Spencer has been involved in martial arts nearly his entire life.  Throughout his youth, he trained Zen Do Kai Karate and earned his black belt. 

After relocating from the North Country to Cortland, NY, Spencer joined team Bombsquad and began his professional mixed martial arts career at 20 years of age.  Spencer, 8-2 professional MMA, won the Untamed: Full Force Production’s lightweight title at 155lbs before moving to featherweight at 145lbs and winning that title, as well, in 2007.  In 2010, Spencer was featured on season 12 of The Ultimate Fighter on Spike TV as a member of Team GSP Georges St. Pierre.   This opportunity gave Spencer the chance to train with some of the top mixed martial artists and BJJ instructors in the world!

Spencer spent two years in Buffalo training at Buffalo BJJ before moving back upstate.   It was during this two-year period that Spencer was exposed to authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and developed the desire to exclusively train jiu jitsu.  He (and the academy) are affiliated with Team Evolution (Headquarters in Montreal, Canada).   (http://www.artsmartiauxevolution.com/.

Off of the mat, Spencer graduated from SUNY Potsdam with summa cum laude honors while earning a B.A. in Biology. He also has a master’s degree in education and is a NY state-certified science teacher.

In August of 2022, Spencer earned his black belt in jiu jitsu. He is the first and only BJJ black belt in St. Lawrence County.

In addition to martial arts, Spencer is also working towards becoming a Human Biomechanics Specialist through Functional Patterns.

Functional Patterns Verification Link

Spencer is excited to bring jiu jitsu and kickboxing to the North Country! But most importantly, he is eager to provide a safe environment where students can attain their goals whether it be losing 50 lbs or becoming a fighter!