Meet Your Instructors

Sensei Christian Eller began to study martial arts as a child after being inspired by the flashy kicks and acrobatics of the Power Rangers.  Having tried other sports and quickly losing interest, he finally found his niche in karate.  After years of training and refining his skills, Christian achieved the rank of junior black belt and was selected to become an instructor - something he never thought himself able to do.  However, as he began to lead classes and interact with students, he fell in love with teaching and giving back the same gift that helped him so much.  Christian continued to train and to teach and was awarded his Nidan (Second-Dan Black Belt) and Sensei title in American Open Karate under Kyoshi Robert Taylor.  He is also a blue belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu under Ricky Melendez and has trained judo and mixed martial arts.  Christian’s background in martial arts and fitness coupled with his interest in science led him to pursue an education at UNC in chemistry and exercise and sport science.  His approach to teaching involves incorporating scientific principles and strength & conditioning training with traditional aspects of martial arts to make for the most exciting experience possible.

Lineage

Karate: Grandmaster Robert A Trias → Hanshi Jerry C. Piddington → Kyoshi Ricky Smith → Kyoshi Robert Taylor → Sensei Christian A. Eller

BJJ: Mitsuyo Maeda → Carlos Gracie → Helio Gracie → Carlos Gracie Jr. → Aldo Januário de Oliveira → Ricky Melendez → Christian A. Eller

Assistant InstructorS