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Andalusia Isshinryu Karate will add to its list of offerings as local citizen and patrol sergeant Brad Cook will lead a Brazilian jiu-jitsu course beginning Monday, May 1.

With 22 years of martial arts experience, he holds a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a black belt in taekwondo. In addition, he has six years of training Muay Thai.

“I’ve had interest in martial arts for as long as I can recall. I’m a 90s kid, so I grew up watching The Power Rangers and Ninja Turtles along with some Jackie Chan movies. My parents also encouraged me to start martial arts because I was a shy child growing up and knew it would instill confidence and discipline in me. Honestly, I can’t picture my life without it,” Cook said.

At the age of seven, he began taking taekwondo and was enrolled in the activity for six years. “Honestly, I just wanted to be able to do the fancy kicks I saw on TV. I was enrolled for six years and eventually obtained a first-degree black belt.”

Cook furthered his skills by training for Muay Thai kickboxing at I’mmortal Kombat in Enterprise beginning in 2017.

“I trained strictly kickboxing up there for my first six months or so and would always see the guys and ladies training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and tried it out one day. I was amazed how some people half my size were able to hold me down on the ground and control me with little effort. At that point, I realized I needed to start training this stuff. I still train Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai regularly in Enterprise,” he said.

He looks forward to serving as the instructor for the new Brazilian jiu-jitsu course.

“I’m excited about working in the community. I love to teach my passions and look forward making new friends and training partners along the way. Mark Rudd is a great man and instructor. I know it will be a lot of fun teaching alongside him.”

Cook is a certified instructor in Gracie Survival Tactics and has been certified as a use of force instructor by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. He has worked for the past four years as a patrol sergeant with the Covington County Sheriff’s Department. Additionally, Cook serves as the CCSO’s field training officer and head of security at the Covington County Courthouse.

“I have a group of guys that I train already with the majority being fellow law enforcement officers and really look forward to being able to teach more people. I know all of the benefits it has given me not only as a martial artist but also making me a better person in the process. God has truly blessed me with this opportunity,” he said.

Karate classes meet on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Jiu-jitsu classes will meet on Monday and Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Cook stated the new course would be a family-friendly environment and allow the public to learn real world, practical self-defense.

“I have no tolerance for bullying, and this program will teach the students to be able to effectively combat that. No one deserves to be picked on for any reason. Jiu-jitsu is also great for ladies or small-framed individuals because it teaches you technique and leverage, which outmatches brute strength. This is something I take very seriously and can assure my number-one priority will be keeping everyone safe, while learning to take care of themselves when the time calls for it.”

Rudd referred to the new Brazilian jiu-jitsu course as a solid addition to AIK’s martial arts program.

“This is something we have been looking at adding for some time now. Brad brings a unique skill set, and jiu-jitsu is great for self-defense and personal fitness. We are excited to be able to offer these classes,” Rudd said.

Cook and his wife Steffanie are lifelong residents of Andalusia with two daughters: Adalyn Rose, 4, and Elora Ann, three months. He is a Pleasant Home School alumnus.

“Jiu-jitsu is a one-size-fits-all. If you’re looking for a new hobby to flame your competitive spirit or just looking to get in shape and learn how to protect yourself along the way, jiu-jitsu will give you all of that and more. I honestly can’t wait to get this going, am blessed with the opportunity, and look forward to seeing everyone,” Cook said.

For more information about the programs at Andalusia Isshinryu Karate, call Rudd at 334-488-3104.