notch.

Dana Bittner-Krideler

A dedicated mother of four, Dana brings over a decade of experience as a Para Educator in Baltimore County Public Schools. She has also served as a counselor and co-director of the TNT program at J Camps Owings Mills for five summers. With a passion for supporting children's growth and development, Dana looks forward to extending her nurturing spirit to Ground Control and assisting families and students in achieving their goals.

John Vu - Muay Thai Instructor

John embodies the spirit of Ground Control. Trained under our esteemed coaches since 2009, he's honed his skills and contributed to our growing MMA program. As the 2011 118-lb WKA North American Champion, John's experience and dedication shine through in his coaching. With a passion for Muay Thai and a commitment to excellence, he's helped shape numerous champions at both amateur and professional levels.

Paul Yohn

He is a seasoned martial artist with a passion for coaching and competition. Since 2007, he's been dedicated to honing his skills, transitioning from jiu-jitsu to stand-up fighting. With over seven years of coaching experience, Paul has guided his teammates to success in various competitions. His impressive accolades include winning the 2010 WKA Open at 165 lbs, earning a Bronze Medal at the 2010 WKS Worlds in Scotland, and reaching the semifinals in the D.C. Region Golden Gloves in 2011.

Jesse Stirn - Muay Thai Instructor

With a decade of full-time martial arts training experience, Jesse brings valuable real-world experience into his training program. As a professional mixed martial artist with over a dozen professional bouts, Jesse has traveled as far as Thailand to test himself in competition. His classes are dynamic, challenging, and guaranteed to push you to your limits.

Wayde Breegle - Boxing Trainer

Wayde Breegle has been a professional boxing trainer since 1997, with an extensive amateur record of 56-12. With accolades such as Jr. Olympic National Champion and multiple Pittsburgh Golden Glove and Belts Champion titles, Wayde's expertise in boxing is unparalleled. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, Wayde's classes will sharpen your skills and take your boxing game to the next level.

How awesome are our Instructors here at Ground Control Owning Mills? We are proud to have each one of these skilled coaches here to guide you on your journey. 

Are you ready to meet our instructors and learn even more about them? Contact us today to learn more about GCOM and start your martial arts journey!