PURE MIXED MARTIAL ARTS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Owner
- Martial Arts Instructor
Andy is a decorated professional mixed martial artist, inducted into the New Jersey State Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2019 at age 30. He has practiced MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, Wrestling and Judo for nearly 20 years. Andy co-founded Pure MMA at 23, simultaneous with his rise as a professional athlete. His professional career was launched at age 21 when was chosen as a competitor for the UFC show "The Ultimate Fighter" and would go on to fight in front of millions of fans worldwide. He subsequently fought professionally for other premier organizations such as Bellator MMA and achieved the coveted Featherweight World Championship for Pancrase MMA, one of sport's oldest and most prestigious organizations based in Tokyo, Japan - the homeland of martial arts.
Andy is a 3rd Degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu through the legendary Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu lineage. He is also a renowned instructor who has focused much of his life to mastering the art of coaching. He takes pride in his ability to both instill the strongest technical knowledge in his students of all experience and ability levels, while being equally adept at inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds to achieve their best within the academy and their lives in general.
Beyond his skills as an elite level martial artist and instructor, Andy's business prowess has been instrumental in Pure's growth to be one of the largest and most sustaining MMA academies in the US. He applies his entrepreneurial abilities to a number of other successful businesses and investments in the health and wellness space and with over a decade of experience has become a consultant for newer entrepreneurs across multiple industries.
Job Titles:
- Manager / Jiu Jitsu
- Martial Arts Instructor
Ashley is a Black Belt in Jiu Jitsu under Andy and Mikey Main. Ashley has years of experience in business and customer service. She is PureMMA's manager and the primary point of contact for Pure MMA members.
Daniel is a Brown Belt in Jiu Jitsu under Andy and Mike Main and head kids Jiu Jitsu instructor at Pure MMA.
James has 20 years in Emergency Medical Services and 10 years in Healthcare Education ranging from blood borne pathogen training to Advanced Cardiac Life Support to Pre hospital Trauma Instruction to other healthcare providers. James has extensive knowledge of cleaning and sterility. He was a medic and consultant on the subject for the popular TV Show Ink Master. James trains and certifies the staff and instructors on First Aid and AED, helps with managing the facility decontamination, and consulting on all things health and safety. James is also a Purple Belt in Jiu Jitsu under Andy and Mike Main.
Renshi Kimberly Platt started her martial arts training in 2003 at New Jersey Martial Arts Academy. Under the instruction of Hanshi Marvin Carmona, she has since achieved the rank of Go Dan (5th degree black belt) in Isshinryu Karate, a traditional Japanese style. Kimberly actively competes in tournaments around the country and is the youngest person; male or female to win the IWKA black belt kumite grand championship. She is also the only person to hold distinction of three consecutive victories of this world championship. Kimberly has also won the OIKKA, AOKA, and West Chester Fall Classic black belt grand championships and was twice named female competitor of the year at the Isshinryu Hall of Fame Tournament. In 2023, she won the Instructor of the Year award from the Isshinryu Hall of Fame as well.
She has been an active instructor of Isshinryu since 2013 and teaches students from ages 3 to adult. Kimberly also runs several martial arts enrichment programs at various local elementary schools and is the head birthday party instructor for Pure MMA.
Outside of martial arts, Kimberly has completed her bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology at Rutgers University, and her master's degree in Criminal Justice and Terroristic Studies at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Kimberly has previously worked as a direct support professional in a program for adults with physical and intellectual disabilities, helping them to develop social, vocational and life skills.
Job Titles:
- Coach
- Martial Arts Instructor
Coach Melvis has been studying Muay Thai for over a decade. He spent an extensive amount of time training under legendary Muay Thai fighter Kaensak Sor Ploenjit. Melvis is the former Helster MMA 147lb champion and active Professional MMA fighter.
Coach Melvis brings a deep understanding of fundamental Muay Thai kickboxing techniques and always makes sure students are grasping new techniques, concepts, and utilizing proper form to achieve efficient and powerful striking ability.
Job Titles:
- Owner
- Martial Arts Instructor
Mikey began training Jiu Jitsu at age 15 and quickly became known for his unparalleled technique and virtuosity. He rapidly began winning on the local and regional competition circuit and by his early 20s, was competing against the best in the world on the highest level professional stages, including two times for the Eddie Bravo Invitational, the Abu Dhabi World Pro American Trials, the No-Gi Pan American Championships, The Good Fight New York Open at Blackbelt and the Renzo Gracie Invitational. Based on his natural athletic ability, Mikey also earned a 2-0 MMA record, having submitted one opponent two weight classes up in only 21 seconds.
Today, Mikey is a world class 3rd Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt through the famed Renzo Gracie lineage and co-owner of Pure MMA, one of the most influential academies in the Jiu Jitsu sector. He is known to be one of the best instructors and coaches in the region for his ability to effectively convey technique and strategy in Jiu Jitsu for practitioners at all levels.
In addition to his many accomplishments as a martial artist, Mikey is a serial entrepreneur with, in addition to being a founder of Pure MMA, multiple successful businesses focused on health and wellness.