Destin Academy of Mixed Martial Arts (DAMMA) has been offering instruction and training in Mixed Martial Arts since 2001. Located in Holiday Plaza (across from Gold's Gym), Destin Academy of Mixed Martial Arts will help you reach your fitness goals while teaching you real world, practical self-defense. This approach is encapsulated in our slogan, "Fitness With A Purpose."

Headed by Carlos Diaz, Destin Academy of Mixed Martial Arts offers a number of Thai Kickboxing and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu programs geared towards adults.  We will be forming junior classes in 2009 but if you want to start your child sooner call for availability into the VIP program (private sessions).

Our Master - Sifu Eddie Camden

Eddie Camden is an internationally recognized martial arts expert. He has worked with numerous law enforcement and military units. Eddie Camden is an internationally recognized martial arts expert. He has worked with numerous law enforcement and military units including the DEA, FBI, Secret Service, Ranger Battalion, and members of the U.S. Navy Seal Team. Mr. Camden is considered by many martial arts instructors to be one of the most well rounded martial artists in the world. He is known for his no-nonsense approach to martial arts and teaches people from all walks of life and all experience levels. In fact, many instructors and school owners have continued their training with Mr. Camden and the Tiger Academy of Martial Arts.

Master Camden is unique in the martial arts community due his expertise in striking, grappling, and weapons usage. For many years Mr. Camden was a professional no-holds-barred referee. Having reffed over 500 matches has given him a unique opportunity to observe and evaluate impartially what techniques work and what techniques do not. It is this experience that makes the academy programs so efficient.

He holds multiple instructor ranks and six different black belts, including a Black Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, under some of the most highly regarded martial arts instructors in the world, including Sifu Francis Fong, Guru Dan Inosanto, and Professor Pedro Sauer. The Tiger Academy’s programs are unified under Sifu Camden, whose background includes extensive training in: Wing Chun, Kali, Muay Thai, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and Jeet Kune Do.

In addition to his professional martial arts career, Mr. Camden has been involved in both public and private security.

Coach Carlos started practicing martial arts when he was 13 years old as a means to cross train for competitive tennis in international junior tournaments. As a member of the junior tennis team his coach wanted him to work on flexibility, agility, and strength – qualities needed in all sports.

Coach Carlos started his martial arts training in Taekwondo. After a few years he decided to changed into a more realistic, contact based style. Carlos changed to Kenpo where “contact training” is promoted. He achieved his black belt after 6 years of training.

After this accomplishment Carlos focused his approach to martial arts study into two perspectives; practical self-defense and its application to other sports. In his quest Carlos studied under various instructors other styles such as Shotokan, Judo, Tang Soo Do, Jeet Kune Do, Wing Chun, Muay Thai, Kali, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

For the last 8 years Carlos has dedicated his training to two styles: Thai Kickboxing and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Coach Carlos studies both systems under the guidance of Sifu Eddie Camden. Sifu Camden owns and teaches at Tiger Academy of Martial Arts in Atlanta GA. His approach to martial arts is exactly what Carlos was searching for; a very practical self defense style made up from the most effective yet simple techniques of Thai Kickboxing, Wing Chun, Kali, and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

Even though Tiger Academy is over 330 miles from home, Carlos stills goes monthly to train personally with Sifu Eddie Camden and other fellow instructors.  He currently holds a Black Belt in Thai Kickboxing and a Purple Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

Carlos Diaz is also a Tennis Instructor certified by USPTA. When he is not teaching martial arts you will probably see him coaching or playing tennis usually at Sandestin Tennis Center.