Contact Alchemy
About Alchemy Defense
At Alchemy Defense, we believe that everyone has the right to self-defense, self-development, and the pursuit of excellence.
To that end, we specialize in small group, private, and custom training in Martial Arts including Brazilian Jiujitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, and Combatives. Our approach emphasizes practical skills, discipline, and personal growth for all skill levels.
Come learn how to handle yourself.
Meet Coach Justin
Coach Justin White has been training in the martial arts for nearly three decades.
Getting Dangerous
Coach White studied wrestling and Aikido, and later in college he studied Tae Kwon Do, Judo, and Capoeira. After college, White trained in Mixed Martial Arts with Team Bison (later Ambition MMA) out of Eden Prairie, Minnesota. For four years, he competed as a professional mixed martial artist under world-class coaches like Mike Reilly (Catch Wrestling & MMA), Sergio Cunha (Muay Thai, BJJ & MMA) and Joey and Jake Clark (Greco-Roman Wrestling, Boxing & MMA), eventually taking on assistant coaching duties. Several of White?s teammates competed in Elite XC, StrikeForce, and the UFC.
Special Ops
White and his wife (a Veterinarian for the US Army) moved to Fort Leavenworth, KS, where he was integrated into the teaching cadre for the US Army Combatives Program at that location. Over the next three years, White would teach personnel from every branch of the US Military and over ten allied and friendly nations, while also coaching a successful mixed martial arts team that produced multiple amateur champions. During this time, White continued his own training, earning a Black Belt in Japanese Jujitsu as well as multiple certifications in military combatives systems, including becoming one of the only civilians to certify in the Special Operations Combatives Program.
The Finisher
White moved to San Diego, CA and spent three years training under world renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Baret "The Finisher" Yoshida at The Arena MMA. During this period, White competed extensively in Jiu-jitsu while continuing to training in Muay Thai and MMA under world-class instructors.
Dr Dr White
White's wife convinced the Army that she needed another doctorate, and the family was moved to Gainesville, FL so she could attend UF. While in Gainesville, White trained and taught at Global MMA Academy (later Mat Life Training Academy) under Jason Dodd through Robert Drysdale's Zenith Association while continuing to compete in Jiu-jitsu and earning his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt in 2019.
Training with the World Champ
White's family moved on military orders to Havre de Grace, MD, where White continued to study BJJ and Muay Thai under 2x World Senior Masters Champion Professor Sergio Pimentel.
Back to Gainesville
White's wife received a medical retirement from the Army, and the family returned to Gainesville to put down roots and raise their two daughters.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, 1st Degree
Japanese Jujitsu Black Belt, 3rd Dan
Black Prajiad in Dutch Muay Thai (Ramon Dekkers Lineage)
Modern Army Combatives, Basic & Tactical Instructor (MACP I & II) (Honor Graduate)
Special Operations Combatives Program, Level 1 certification (First civilian to complete)
L.I.N.E.S. Close Combat Course Instructor Certification
NRA Certified Pistol Instructor & Range Safety Officer
Commonly asked questions
How do I use my child's Step Up for Students scholarship to pay for classes?
After contacting us to enroll your child, you can log in at stepupforstudents.org and search for Alchemy Defense LLC in the provider database. From there, you can reserve time for your child in whichever service you?d like to use. After you reserve the service, we can invoice your child?s scholarship directly without any money having to directly leave your hands.
Are private lessons available?
Yes! Private lessons are available for individuals and small groups. Please contact us for scheduling and rates.
What should I wear for my first class?
We recommend wearing athletic clothing that is comfortable, close fitting, and allows for free movement. If you have a uniform (gi), bring it, but it's not required for your first visit. Clothing that is overly revealing or that has thin straps, loops, or tears in which other students can get tangled are not allowed. No jewelry should be worn on the mats.
Do I need prior experience to join?
No experience is needed! Our classes are beginner-friendly and designed to help students of all levels progress safely and effectively.
Is there a free trial class available?
Yes, we offer a free trial class for new students. Please contact us to schedule your first visit.
How do I get started?
Safety is our top priority. All classes are supervised by experienced instructors, and students are taught to train in a respectful and controlled manner.