Official Fight Doctor
Denise Griffin, M.D.

Dr. Griffin is a Florida State Athletic Commission licensed Fight Doctor and has been a martial artist herself for over 16 years. She is a 1st Degree Black Belt in Japanese Shotokan Karate and a Purple Belt in Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Denise began studying Shotokan Karate during her undergraduate training at the University of South Florida. She continued her Shotokan training for the next 12 years during college, medical school, and her physician residency. Once Dr. Griffin's medical practice became established, she started training in Bruce Lee's Jeet Kun Do system. Jeet Kun Do is known as one of the first mixed martial arts styles created and includes training in Muay Thai, Kali, Arnis, Savate and Jun Fan.

Denise studied JKD for 3 years and then decided to seek out expert Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training after admiring the fighting skills of UFC legend Royce Gracie, who could defeat opponents who were much larger and physically stronger than himself. After much research she found the expert level of instruction she was seeking at Elite Training Center with the world-renowned Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Professor from Brazil, Eduardo de Lima, of the Carlos Gracie, Jr., Gracie Barra organization.

Denise currently enjoys training with Professor de Lima at Elite Training Center in St. Petersburg, Florida. When she's not rolling on the mat, she further indulges her love of the combat arts by serving as a ringside physician for professional Boxing, Muay Thai, Grappling, and Mixed Martial Arts matches throughout the state of Florida.