Head Instructors
Sensei Rick Alford
Founder and Head Instructor
Rick has been training in the Martial Arts for 25 years and holds Black belts in three disciplines, including a 3rd Degree black belt in
Small Circle Jujitsu. He is a Purple belt in
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is a certified instructor in Fierce Israeli Guerilla Hand-to-Hand Tactics (F.I.G.H.T.). A believer in life-long learning, Rick is currently training in Kali / Escrima/Arnis. He also teaches Stranger Danger and Bully Buster
programs at the school and at local public schools, Boys and Girl Scout troops, and other youth organizations. Additionally, Rick is an experienced Emergency Medical Technician with training in advanced CPR, emergency medical and fire dispatch.
Rick founded Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy with Sensei Larry Ruisi in 1999 and has built a unique school that encompasses the very best instruction in practical, reality-based self protection through
specialties such as Small Circle Jujitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts and Muay Thai. Defensive Edge is also a member of
American Top Team, the largest and most active fight team in the world today.
Highlights:
- Small Circle Jujitsu 3rd Degree Blackbelt under Master Ed Melaugh &
Professor Wally Jay.
- Purple Belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Arts under Andre "Dedeco" Almeida
- Certified Tribal Leader in Kali under Guru Michael Williams.
- Certified Level I Muay Thai
- Certified F.I.G.H.T. (Fierce Israeli Hand-to-Hand Tactics) Instructor under founder Mike Lee Kanarek.
- Studied Kung Fu under Dr. Yang Jwing Ming. Studies included: Shao lin Chin-na (joint locks), Chang Chuan (Shao Lin Long Fist), Tai Chi - Chi Kung (internal exercises), and White Crane Kung Fu (Pai Huo).
- Blackbelt Instructor Chung Moo Quan.
- Captain CRLS wrestling team; 4 Year Varsity; Suburban League all-star and MVP (wrestling).
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Sensei Larry Ruisi
Co-Founder and Head Instructor
Larry has been training in the Martial Arts since 1986 and co-founded Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy (then called Eastern Small Circle Jujitsu Academy) with Rick Alford in 1999. Larry has his 3rd Degree black belt in Small Circle Jujitsu. He also Certified Tribal Leader in Filipino Martial Arts under Guru Michael Williams.
Highlights:
- Small Circle Jujitsu 3rd Degree Blackbelt under Soke Dai (inheritor) Ed Melaugh & Professor Wally Jay
- Currently training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts under Andre "Dedeco" Almeida
- Certified Tribal Leader in Filipino Martial Arts
- Studied Kung Fu under Dr. Yang Jwing Ming. Studies included: Shao lin Chin-na (joint locks), Chang Chuan (Shao Lin Long Fist King Fu), Tai Chi - Chi Kung (internal exercises), and White Crane Kung Fu (Pai Huo)
- Certified Blackbelt Instructor Chung Moo Quan.
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Sensei Andre "Dedeco" Almeida Head Instructor Director Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Throughout his career, Dedeco has proven to be a force in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world, both in Brazil and in the U.S. He is a 3rd Degree Black belt under Ricardo Liborio, Founder & Owner of American Top Team, & Murillo Bustemante. After an incredibly successful career as a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and World Champion, Dedeco founded Best Way Jiu-Jitsu in 1996 and has dedicated himself to passing on his expertise in Jiu-Jitsu to the next generation. The Best Way family is represented on the Champions podium at all major tournaments and Defensive Edge is thrilled to have Dedeco as the Head Instructor of our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program. dedeco@att-boston.com
Highlights:
- World Champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Pan American Champion
- 2 Time Brazilian Champion
- 7 Time Brazilian State Champion
- NAGA Champion
- ABKF Champion
- Un-Defeated from White Belt through Brown Belt
- Trained over 30 Black Belts, including World Champions Pan American Champions and MMA Champions
- Led his team to over 50 Team Titles
Ciano Delucia
Muay Thai Instructor
Ciano has been an instructor of Muay Thai for nearly 20 years. He studied at Fairtex Fitness in Revere , MA and under these highly-regarded masters: Master Surachai Sirisute, Master Toddy, Master Francis Fong, and Arjarn Apidej. His professional fighting record stands at 6 and 2 with four first round knock-outs. Offering Muay Thai under Ciano is an exciting new program now offered by Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy.
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Our professional Instructors are members of:
The National Association of Professional Martial Artists (NAPMA), Martial Arts Industry Association, Jujitsu America and the American Top Team.
Sensei Josh Johnson
SMALL CIRCLE JUJITSU INSTRUCTOR
Josh has been studying Small Circle Jujitsu for 7 years and earned his Black belt in under Rick Alford and Larry Ruisi. He also has his Blue belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, training under the World Champion Andre “Dedeco” Almeida. Josh is a Mixed Martial Arts Fighter, recently winning his match in “Untamed 9” competition. He also holds his Bachelors Degree in Music Production and Engineering from Berklee College of Music.
Highlights:
- Black belt Small Circle Jujitsu
Under Rick Alford & Larry Ruisi
- Blue belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Mixed Martial Arts Fighter
- Certified Level II Muay Thai
Sensei Derek Mellino
Small Circle Jujitsu
Instructor
Derek earned his Black belt in Small Circle Jujitsu under Rick Alford
& Larry Ruisi. He also has some Wing Chun
training. He’s a popular instructor in our Youth Programs. Our kids love Sensei Derek for his good humor and energetic nature.
Sensei Jon Warnock
Youth Instructor/Youth BJJ MMA
InstructorCertified Level II Muay Thai
Jon has worked with students at Defensive Edge for a number of years, and currently holds a Brown belt in Small Circle Jujitsu.
He also trains in Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Andre “Dedeco” Almeida Dedeco and competes in MMA competition.
Highlights:
- Brown belt Small Circle Jujitsu
- Blue belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Mixed Martial Arts Fighter
- Certified Level II Muay Thai
- 2007 Massachusetts Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
State Champ Feather Weight
 Sensei Paul Chanley
Youth Instructor
Paul has been training with Defensive Edge for the past two years and is a Purple belt in Small Circle Jujitsu. Paul brings a combination of experience in academia with a commitment to martial arts to our Youth Program. He’s been a professor at Northern Essex Community College for 8 years teaching mathematics, engineering and electronics, and has a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering. Paul is currently working with the Lil’ Dragons, Super Samurai and Golden Eagles classes. His two children, Adam and Rachel, are also students at our school.
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