Sifu Christopher Smith
Sifu Christopher Smith is a 20 year veteran of the combative arts. He has trained under and alongside some of the world’s best martial artists. He is a certified Master Instructor under Sifu Richard Bustillo (original Bruce Lee student) and is his Connecticut IMB (International Martial Arts and Boxing) representative. Sifu Smith, the highest ranking Jeet Kune Do (JKD) Instructor in the state of Connecticut, is also a ranked JKD instructor under Paul Vunak and the late Larry Hartsell .
In 1993, Chris is credited as being the first martial artist to introduce real kickboxing classes to Connecticut gyms and health clubs. As a former bouncer, Chris has firsthand experience with the nature of street violence. He has taught defensive tactics to police, military and security personnel as well as self defense and rape avoidance to women for local organizations and universities. Chris has coached his IMB of Ct. fight team in many regional kickboxing, grappling and MMA events. A participant in all forms of martial arts competition, Chris is undefeated in no holds barred challenge fights and over a dozen amateur boxing and kickboxing matches. He has also competed in many Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments. Currently, Chris is a brown belt and Assistant Instructor in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Fabiano Teles (Underdog Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu). Chris also trains regularly with Kru Phil Nurse (Muay Thai) and Arnulfo “Dong” Cuesta (Doce Pares Escrima).
James (Jim Reopelle)
Summed up, a Warrior and a Winner. Jim is undefeated in Muay Thai & MMA and is the IMBCT fight team captain. A naturally gifted athlete and fighter, Jim is a graduate of the University of Connecticut. A well-rounded Martial Artist, with strong Striking & Grappling skills, Jim is highly intelligent, strong willed and charismatic. Jim is an apprentice instructor under Richard Bustillo and a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt under Fabiano Teles. Jim possesses attributes that will take him everywhere and anywhere he wants to go in life.
Dustin Lebel
Dustin Lebel, AKA Peter Parker, is an advanced and passionate competitor in many styles of martial arts. He began in 2003 and continues to train under Sifu Christopher Smith today in forms such as Jun-Fan Jeet Kune Do, Boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-Jitsu, Submission Grappling, Filipino Martial Arts (Kali ,Eskrima) and Mixed Martial Arts. Since the beginning of his training Dustin has carefully noted and recorded his hard work and dedication which you can find at http://www.dustinlebel.blogspot.com. He is a Ct born and raised fitness fanatic working as a NASM certified personal trainer out of The World Gym located in Oakville, Ct. More
Russell Leak
Russell has been training under Chris Smith for approximately 5 years and is an apprentice instructor under Richard Bustillo and a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt under Fabiano Teles. He is also the owner and manager of Underdog Brazilian Jiu Jitsu located in Hartford, CT. But beyond his vast array of titles (ahem), Russell is one of the most dedicated martial artist you will meet and has literally given his life for ‘the cause’. An excellent student, Russell is very intelligent and has a knack for picking up techniques and quickly making them his own - we don’t call him “The Bandit” for nothing’! An excellent coach and training partner, Russell always goes above and beyond to help out his fellow teammates- not too mention he is always having a good time, and is quick to crack a joke. Outside of training and coaching, Russell is an extremely loyal friend and someone that you can trust and go to when you need someone to talk to.
Colin Mulligan
Colin Mulligan : AKA The Irish Ninja . A talented well rounded fighter and trainer . Colin is Easy going , and posseses a strong sense of family and community . A skilled Grappler and Stickfighter Colin brings an insightful no-nonsense approach to training and learning . Students at IMBCT enjoy Colin's charisma , sense of humor and the positive learning environment that he provides.
