• Instructors

  • The instructors at Reding Martial Arts have been passionate about teaching for over 20 years. We constantly improve our skills in a variety of disciplines in order to share them with our students.

  • Mark Reding

    Owner, Head Professor

    • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: 3rd Degree Black Belt (2021)
    • American Kenpo Karate: 8th Degree Black Belt (2018)
    • Jeet Kune Do: Full Instructor (2013)
    • Muay Thai: Certified Instructor (2011)
    • Shorin Ryu Karate: 1st degree black belt (1995)

    In 1991 at the age of 13, Mark started training in the martial arts under an instructor named Mike Woodson where he earned his 1st degree black belt in Shorin-Ryu Karate in 1995. In 1994, Mark started his training in American Kenpo Karate under Tim Bullot where he earned his first degree black belt in 1999. Mark became a senior professor of the arts by earning his seventh degree black belt in 2015. In 1996, Mark followed his dream of teaching others the art, and opened his own school. In 1999 Mark began his training in Jeet Kune Do Concepts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Jack McVicker. Mark earned his Phase I Instructorship in 2004. In 2012 Mark earned his black belt professorship in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor James Brown. In 2015 he earned his 1st degree BJJ black belt under Professor Octavio Couto. in 2018 Mark earned his second degree BJJ black belt under Professor Jared Weiner out of Philly, and continues to train with him to this day. In 2017 Mark opened a second academy in Denton called Reding Martial Arts East Side.

  • Steven Flanagan

    Assistant Instructor

    Professor / Sensei Steven Flanagan is a Jiu Jitsu Black Belt and 2nd degree Black Belt (Nidan) in Judo. He began training Judo in 1999 and was an active competitor winning and placing several regional tournaments. He started the Judo program at Reding Martial Arts in August 2017. The program was expanded in 2019 and has become a successful competition program for adults and kids.

    Professor / Sensei Steven Flanagan began training Jiu Jitsu in 2012 and received his black belt from Professor Mark Reding in November of 2021. He is an active competitor and has won titles and placed in PANS, World Masters Championships in both Gi and No Gi formats. He is an assistant instructor in Jiu Jitsu and and is the head Sensei for the Judo program. He retired after 28 years in law enforcement in Denton County.

  • Brandon Hamby

    Assistant Instructor

    Brandon Hamby, 3rd degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate, is the Instructor of the Adult Kenpo Class. Brandon began training in the Art of American Kenpo Karate in 2011. Brandon is an active member in the International Kenpo Karate Academies (IKKA).

  • Eric Johnson

    Assistant Instructor

    Professor Eric Johnson is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Jared Weiner. He started training in 1994 in Philadelphia under now 6th Degree Black Belt Steve Maxwell. He is also a proud United States Air Force Veteran.

    Professor Eric teaches Kids Class, Masters 30+, and All Ranks Jiu-Jitsu.

    • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: 2nd Degree Black Belt
    • Judo: 3rd Degree Black Belt(Sandan)
    • Yamabushi Ryu Ju-Jitsu: 2nd Degree Black Belt
  • Peter Schuelke

    Assistant Instructor

    Peter Schuelke is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and also has a background in Boxing and Jeet Kune Do. Peter began training BJJ at RMA in 2007 and has also trained in Hawai'i and Brazil. Peter teaches No-Gi BJJ at the 407 academy.

  • Larry Sutherland

    Assistant Instructor

    Professor Larry Sutherland, RMA BJJ First Degree Black Belt, is the Assistant Instructor of our Teens BJJ, Kids BJJ, and NoGi BJJ Classes. He began training in BJJ in 2006 at Reding Martial Arts and has been an active competitor since the beginning, medaling at various levels in PanAms, Mudials, Master's Seniors, Abu Dhabi Pro, and numerous local tournaments. He is also the Head Coach of the RBJJ Competition Team. He has trained in various martial arts offered at RMA to include BJJ, NoGi Submission Grappling, Judo, Muay Thai, and Jeet Kune Do. As a U.S. Army Combat Veteran, Prof. Larry also is also actively involved with the We Defy Foundation organization.

  • Mishaun Johnson

    Assistant Instructor

    Coach Mishaun Johnson, a brown belt in Brazilian JiuJitsu under Professor Eric Johnson, is the assistant instructor to the kids BJJ class and adult fundamental class. Mishaun, wife and mother of three, started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2014 at the age of 41. She is also an active member of the RMA Women's Training group and proud veteran of the United States Air Force.

  • Jeremy McCombs

    Assistant Instructor

    Professor Jeremy McCombs started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in June of 2006. He has competed in over 50 Jiu Jitsu and No Gi grappling tournaments. He achieved Black Belt on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Professor Mark Reding in April, 2021. He has been a part of the Reding Martial Arts family for several years and currently teaches at the 407 location. He still actively competes in IBJJF tournaments as well as Fight to Win. He has three children, Dagan, Landon and Cade. He lives in Aubrey with Wife Kayla, Mother Carolyn, and children Landon and Cade. His oldest son Dagan is active duty Marine Corps.

  • James Born

    Assistant Instructor

    My name is James Born. I am a BJJ purple belt and Navy Veteran. I started training under Professor Mark Reding 2017, so almost five years. I assist Professor Larry Sutherland with the kids class.

  • Ashley Ledbetter

    Assistant Instructor

    Ashley Ledbetter
    Purple Belt BJJ – kids assistant instructor
    Judo Brown Belt – kids and adult assistant instructor