Brian Crenshaw has been involved in formal martial
arts classes since 1972. He received his first Black
Belt in 1976 in an American Open Karate/Kickboxing
system, his second in 1979 in Shotokan Karate and also
a 1st Kyu (Brown Belt with one stripe) in Kyokushin
Karate in 1984. In 1983, Crenshaw’s dream came true
when he attended his first of many seminars with Guru
Dan Inosanto. Guru Dan opened Crenshaw’s eyes to a
whole new world of martial arts. He not only
introduced him to Kali, but also: Muay Thai, Silat,
Savate, Jun Fan, Shoot Fighting, and of course, the
concepts of Jeet Kune Do. Under Arjan Surachai
Sirisute, Crenshaw was tested and awarded his basic
level instructor in 1993 and in 1995 was made a Kru
(teacher of Muay Thai). A Bruce Lee fan all his life,
Crenshaw was not able to study Wing Chun until 1987,
where he began his lessons in the Moy Yat family
system and achieved the rank of Sifu (instructor). On
a recommendation, Crenshaw then moved to Atlanta
exclusively to train under Sifu Fong. Sifu Fong not
only taught him Wing Chun, Muay Thai and Kali, but
also how to take the Wing Chun principles and concepts
and blend them into his other studies. During this
period of time he traveled to various locations trying
his hand at K-1 style, San Shou and Muay Thai style
fights. Crenshaw achieved an instructorship in Wing
Chun under Sifu Fong and in Muay Thai under Ajarn Chai
Surisute, but more importantly, he moved to a very
different level in the martial arts. In 1994, he
returned to his hometown of Richmond, Virginia, and in
November of that year opened Prodigy Martial Arts
Academy. Burton Richardson, whom Crenshaw met in 1996,
was a major influence on his philosophy and teaching.
After training with Richardson for some time, In
December 1997, Sifu Burton certified Crenshaw as an
Instructor in Jeet Kune Do Unlimited. In addition to
his JKD training, Crenshaw has continually pursued
avenues to improve his Muay Thai first as a fighter
and later as a trainer. It has been his pleasure to
have trained with Kru Sakasem Kanthawong, Kru Walter
"Sleeper" Michalowski, and Kru Surichai Surisute. He
has trained extensively with Kru Vut Kamnark to learn
the ins and outs of Muay Thai. Kru Vut also encouraged
him to pursue the promotional end of Muay Thai as
well. With his guidance Crenshaw has successfully
promoted many Muay Thai and events. He has hosted both
ISKA and WKA events that featured State, Regional, US,
Intercontinental and World Title matches. In 2001, he
was honored by the WKA with the appointment as WKA US
Representative-Amateur Muay Thai and Kickboxing. 2003
his role was increased to US Representative for both
the Amateur and Professional Ring Sports Divisions of
Muay Thai, MMA, Kickboxing, Full Contact and
Submission Grappling. In 2004, he formed a management
and promotions company and began the Combat Sports
Challenge fight show and produces the WKA North
American Combat Sports Championships each year for the
WKA. In late 2006 Prodigy Martial Arts partnered with
the principles of MOD Grappling and FX Boxing to open
Combat Sports Center in the West End of Richmond, VA.
Combat Sports Center developed numerous event
champions and international level competitors in Muay
Thai, MMA and Grappling. At Combat Sports Center,
Brian Crenshaw has trained many champions at the
Regional, National, and World levels as well as
popularly televised fighters in such promotions as the
UFC and WEC.