"Grant Gilliam is a refined submission grappling athlete and a master instructor. Grant came on the Arizona Judo/Jiu-jitsu scene in the late 80's early 90's. He was a student of Sensei Walt Sweet-5th Degree Judo Black Belt  and 7th Degree Nihon Jujitsu Black Belt with whom I had a long friendship with through training and competition in US and Arizona Judo. As things go in the Judo biz Sensei Sweet moved on and closed his judo club. This is when Grant enrolled in my Judo\Jiu-Jitsu dojo. He was one of the toughest additions I ever had in my club. I knew Grant had already been training with my friend and world-famous Wellington "Megaton" Dias for quite a while, so he came with skills. I was so happy to train with Grant and share what I could, with all that I know, about submission grappling. At my dojo, I concentrated exclusively on competition Judo and Jiu-jitsu training. My club trained 5 to 6 nights a week and Grant was in the middle of all of it. Grant is very diligent and disciplined in his studies. I learned that Grant was a natural leader, a strong and talented player with a good soul and a great disposition to fight, train, and learn. In my club, we participated in what ever contest was coming up in Judo, Jiu-jitsu, Submission grappling, and cagefights. It didn't matter what the event was, we did them. Prior to my retirement, I promoted Grant to Black Belt in Judo and Jiu-jitsu. I want to say that Grant is a special person and has been a good friend to me. Grant is an excellent submission fighter as well as teacher. I am honored to have been associated with his career, and as one of Sensei Gilliam's students, you should feel extremely fortunate to be training in any of the Eclectic Combat Systems programs."   

---Christophe P. Leininger, 4th Degree Judo Black Belt and several-time US Judo Champion, Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, 2-time UFC Competitor (UFC 3 and UFC 13)

"I had the honor of training Marie “Mystery” White in the art of international kickboxing and Muay Thai. The more I pushed Marie the more her mind and body wanted.  I trained this young lady with top professional fighters I had in my dojo, she was not only sparring with females but also with men.  It did not matter who I put in front of her she never questioned anything that I did.  She listened, watch and performed.  Her co fighters gave her the fighting nick name” mystery” because they couldn't figure out why she never complained, what techniques she was going to hit them with next... Her only loss was a major title fight in California against the United State Champion with over 30 fights.  It was scheduled for 7 rounds but they shortened the rounds to 5.  Marie was dominating the later rounds and had her opponent hurt several times  The only way to win was to knock her out and she did not have the rounds to finish her off, so they took it away from Marie with a split decision.  I miss having her on my team.  Marie’s heart is pure and she is truly a Martial Artist and loves to share the knowledge to others.  So if you have a chance to study with this great warrior and pay attention, don’t ask question just listen and watch you shall have the best experience of your life.  Marie was raked #4 with the I.K.B.A one of the oldest kickboxing and Muay Thai organization in the world." 

---Shihan Nico Fernandez, Nikidokai founder, Trainer of world champions, 1997 Kickboxing – karate hall of fame, 1986-2000 W.K.A Representatives, 1987-2000 I.K.B.A Representatives, 1989-1991 1st Muay Thai promoter in Arizona

I have had the honor of knowing and training with Grant Gilliam at Eclectic Combat Systems in Texas. More than a talented martial artist, Grant is a generous and humble man who is completely dedicated to his students. His skill as a coach, technical knowledge, and experience in the cage bestow him ability to properly train his students on both recreational and competitive levels. Rarely have I met a person more dedicated to learning and growing Sambo. Grant's drive and dedication to Sambo and the ASA can't be overstated. In 2009 ECS hosted the annual Sambo Summit training camp, where I had a chance to train with Grant and his students. I was not disappointed. These guys are truly a top notch group who anyone should be proud to train with. If you can train at ECS, I highly recommend you do so!

---Stephen Koepfer, President, American Sambo Association; Head Coach, New York Combat Sambo; US Team Coach, 2008 FIAS World Sambo Championships

Grant Gilliam is a very ethical and professional martial arts instructor.  I have had the pleasure to practice with him in the arts of Nihon Ju-Jitsu and Judo.  His dojo is run in a very safe manner and the loyalty of his students to him speaks volumes in itself.  His competitive career shows to what degree his skill is.  His dojo is one of my favorites to visit.

---Shihan David Parritt, President of the Nihon Ju-Jitsu Yudanshakai; Shichidan, 7th Dan - Judo: USTKJ; Shichidan, 7th Dan  - US Ju-Jitsu: USJJF; Shichidan, 7th Dan  - Nihon Jujitsu: USJJF; Rokudan, 6th Dan - Judo: USJA, USJI, and KJA; Rokudan, 6th Dan – Jujits1u: USJA

"I attest to the fact that Grant Gilliam is an extremely accomplished Martial Artist, Fighter and Instructor.  His constant thirst for knowledge and his uncanny ability to acquire new skills will no doubt take him far beyond my own ability.  He possesses the potential to someday gain the rare status of true mastery.  All those who have the opportunity to train with him while he continues his sojourn will be truly fortunate."

---Steve Bigelow - Co-founder of ECS, Co- founder of Executive Security International, President of Global Security Source, 2nd Degree Hwa Rang Do Black Belt under Bob Duggan, Hand-to-Hand Combatives Instructor and Executive/Personal Defense Expert

"I was fortunate enough to have Grant Gilliam on my coaching staff; if he ever wants a coaching job with me in the future, I will hire him in a flash! His background in wrestling and martial arts provided a huge asset to our program. His knowledge of defense and leverage was a real eye opener for our wrestlers. Grant is a great role model for kids and leads by example through hard work, dedication and commitment. I found him to be a great teacher that is positive and has the ability to work with all levels."

---Kevin McNulty-2002 "AAA" Washington State Coach of the Year, 2003 Washington State Coach of the Year (all classifications)

“I have had the unique opportunity to train with Sensei Gilliam, as well as to receive his instruction first hand. He is a skilled martial artist and seasoned competitor with a comprehensive approach to the martial arts. His philosophy is a “breath of fresh air” for today’s martial artists.

---Jason Wright - Kodokan Judo Black Belt, Nihon Jujitsu Black Belt

"I have known Grant Gilliam for over 20 years and Marie for over 10 years. I have had the pleasure of training competitively with Grant for many of those years as well as having watched him in instructional settings.  Marie is a dedicated student of the arts and possesses a rare blend of toughness and grace that she imparts to her students.  Grant is the finest grappler and person I have ever encountered and is dedicated to passing his skills and knowledge to others.  He is an excellent teacher and a singularly talented technician and competitor.  As an instructor, I truly cannot imagine anyone better.  Together they make a team that will change the lives of their students and enable them to realize any goals they may choose.  It has been an honor for me to train with and know these two martial artists!"

---Julian Huff- Nihon Jujitsu Black Belt, 1999, 2000 USKA National Champion, 2000 USKA World Champion

"I have known Grant Gilliam for over a decade. During that time I have been lucky enough to have been both a training partner and student of his. In my opinion he is a shining example of what a martial artist should be. He is a gifted teacher and an experienced competitor. He is able to tailor his instruction to meet the needs of his students from the novice to the expert. He brings to the table a wealth of experience from his days as a competitor in grappling and Mixed Martial Arts. His intensity and constant desire to learn is what makes him such an effective instructor."

---Charles Raybourn, Nihon Ju-Jitsu Black Belt, Brown Belt Ikkyu in Kodokan Judo, Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Thai shorts from Master bob Karmel