The Pit MMA Instructors

Ralph King

THE PIT - Certified Level 2 Instructor
American Council on Exercise® (A.C.E.) - Certified Personal Trainer

Ralph King brings a diverse background to our instructor staff. He began training in Krav Maga in 1999 and shortly after began training in jiujitsu. In 2004 he completed his CDT Non-Lethal Force Certification in addition to personal training certifications by the American Council on Exercise® (A.C.E.) and the National Academy of Sports Medicine® (N.A.S.M.). Taking a break from Krav Maga in 2005, Ralph went on to train in mixed martial arts and complete instructor certification under a former five-time UFC champion. While working on a MMA curriculum he gained invaluable experience in presenting the training methods to a broad range of people. In early 2009 Ralph resumed training in Vanguard Krav Maga® and now heads the licensing and development of the program. More recently, Ralph completed instructor certification at THE PIT in Arroyo Grande, California. THE PIT is lead by John Hackleman who is known for training former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and Hall of Famer, Chuck Liddell. By fusing together his experience from leading group classes, personal training, and Marine Corps, Ralph's teaching style is "old school" tough for those accustomed to martial arts training yet encouraging and upbeat for beginners.

Ali Salarpour

THE PIT - Certified Level 2 Instructor

Ali brings a strong background in fitness and is an accomplished collegiate wrestler and Brazilian Jiujitsu practitioner. He was the San Francisco City wrestling champion in 1993 and 1994 and qualified for state championships on three occasions. Ali then began working as a personal trainer in 1999 while competing in body building. He went on to become the 2000 Sacramento Lightweight Bodybuilding Champion which qualified him for national competition while simultaneously beginning to study the art of Brazilian Jiujitsu. In 2008 he immersed himself in Vanguard Krav Maga® and went on to complete his Level I Certification as a Vanguard Krav Maga® Instructor. While acting as a Vanguard Krav Maga® instructor he has continued his jiujitsu competition and was awarded a gold medal in 2010 for the Blue Belt Division at the U.S. Open. More recently, Ali completed instructor certification at THE PIT in Arroyo Grande, California. THE PIT is lead by John Hackleman who is known for training former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and Hall of Famer, Chuck Liddell. Ali is known for his upbeat and challenging classes while still being a patient instructor who is easily approachable by students. (Ali is also available for private training.)

Jeff Quinlan

THE PIT - Certified Level 1 Instructor

Jeff is a military veteran who served on active duty in the Navy and later with the Army Reserve. He brings a broad range of mixed martial arts experience including teaching under a former five-time UFC champion for over three years. Jeff also fought professionally in promotions such as Gladiator Challenge and the IFL before pursuing full time instruction. In 2007 Jeff went on to focus on boxing and utilizing striking to incorporate judo into MMA which allows him to offer a unique and cutting edge style. In addition to his MMA experience, Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge in fitness and functional strength training. Jeff is a very energetic and patient instructor who is also available for private training, small group sessions, or team building events.