MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
Charles Cherry
Head Instructor
Professor Charles Cherry (we affectionately refer to him as "Coach") is a lifelong martial artist who has studied multiple martial art disciplines over 40 years. His passion is teaching effective self defense while also building confidence in his students. His early martial arts backgrounds include Wing Chun Kung Fu, Tang Soo Do, Shito Ryu Karate, Western Boxing, Wrestling, and Muay Thai. Coach Cherry is an International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) 3rd Degree Black Belt. He holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Kodokan Judo. Coach Cherry wrestled for a Division II college in Virginia and wrestled Freestyle while enlisted in the U.S. Army. Coach Cherry holds ranks in Japanese Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing from Duke Roufus, and he is a certified Krav Maga instructor. In addition to his impressive competition record, he was the head coach for the Bowie Boys and Girls Wrestling team for 10 years. He was also an assistant wrestling coach at St. John's Catholic High School in Washington D.C.. Coach Cherry has trained numerous wrestling , BJJ, and MMA champions.
Professor Cherry is a retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer with over 28 years of law enforcement experience. He has trained federal agents for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Treasury, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Marshal Service on Firearms, Defensive Tactics, Active Shooter Threats, and Use of Force. Professor Cherry is certified by the Maryland State Police to teach Handgun Qualification and Concealed Carry to Maryland residents.
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Professor Cherry has a master's degree in business and a master's degree in applied Behavior Analysis. He is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst.
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Professor Cherry is a published author of "Bully Proofing your Child" and he was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame class of 2024.
Quenton King
Krav Maga Instructor
Quenton "Q" King is a Certified Krav Maga instructor, personal trainer, group exercise instructor, and kickboxing instructor. Coach Q received his B.S. in Communications with a minor in Sociology from Appalachian University. Utilizing his experience as a professional athlete, Coach Q served as coach for Bowie Boys and Girls Club's wrestling and football program for 14 years. Coach Q has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to athletic performance.
Check out some of his great reviews:
"I have awesome workouts at Bowie MMA! The instructors (Quenton) are excellent. They provide accommodations for some exercises which motivates those on different levels to keep moving. The workout is intense and worth it. After 5 sessions, I lost 8 pounds - I am definitely becoming a member!"
"Krav Maga class is awesome and I can't wait to go back. Best workout I have had in a while and it was very informative. Great sparring and instructors were very knowledgeable. Going back this Saturday and I will keep going."
"What a wonderful experience! Cardio kickboxing works out your entire body, nothing like anything I have ever tried before. Along with great music and a great step by step instructor, you are in for a great workout! Try it out for yourself. Shout out to Q for leading such a great class!!"
Coach DJ
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor
David "DJ" Jennings began training Tang Soo Do at the age of 6, building on a foundation of Japanese Jiu Jitsu. Over time, his focus evolved primarily into stand-up fighting, as he integrated Boxing, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai into his practice. His love for grappling, especially throws, eventually led him to explore Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, and Judo throughout his martial arts journey.
Teaching has always been one of DJ's true passions. Since earning his black belt in Tang Soo Do at the age of 12, he has worked closely with youth and adults, helping others develop their skills in striking, takedowns, and grappling.
At his home gym, Bellicose Martial Arts, DJ emphasizes mentoring the next generation of martial artists, including practitioners, competitors, and future instructors and coaches.
Outside of martial arts, DJ continues his dedication to helping others by working in Applied Behavior Analysis, where he focuses on supporting individuals to achieve greater independence and personal safety.
Coach Z
After School Tae Kwon Do Instructor
Zalika Pringle is a black belt certified with the World Tae Kwon Do Kukkiwon and World Taekwondo Chang Moo Kwan Federation. As an educator, Zalika found her passion for sharing knowledfe and uplifting others, seeking a solution tio increasing tension and fears about safety within the community. She approaches self-defense from a self/inner healing perspective, bringing the importance of inner strength and balance to the teaching of self-defense techniques. Tapping into her knowledge as a martial arts instructor, physical education teacher and community event planner for 10+ years to guide students in fun and effecive training.
Professor Carlos David
Guest Instructor - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Carlos David Oliviera is a fifth degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the legendary 2 time world champion Roberto "The Spider" Traven. He is also a professional MMA fighter and founder of Evolution Fight Team. Carlos David teaches the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Richmond, Virginia.