Kevin established American Martial Arts Academy in the 1990s, introducing a Mixed style of Martial Arts training to the area with the goal of providing unparalleled, comprehensive training in a safe and clean environment. He has over 24 years of martial arts experience teaching both children and adults & has earned a Black Belt in Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and was one of the first Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Associations in the 90’s. He also has a 5th degree Black Belt in American Mixed Martial Arts, a 3th degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and is a Certified Muay Thai instructor under 9 time world champion, Rob Kaman. He has had the good fortune of studying under Lucas Lepri, Royce Gracie, Caique Ellias and others. He is a nationally recognized, Certified Bully Expert and teaches positive behavior enhancement and de-escalation through communication to avoid conflict and bullying. Kevin has contracted with the United States Military to enhance closed combat training and was chosen to establish the first certification curriculum for the NC Boxing Commission to certify their judges and referees for Mixed Martial Arts competitions when it was first legalized in North Carolina. Through the Academy, He has trained many champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts and continues to produce them today. Kevin is one of the most technical Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors you will find and always presents humble and full of energy. He is also a licensed Physical Therapist providing a special focus on training students in methods that are both effective and safe. He has a wife Derina and 3 children, Carmen, Kage and Kaleah which you can meet at the academy. Kage and Kaleah are currently training to attend the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships. In their spare time the Pyles family enjoys horseback riding at their ranch and attending church activities at Asbury Presbyterian Church.