UFC veteran, Junior Assuncāo, is one of the most versatile MMA fighters in the industry. Currently, the #1 lightweight contender in the American Fight League, Junior brings practical fight training and unmatched MMA talent to Ascension. Junior has earned black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Capoeira and has over nine years experience coaching. His professional MMA career has led to extensive training in these disciplines as well as in Boxing , Judo, Muay Thai, and Wrestling. He has trained out of Black House (Casa Preta) gym in Brazil with the likes of MMA powerhouses Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida.

Junior's martial arts foundation is in Capoeira, a Brazilian fight system characterized by acrobatic sweeps, kicks, and head butts that rely heavily on core strength. Having trained under Mestre Delei for 12 years, Junior credits his success in the combat sports to this discipline. As an instructor, Junior incorporates many techniques from Capoeira, which help his students develop agility, balance, and practical strength. Junior's aptitude for blending diverse martial arts techniques allows him to assist his students in developing unique and powerful fight styles.

Originally from Recife in Northeastern Brazil, Junior grew up in Miami, and now has made his home in Atlanta. He is the proud father of two children, eight year old Matheus and six year old Camilla.

Kristy Poteete

Kristy Poteete picked up BJJ just a few years ago and was made a quick study. Kristy tips the
scale at just over 100 lbs and demonstrates daily the pure strength of Jiu-Jitsu. Technique will
always win out.

She has several major Tournament wins with her biggest coming in 2007 in the Arnold Grappling Championships in Columbus, OH. Kristy is a advocate of women and childrens self-defense and coordinates and teaches classes and seminars for these demographics.

Kristy Philosphy is the Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a Martial Art; it is a Martial Science and she
displays this belief in her approach to each move and technique. For more info on Childrens
Classes, Bully Proof Seminars, Women's self defense or Rape prevention seminars please
contact Kristy at Kristy@ascensionmma.com

Eric has been wrestling since the age of 9. Growing up in the midwest meant wrestling was a staple in every community. After High School Eric was recruited heavily for Football and Wrestling by several Big Ten schools, but he made his home at Eastern Illinois University a midwest hotbed for MMA Fighters such as Matt Hughes and Jeremy Horn.

Eric started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 25 and has never looked back. His travels across the country have put him under coaches with some unparalleled lineage: Pedro Vianna (Carlson Gracie Sr) and Chris Lund (Rigan Machado, Chris Hauter, Renato "Charuto" Verissimo).

Under the Guidance of Junior, Eric has won several Grappling Championships and has now begun his move fight in the cage.

Raphael Assuncao

Raphael is the younger brother to Junior and often guest instructor at AMMA when he is in town from Florida. Raphael is currently ranked 8th in the world at his weight class by several fight publications. He earned his Black belt last year after returning home with a world championship in the flyweight division.

His MMA record is almost flawless at 12-1 with his only loss coming from a highly disputed decision loss to Jeff Curran. Raphael is currently fighting in the AFL and is being courted by some of MMA's best and brightest promotions like the WEC.

Raphael's no frills style brings the perfect blend of real world experience mixed with strength, speed, and aggression. He enjoys working with all levels of students.