The original Triad Martial Arts location was founded in Cullman in 1996. Since then, Triad has grown to 3 schools in North Alabama. Triad Martial Arts offers instruction to children and adults in Karate, Kobudo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The founder of Triad Martial Arts, Johnny Lee Smith, has also developed two programs for self-defense and law enforcement training.
The Equalizer, a program developed to teach safety and self-defense for women and SSGT (Strategic Self-Defense and Gunfighting Tactics), a training and certification program for law enforcement officers, adopted in the curriculum of many police, sheriff, and state law enforcement agencies. If you just need information and want to talk to someone about Triad, SSGT, or Equalizer get in touch with us.
The Equalizer, a program developed to teach safety and self-defense for women and SSGT (Strategic Self-Defense and Gunfighting Tactics), a training and certification program for law enforcement officers, adopted in the curriculum of many police, sheriff, and state law enforcement agencies. If you just need information and want to talk to someone about Triad, SSGT, or Equalizer get in touch with us.
Reviews (9)
Mike Smith
Jan 06, 2022
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Johnny H.
Jul 01, 2021
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If you're interested in BJJ/MMA, martial arts and self defense, you have to check this place out. The head instructor, Daniel O'Brien, is a WORLD CLASS martial artist and has a very unique approach and a deep knowledge 2nd to none. You'll also find the other instructors and the students to be some of the nicest and most welcoming people you'll ever meet. Whether you're thinking about an incredible place for your kids, a challenging experience for yourself as an athlete, or a gradual and non intimidating dojo to learn how to defend yourself, you will find all of these and more at Triad.
Richard Keller
Jun 23, 2021
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I took Teakwondo for 15 years, and made it to a 2nd degree black belt. I was a little hesitant to sign my daughter up just because it was a different style of Karate. Daniel O'Brian is a brilliant instructor, and teacher. He fights MMA with an outstanding record and still takes the time ask to see my daughter's report cards. You will not find a better place for your child to grow. Thank you mister O'Brian. You won't find anything better than Triad in Cullman.
Markkatie Bates
Jan 20, 2020
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We started training at triad little over a year ago
It’s a great encouraging environment to learn martial arts . Taught by the very best. It’s something my son and I can do together. I always played football throughout school and valued the lessons learned. But I believe at triad kids and adults learn and build on those same lessons of overcoming adversity and doing your best. Another great thing taught is respect for yourself and also your fellow man.
Students are held to a high standard and it’s worth it
It’s a great encouraging environment to learn martial arts . Taught by the very best. It’s something my son and I can do together. I always played football throughout school and valued the lessons learned. But I believe at triad kids and adults learn and build on those same lessons of overcoming adversity and doing your best. Another great thing taught is respect for yourself and also your fellow man.
Students are held to a high standard and it’s worth it
Eric Meckl
Jan 11, 2020
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If you have the desire to pursue the martial arts, you won't find a better instructor than Shihan Daniel O'Brien. Whether your goal is to become a professional MMA fighter, or just to make friends & get in shape while learning practical self-defense...Triad has everything you need to be successful. They offer a great family-friendly atmosphere, and world class instruction for all ages.
Kelly Childers
Jan 04, 2020
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Our daughter has attended Triad for over 2 years now and it has been an amazing experience for her! Triad has amazing instructors who truly care about seeing their students excel in Martial Arts. We are so honored that our daughter is part of such an outstanding group and that she is being taught by the best of the best! Triad is more than a place to learn Martial Arts, It's truly a family 🔺
Michael Bates
Aug 10, 2019
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Triad is an absolutely wonderful place to learn Martial Arts. But you won't just learn how to defend yourself there. You'll learn how to discipline and respect yourself too.
And you won't find just a dojo filled with hulking athletes. You'll find a second family; brothers and sisters who train each other, teach each other, support each other, and respect each other, while challenging each other to grow and improve as martial artists. Be you child, teenager, or adult, this is the best place to learn and train in martial arts.
And you won't find just a dojo filled with hulking athletes. You'll find a second family; brothers and sisters who train each other, teach each other, support each other, and respect each other, while challenging each other to grow and improve as martial artists. Be you child, teenager, or adult, this is the best place to learn and train in martial arts.
Melanie Byrd
Jul 11, 2019
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I can't say enough positive words about Triad Martial Arts Academy! My son has been attending karate classes there for a year and a half now, and he loves every minute of it! He has learned discipline, the importance of physical activity and healthy eating, as well as valuable karate and self defense skills. Shihan Daniel O'Brien is lovingly tough with the children, teaching them respect for each other, their parents, teachers, the importance of good grades, and responsibly for their actions. We signed our son up for karate classes, but he gets so much more than just karate instruction. If I could
Jonathan & April Graves
Jun 01, 2019
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We as a family have been training at Triad since 2014. The family atmosphere is wonderful. There is a lot of respect trained and shown to all students. You learn quickly that a belt at Triad is truly earned, not just given like many schools. Everyone is willing to help each other learn and grow.
Shihan Daniel O’Brien is one of the most brilliant BJJ practitioners and teachers. His ability to teach and encourage, especially the little ones, is amazing.
Our Kyoshi, Johnny Lee Smith, is also the founder of SSGT (Strategic Self-Defence & Gunfighting Tactics) which is training used my law enforcement
Shihan Daniel O’Brien is one of the most brilliant BJJ practitioners and teachers. His ability to teach and encourage, especially the little ones, is amazing.
Our Kyoshi, Johnny Lee Smith, is also the founder of SSGT (Strategic Self-Defence & Gunfighting Tactics) which is training used my law enforcement