White Rhino MMA & BJJ

White Rhino MMA & BJJ is led by Phil Dunlap, a martial artist with more than 30 years of experience and a 2nd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Ricardo Cavalcanti. Phil carries a rare warrior lineage from the Kachin fighting arts of Northern Burma, inherited from his grandfather William “Wild Bill” O'Shaunessy, who trained with the Jinghpaw people during World War II. Before founding White Rhino in Lexington in 2021, Phil built The Asylum Fight Team in New York and competed professionally across multiple striking and grappling disciplines, including Lethwei and Muay Thai, overcoming severe injuries and health challenges along the way. At White Rhino, the curriculum centers on traditional gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with structured classes for adults and youth, emphasizing positional control, submissions, and escapes. The gym also offers kickboxing to develop striking skills, timing, and power, rounding out the mixed martial arts foundation. Classes maintain a focus on technical precision and steady progression, supporting students from their first steps on the mats through advanced training. The schedule includes weekday and weekend sessions, with youth classes available in the late afternoon and adult training spread throughout the week. The academy operates inside The HUB building in downtown Lexington and is wheelchair accessible. Phil’s coaching philosophy combines old-world discipline with modern martial arts methods, stressing humility, resilience, and mutual respect. His history of comebacks and dedication to martial arts shapes an environment where students train hard, support each other, and develop confidence both on and off the mats.

Amenities