Owner & Head Instructor
Coach Iris has been a driving force at AMAC since 2006, serving as Program Director and Office Manager before becoming the academy’s owner in 2025. With nearly two decades of experience in martial arts education and business operations, she has played a pivotal role in AMAC’s growth, overseeing daily operations, lead generation, and overall branding. In addition to her leadership role, Coach Iris is the Head Instructor for the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program, mentoring students and shaping the academy’s training culture.
A 2003 graduate of Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Coach Iris began her career with the Atlanta City Council and later worked for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. She transitioned to AMAC in 2006, bringing exceptional organizational and strategic planning skills. She has been training under Sifu Alan Baker since 2005 and continues to expand her expertise in various martial arts disciplines.
Renowned for her leadership and deep knowledge of AMAC’s programs, Coach Iris is the go-to person for students and parents alike. Whether managing operations, coaching on the mats, or ensuring a welcoming academy environment, she is dedicated to excellence in both business and martial arts instruction.
Martial Arts Lineage & Instructor Certifications
In addition to training under Sifu Alan Baker, Iris has earned instructorships under two of the most influential martial artists in the world—Erik Paulson and Guro Dan Inosanto—a rare and prestigious achievement in the martial arts community.
- Erik Paulson, a world-renowned martial artist, is the founder of Combat Submission Wrestling (CSW) and STX Kickboxing, blending grappling, striking, and submission techniques at the highest level.
- Guro Dan Inosanto, the foremost protégé of Bruce Lee, is the world’s leading authority on Jeet Kune Do and Filipino Martial Arts.
These instructorships, combined with her years of training, place Iris among an elite group of martial artists with authentic lineage and high-level coaching credentials.
Martial Arts Credentials:
- 2nd Degree Black Belt – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Alan Baker & Erik Paulson
- Coach Level 1 – Combat Submission Wrestling under Erik Paulson
- Coach Level 1 – STX Kickboxing under Erik Paulson
- Apprentice Instructor – Lee Jun Fan Gung Fu/Jeet Kune Do under Sifu Dan Inosanto
- Apprentice Instructor – Filipino Martial Arts under Tuhan Dan Inosanto
- Phase 3 Instructor – Civilian Tactical Training Program under Alan Baker
- Black Belt – Civilian Tactical Training Program under Alan Baker
- Purple Sash – Kung Fu
- Yellow Belt – Judo
With her expertise, leadership, and passion for martial arts, Iris continues to shape AMAC as a premier training academy for students of all levels.
