Defensive Edge Martial Arts proudly serving Wakefield
Defensive Edge Martial Arts has classes in Wakefield – Perfect for Kids and Adults Martial Arts Lessons.
Who we Are And why You Should Train Here
Since we’ve opened, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through martial arts, education and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members in . We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop and succeed in their personal goals.
We strongly believe that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender or experience levels. Throughout all of our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves, we stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life..
Get To Know Our World Class Instructors
Our professional instructors are highly trained in several martial arts disciplines.
All Head Instructors have 25 – 35 years of experience in the Martial Arts and are dedicated to bringing out the best in each and every student. Defensive Edge is a proud member of Blackbelt Schools International, MAIA (Martial Arts Industry Association), NAPMA (National Association of Professional Martial Artist). But more important than our blackbelt rankings and Championships is our students achievements! That is why our instructors continue to be students themselves.
Our instructors continuously train, attend seminars, and research to improve our ability to help our students reach their goals.
Master Rick Alford
Owner & Head Instructor MMA & Self Defense
- Founded Defensive Edge Martial Arts 1999
- Black Belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Master Andre “Dedeco” Almeida
- 5th Degree Black Belt Lysak’s Sento Method under Walt Lysak Jr.
- 6th Degree Black Belt Castoldi’s Street Jujitsu under Professor David Castoldi
- 4th Degree iCAT Reality Martial Arts Under Richard Ryan and Walt Lysak Jr.
- 3rd Degree Black Belt Small Circle Jujitsu under Soke Ed Melaugh
- 2nd Degree Black Belt Joe Lewis Fighting Systems under Grand Master Joe Lewis
- Muay Thai Level III under Ciano Delucia
- Tribal Leader Level II under Guru Michael Williams
- Studied White Crane & Long Fist Kung Fu under Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming (1990-1994)
- 1st Degree Black Belt Chung Moo Quan
- Training Judo Privately with Olympian Rick Hawn
- iCAT RMA National Director
- iCAT RMA Certified Level V Pro-Coach
- iCAT Team Elite & Masters Alliance Member
- Certified in F.I.G.H.T. (Fierce Israeli Guerrilla Hand-to-Hand Tactics)
- NRA Certified Basic Pistol Instructor
- NRA Certified Home Safety Instructor
- NRA Refuse to Be a Victim Instructor
- Mass State Police Licensed LTC Firearm Safety Course Instructor
- NRA Certified Chief Range Safety Officer
- Team Captain Wrestling CRLS (1986)
- MVP Wrestling CRLS (1986)
- Licensed MMA Trainer – Massachusetts, RI, NH, ME, CT, AL, FL,
- Former E.M.T. (15 Years)
- Former Emergency Communications Operator City of Cambridge, MA (Police, Fire, EMS)
- Featured Martial Arts Instructor on Lifetime TV’s “Teen Trouble” Hosted by Josh Shipp (January, 2013)
- Featured on Radio Disney (November, 2012)
Connor “Bare Knuckle” Barry
MMA, BJJ, Grappling Coach
- Professional MMA Fighter
- Brown Belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Chris Piscione
- Certified NASM Personal Trainer
- Bachelors in Psychology UMassSilver Mitts Champion Boxer
Danny Navarro
Head Youth Instructor – General Manager
- Blackbelt 2nd Degree Defensive Edge RMA/SCJ under Shihan Rick Alford
- Muay Thai Level III Under Ciano Delucia
- BJJ Blue Belt under Ryan Korzeniowski
Sensei Larry Ruisi
Head Instructor Small Circle Jujitsu
- 5th Degree Blackbelt Castoldi’s Street Jujitsu under Professor Dave Castoldi
- 4th Degree Blackbelt Small Circle Jujitsu under Soke Ed Melaugh
- Studied White Crane & Long Fist Kung Fu Under Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming (5 Years)
- 1st Degree Blackbelt in Chung Moo Quan
- Tribal Leader Level II under Guru Michael Williams
Max Casa
Youth Instructor / Muay Thai Assistant
- Blackbelt 2nd Degree Defensive Edge RMA/SCJ under Shihan Rick Alford
- Blackbelt 1st Degree Joe Lewis Fighting Systems
- Brown Belt iCAT RMA Under Walt Lysak & Richard Ryan & Rick Alford
- Level I iCAT Instructor Certified
- Muay Thai Level III Under Kru Ciano Delucia
Dave Lyons
Muay Thai Head Coach
- Blackbelt 1st Degree Defensive Edge RMA/SCJ under Shihan Rick Alford
- Muay Thai Level V Under Kru Ciano Delucia
- Undefeated Kickboxing & Muay Thai Career
Sensei Josh Johnson
MMA Coach
- 2nd Degree Blackbelt SCJ Under Rick Alford & Larry Ruisi
- Black Belt BJJ Under Andre “Dedeco” Almeida
- 1st Degree Blackbelt DEFS
- Muay Thai Level V (Kru) under Ciano Delucia
- Former Pro MMA Fighter
Manny Cuevas
BJJ Instructor
- Blackbelt – DEFS
- Black Belt BJJ under Andre “Dedeco” Almeida
- Blackbelt Karate
- Muay Thai
Sensei Derek Mellino
Small Circle Jujitsu Instructor
- 2nd Degree Blackbelt Small Circle Jujitsu
- Level I MuayThai
- Certified Personal Trainer
- Youth Instructor
Anderson Silverio
Head BJJ Instructor
- Blackbelt 4th Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Black Belt – 2003
- Black Belt 1st Degree – 2006
- Black Belt 2nd Degree- 2009
- Black Belt 3rd Degree –2012
- Black Belt 4th Degree – 2017
Fernanda Araujo
Youth Instructor
- Black belt 2nd Degree Judo
- Black Belt Shotokan Karate
- Blue Belt BJJ
- US Womens 135 Amateur MMA Champion
- Pro MMA Fighter
- Pro Boxer
Ryan Korzeniowski
BJJ Instructor
- 2nd degree Blackbelt BJJ Under Andre “Dedeco” Almeida
- 2010 IBJJF Referee Certified
- 2013 IBJJF Referee Certified
- NPC National Qualifier Men’s Physique Competitor
Kevin Donle
Instructor
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Andre “Dedeco” Almeida
- Police Officer
Ciano DeLucia
Muay Thai Head Coach
- Over 30 Years Muay Thai Experience 33 in Martial Arts
- Trained at Fairtex, Revere MA
- Trained Under Master Toddy
Trained Under Ajarn Apidae (Fairtex) - Professional Record of 6-2
- 4th Degree Blackbelt in Shotokan Karate
