Underdog Mixed Martial Arts

Underdog Mixed Martial Arts in West Hartford is shaped by the vision and experience of head coach and owner Russell Leak. Russell began his martial arts journey in 2003 under Master Instructor Chris Smith, focusing on Jeet Kune Do before expanding his expertise across striking and MMA. Alongside Russell, the academy’s coaching staff features specialists like Professor Diogo “Moreno” Araujo, a seasoned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor and head BJJ coach, and Stephanie Fox, a black belt who leads the women’s BJJ program. The team’s diverse backgrounds in wrestling, striking, and strength and conditioning create a training environment where practical skill development and mentorship go hand in hand. The class schedule at Underdog reflects a commitment to both technical progression and accessibility. Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu runs in both gi and no-gi formats, with fundamentals, all-levels, and advanced sessions offered throughout the week. There are dedicated drilling hours and open mats for both gi and no-gi practitioners, as well as focused classes in Muay Thai, kickboxing, and MMA. Wrestling is a key part of the curriculum, with fundamentals and advanced classes led by experienced coaches, and a strong emphasis on integrating grappling skills into MMA. For women, there is a weekly gi BJJ class led by Coach Fox. Youth training at Underdog is organized by age and skill, starting with Puppy programs for ages 5–8 and Pitbull classes for ages 9–12, covering BJJ, wrestling, striking, and fitness. Teens (13–16) have their own BJJ, no-gi, wrestling, and striking classes, along with open mat opportunities and a competition team track. This structure allows young athletes to develop at their own pace, guided by coaches who are active competitors and teachers. Whether on the mat or in the ring, Underdog’s day-to-day instruction is rooted in the hands-on experience and dedication of its staff.

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