# Defensive Edge > Wakefield, United States ## Overview **Name:** Defensive Edge **Description:** Defensive Edge Martial Arts in Wakefield, MA has been helping men, women, and children achieve a healthy and fit lifestyle since 1999. Founded by Master Rick Alford, Defensive Edge is a modern, multifaceted martial arts training center that is home to world-class instructors who are true masters of their craft. The academy offers a comprehensive range of martial arts programs including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Team Forsa, Muay Thai, MMA, Boxing, Wrestling, and reality-based self-defense (iCAT). Current owner and head BJJ instructor Sensei Josh Johnson is a 1st-degree black belt under Andre "Dedeco" Almeida and leads the F5 Fight Team, coaching both youth and adult programs. The gym features expert instruction across all disciplines, with Muay Thai head coach Dave Lyons (national-level fighter and MSAC-licensed trainer), boxing head coach Brandon Montella (undefeated pro boxer 9-0), and No-Gi specialist Dana Sharpton (BJJ black belt and active competitor). Defensive Edge is a family-friendly school that values character development alongside technical training. The academy emphasizes self-discipline, respect, patience, integrity, and courtesy while teaching modern, cutting-edge techniques that strengthen both mind and body. With separate programs for kids and adults, students become well-rounded martial artists in a supportive team atmosphere. The facility serves Wakefield and surrounding communities including Malden, Saugus, Lynn, Stoneham, Reading, and Woburn. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 18 Del Carmine Street, Wakefield MA 01880 Wakefield, CA 01880, United States **Phone:** 781-245-0250 **Email:** info@defensive-edge.com **Website:** https://defensive-edge.com ## Pricing ## Instructors ### Josh Johnson - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Josh has been training in martial arts for over 25 years. Owner and head instructor of Defensive Edge. Heads the youth and adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs under Team Forsa and serves as head coach of the F5 Fight Team. ### Rick Alford - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Founder of Defensive Edge Martial Arts (est. 1999). Lifelong martial artist with decades of experience. Veteran instructor who has coached numerous professional MMA fighters and emphasizes a results-driven teaching style focused on accountability, conditioning, and mental toughness. ### Brandon Montella **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Former U.S. Marine who rose to Sergeant in under three years. ACE-certified personal trainer and retired undefeated professional boxer with a 9-0 record and 8 knockouts. Executive Director of Mission Ready, a nonprofit supporting youth and veterans. ### Ciano DeLucia **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Over 30 years Muay Thai experience, 33 in martial arts. Trained at Fairtex in Revere MA under Jongsanan Fairtex, Master Toddy, and Ajarn Apidae. Professional Muay Thai record of 6-2. 4th Degree Blackbelt in Shotokan Karate. ### Dana Sharpton - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Dana is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, earning his rank in just six years through relentless dedication. As an active competitor, Dana brings a competition-tested approach to every class, specializing in No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu. ### Dave Lyons **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Dave has a passion for Muay Thai and has spent 16 years dedicated to the sport. He has fought as well as coached at a national amateur level, and in 2024 traveled to Bangkok to study at the Sitsongpeenong Camp. Head Muay Thai coach at Defensive Edge since 2019 and remains an active fighter. ### Fernanda Araujo - Brown **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Black Belt 2nd Degree Judo and pro athlete. Black Belt Shotokan Karate. Brown Belt BJJ. Professional MMA fighter and boxer with extensive competition experience. ### George Demers **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Professional MMA Fighter with over 22 years of martial arts experience. Began training at age six with Muay Thai and kickboxing, expanding to MMA at age ten. Works as a guidance counselor for grades 5-8. ### Jake Stats - Purple **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Dedicated martial artist and educator with over a decade of experience training and teaching in Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, and Mixed Martial Arts. Bachelor's Degree and certification in Elementary Education & Moderate Disabilities. Over 20 years of martial arts training. ### Larry Ruisi - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** 7th Degree Blackbelt in Castoldi's Street Jujitsu under Professor Dave Castoldi. 4th Degree Blackbelt Small Circle Jujitsu under Soke Ed Melaugh. Studied White Crane & Long Fist Kung Fu under Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming for 5 years. ### Michelle Marques - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Former professional judo athlete with decades of experience and high-level competition. Bachelor's degree in Physical Education. Especially dedicated to working with women and children. 22 years of grappling experience. ### Mikey Titus - Purple **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Head Youth Instructor at Defensive Edge. Black Belt in Defensive Edge RMA/SCJ under Josh Johnson and Purple Belt BJJ under Josh Johnson. --- **Last Updated:** March 01, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/california/wakefield/defensive-edge)