Founder of Gladius Krav Maga and Jiu-Jitsu Combatives & Warriors Academy KC
Owner and Chief Instructor | Warriors Academy KC
Frass Azab is the founder of Warriors Academy KC and Gladius Krav Maga and Jiu-Jitsu Combatives. With over 20 years of experience in self-defense instruction, Frass is the Chief Instructor of the Krav Maga program and leads the Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program at Warriors Academy. He holds a degree in Criminology/Criminal Justice from Park University and has a professional background in forensic psychology, including work in forensics and specialized roles managing violent patients in psychiatric care. His extensive security experience also includes roles as a bodyguard for celebrities and a nightclub security supervisor in Miami and Kansas City.
Martial Arts and Professional Training
Frass’s lifelong dedication to martial arts includes black rank status in Krav Maga under Nicholas Hughes, a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Coach Ethan Benda and Master Renato Tavares, and a brown belt in Judo. His training also includes Muay Thai and Filipino martial arts. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he earned the title of 2012 Brazilian BJJ National Champion. Additionally, Frass is NRA-certified in Pistol and Defensive Tactical Shooting.
Awards and Recognitions
Frass was honored by the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame as Self-Defense Instructor of the Year in 2018 and was inducted again in 2023.
Teaching and Instruction
Frass has taught and conducted seminars both nationally and internationally, including training for BKM-HQ in London and workshops in Abu Dhabi and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He has also trained the Military Police at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Frass has developed a successful self-defense library available on BJJ Fanatics, which delves into the roots of combatives through Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Krav Maga.
Frass holds certifications as an instructor in multiple systems:
• Warriors Krav Maga Instructor under Nicholas Hughes
• CSW Instructor under Eric Paulson
• Kombatives Brand Instructor under Kelly McCann
• Force Necessary Stick and Knife Combat Instructor under Hock Hochheim
Community and Specialized Work
Frass has dedicated years to community service, especially with children’s programs and women’s shelters. He spent eight years working in a children’s psychiatric hospital, supporting young patients with special needs. In 2024, he began leading a Jiu-Jitsu program at Lindbergh Elementary School, the third school in the United States to offer a Jiu-Jitsu program, focusing on discipline, self-defense, and anti-bullying.
Pro Wrestling and Personal Training
In addition to martial arts, Frass is active in the pro wrestling world. He co-owns Central States Wrestling and manages a tag team. He has also traveled internationally with his son, the current Saudi Arabian Heavyweight Champion in pro wrestling.
Frass also offers personal training in self-defense and fitness and has participated in acting projects, including music videos and films.
