Gilbert Smith Jr founded Victory MMA in 2009 as a world-class training facility after a lifetime of training in martial arts.  He started wrestling and martial arts when he was young.  At seventeen, he joined the United States Army and served on active duty for six and half years.  After his honorable discharge, Gilbert worked as a Civilian Contractor for the United States at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq, for three years.  While in Iraq, he shared his passion for martial arts and voluntarily trained military and civilian personnel in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).  He created the fight team Victory Top Team.

Gilbert has spent his life studying the wide world of martial arts from expert coaches from Brazil, Thailand, Amsterdam, and The United States.  He studied Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Marcelo Garcia in New York City.  He also studied Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art disguised as a dance, and performed musical instruments and traditional Brazilian songs under Professor Mago in Colorado Springs.  Gilbert earned his first-degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Professor Iako Kalili through IBJJF. Victory MMA is a registered academy under IBJJF and USBJJF.

Gilbert is also a certified Muay Thai instructor. He earned his certification under the tutelage of the renowned Master Toddy in Thailand.

Gilbert or “Chocolate Thunder” competed as a professional MMA fighter with 13 wins and six losses over his career.  Gilbert’s professional accomplishments include the 2015 RFA 170lb Champion, the 2013 Sparta Combat League 185lb Champion, the 2016 Fight To Win Colorado State Championship Gi 200lb, and the Advance Division and Gi Absolute Brown/Black Division Gold Medalist.  He brings all his professional training to the students at Victory MMA.  His certifications include N.A.S.M. Certified Personal Trainer, a N.A.S.M. Performance Enhancements Specialist, a N.A.S.M. Corrective Exercise Specialist, a TRX Certified Instructor, and an RKC Kettlebell Instructor.

At Victory MMA, Gilbert Smith’s expertise in fitness and martial arts, including MMA, Boxing, Youth Boxing, Kickboxing, and Jiu-Jitsu, will benefit beginners and professionals alike.

#HardworkDedication begin at Victory MMA.  Start your trial week today!