Nickalas Martino (Owner & Head Coach)
Nickalas “OverBlood” Martino is a professional combat sports athlete and the founder/head coach of Combat Performance Martial arts.
Nick began training martial arts at the age of thirteen at Karakido Karate of Hendersonville, NC. As of today, Nick holds a fifth degree blackbelt in karate under Grand Master Roger Yarborough, and a second degree blackbelt in Taekwondo under Master Richard Tener. In addition to striking arts, Nick is a BJJ brown belt under UFC legend Spencer Fisher. Nick made his amateur MMA debut in 2011. Over the course of his ammy career he won the VFC lightweight MMA title, as well as the VFC welterweight kickboxing title. During this time Nick had the pleasure of training with elite fighters such as UFC phenoms Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and Ryan Hall. Nick made his professional debut in 2016 and currently hold a record of 4-6.
Gabriel Tayara (Assistant Coach)
Gabriel “Chigrilla” Tayara (BJJ Purple Belt, Karate Black Belt, Wing Chun Black Belt) is an amateur combat sports athlete, and serves as an assistant coach at Combat Performance Martial arts.
Gabriel Tayara was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He began his martial arts training at the age of fourteen in the art of Wing Tsun. Five years later, Gabe would receive his black certificate under Sifu Alex Wallenwein. Durning his time training in Wing Tsun, Gabe also has his purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As he continues to pursue a career in combat sports, he currently serves as the assistant coach at Combat Performance.
Emily Hauser (Assistant BJJ Coach)
Emily “Cyanide” Hauser (BJJ Purple Belt, Karate Black Belt) is our resident BJJ aficionado and coach. Emily is a three time USA Grappling team member. She has represented Team USA in the 2022 UWW Grappling Championships in Spain, the 2023 UWW Grappling Championships in Poland, and the 2023 World Combat Games in Saudi Arabia. she assists teaching and drilling with the grappling classes. She also teaches the Suffrajitsu Women’s BJJ & Self-Defense class and is the head coach of the Lil Cyanides Girls’ Jiu-Jitsu Club. Emily brings a fantastic energy and passion to the gym. She has been an integral part of carving a corner for women in BJJ, in martial arts, as well as our gym!
Josh Singleton (Assistant Striking Coach)
Josh Singleton is from Candler, NC. He was born in 1978 and last fought competitively in 2013. When competing, Josh had a record of 11-8 with 7 knockouts. With over 30 years’ experience in combat sports, he takes pride in ensuring all our students develop solid fundamentals. Whether you’re looking for self defense or the instruction necessary to prepare for your next fight, his desire is to help you reach your goals. There is no better Beta Wolf for our pack than Coach Josh.