About The Coaches

Coaches

Head Grappling Coach - Chris Herzog

Chris Herzog - Grappling Coach

Chris Herzog is the Director and Head Coach of Empire Academy and has been training in the martial arts for over 24 years. He is a Nationally ranked competitor who has competed internationally and medalled in Submission Grappling, Judo, Sambo and Combat Sambo.

Along with Blackbelts in several traditional martial arts he has Blackbelts in Judo (4th Degree), Kickboxing, and is a Certified Russian Sambo Instructor. Chris has a brown belt in 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu under Eddie Bravo, and also coaches Boxing and Muay Thai. Along with being a certified coach and instructor in Judo(USJA), Sambo(UFRS) and 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu. Chris has amassed quite a impressive competition record.

Accomplishments

Head Striking Coach - Wally MacDonald

Walter Macdonald - Striking Coach

Our Head Striking Coach is Wally "The Weapon" MacDonald, who has over 16 years experience in over a dozen martial arts. Wally has Blackbelts in Kickboxing and Tae Kwon Do, a Brown Belt in Judo, and a Purple Belt in Jiu Jitsu. Coach MacDonald is a certified Boxing Coach under USA Boxing and a Certified Kickboxing coach under the legendary Ray Casal. Coach MacDonald is also a student of UFC, K1 and Pride veteran Duane "Bang" Ludwig.

Wally is currently undefeated in MMA and continues to compete in Boxing, Kickboxing, San Shou, Sanda, Judo, Sambo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Submission Grappling.

Accomplishments

Fight Fitness Coach - Greg Walsh

Greg Walsh - Fitght Fitness Coach

Greg has spent the last 5 years focusing on unique ways to integrate strength training into the fighting arts, and keeps a strong focus on training competitors for grappling, kickboxing, and Mixed Martial Arts. His Fight Fitness program is an effective mix of bodyweight training, kettlebell motions, and other relevant methods all engineered to build muscular endurance, grip strength, core stability, and explosive power.

As a Certified Crossfit trainer and AKC (American Kettlebell Club) Coach, he has taught broad-based functional fitness to those at all levels of the athletic spectrum willing to work hard.

Accomplishments

Junior Jiu Jitsu Coach - Scott Yockel

Scott Yockel - unior Jiu Jitsu Coach

Scott wrestled for Greece Olympia High School from 1998 to 2001 and was a 3 time varsity letter winner, with a record of 50 and 25. He was an open national qualifier and was second for most pins and technical falls in 2001. Scott coached the 01-02 season at Apollo Middle School and Greece Olympia High School, and also spent a year as a coach for baker boys youth wrestling. Scott has trained in Judo, Jiu Jitsu, and Sambo at Empire since 2006, and is a Brown Belt in Judo, and a Blue Belt in 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu.

Accomplishments