Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Erik Bryant is a former competitive gymnast, collegiate level athlete and United States Sport Jiu-Jutsu national champion (1999) with over 15 years of teaching experience in martial arts.  For the past eight years Master Bryant has specialized in teaching preschool age children.  Focusing on not only building physical skills, but life skills as well.

Master Bryant is a multiple black belt holder in traditional arts such as Okinawan Isshin-Ryu Karate, American Combat Jiu-Justu and Korean Tang Soo Do.  Having also been trained and certified in Jeet Kune Do concepts and Filipino martial arts under Navy Seal team instructors Paul Vunac and Thomas Cruse.

Master Bryant has traveled and been taught by top instructors from around the globe.  This includes Ajarn Messamana Promote the frandmaster of the Thai weapons system Krabi Krabong in Bangkok, Thailand, leading mixed martial arts instructors Mark Hatmaker, Terry Grant, Gary Bush and world class hand to hand combat instructors from Israel.

Cowen spent his childhood as a Superhero, Jedi and a Spy, so studying martial arts became an obvious choice.

He’s been training for over 30 years and possesses a wide array of skills.  He has a 3rd degree black belt in Tang Soo Do and backgrounds in Aikido, Tae Kwon Do, Kali and practical, modern day combat techniques.

Cowen has created teaching and testing curriculums, designed and run several successful day camps and martial arts tournaments.  He has taught workshops in improvisation and team building to individuals, school and major corporations.  He also worked as an after school day care teacher and creative drama teacher.

Here are some of the weapons Cowen likes to play with:

Nunchukus, Samurai Sowrds, Zatoichi-style reverse grip cane sword, Rapier and Dragger Kali Sticks, Tonfa Knife, Bo Staff, Sai, Lightsaber, Regular Saber, Broadsword, Longsword, Shortsword, Vorpal Sword, Axe, Chainsaw and his thumb.

Cowen is an incredibly dynamic teacher and his classes are always highly energetic, practical and extremely fun.

Master Erik Bryant

Master Cowen Angus Bailey

"Karate begins and ends with courtesy."

~ Gichin Funakoshi