Training Experience :
Specialty : Kickboxing and BJJ

AJ Barnala was literally Dynamix’s first student and has been training with us since the gym’s grand opening in 2010. From the start, AJ has immersed himself in all aspects of MMA—training Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu and Wrestling—while at the same time also focusing on personal development. The gym has grown quite a bit since the early days, and not only has AJ grown alongside the gym, but has also played a big role in the growth process. He was amongst the first group to receive their Blue Belt in the Dynamix Striking System, and the first to be trained to teach the Dynamix Striking System under head coach and the system’s founder, Antoni Hardonk. 

 

  • Dynamix MMA’s first student/ Longest
  • Blue Belt in Dynamix Kickboxing
  • Purple Belt in Jiu-Jitsu

Born: Chandigarh, Punjab, India

Started training: At the age of 12 

Competition experience: Muay Thai tournament 

Accomplishments: AJ Barnala moved from India to the US when he was only 23. On his own, he made a life for himself in CA. He was promoted to Purple Belt in BJJ in July of 2019 and has been an instructor at Dynamix MMA since 2013.

In his own words: “I want to keep improving as a martial artist and want to continue to compete. I enjoy teaching because it allows me to see the growth in my students. I’ve had an opportunity to train under the greatest coaches in kickboxing, BJJ, and wrestling and I would like to pass that onto my students.”

Meet Other Trainers

Working from home meant we could vary snack and coffee breaks, change our desks or view, goof off, drink on the job, even spend the day in pajamas

Antoni Hardonk began training in kickboxing in 1990 in his native country the Netherlands at the Vos gym in Amsterdam. Antoni developed under the watchful eye of legendary trainer Johan Vos and world champion training partners Ivan Hippolyte, Ernesto Hoost and Jerrel Venetiaan. In 1997 Antoni started competing in professional kickboxing matches with great success. Antoni fought over 20 pro K1 rules fights against some of the best fighters in the world maintaining a record of 19-3-1. Antoni’s passion for martial arts also got him interested in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With the desire to learn from the best, Antoni came to Los Angeles in 2004 where he started to train at the Rickson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Acadamy. It was there that he met Henry Akins who would become Antoni’s instructor in Jiu-Jitsu. As Antoni developed into a more well-rounded fighter by learning the ground aspect of fighting, he became interested in competing in MMA. After doing a few pro MMA fights in different organizations, Antoni signed with the UFC in 2006. It was then that he started training with Vladimir Matyushenko. The former Belarusian Freestyle Wrestler and expert in take-downs and take-down defense, helped Antoni to complete his MMA training and make him a very well-rounded fighter. Now as the head kickboxing and MMA instructor at Dynamix Martial Arts, Antoni wants to combine the techniques he has learned from the different martial arts and make it one complete system. He’s very excited to start sharing the knowledge that he has collected over the years of training and competing with the best in each of their fields.
Sean Crenshaw joined the Dynamix Team in 2012, immediately training in all of the components of Mixed Martial Arts—Jiu Jitsu, kickboxing, and wrestling— and significantly improving his complete MMA game, all while building his resume as a strength coach. One of the most hardworking members of the team, his drive, discipline and natural toughness, but also his amazing selflessness, developed him quickly a reputation within the team, which led to his honorable nickname; “Lionheart.”   
  • Blue Belt in Dynamix Kickboxing
  • Purple Belt in Jiu-Jitsu
  • Certified Personal Trainer, ISSA 
  • Certified Bioforce Conditioning Coach
Born:  Glendale, California.  Started training: in 2004, Golden Eagle Martial Art in Newbury Park. Competition experience: Sean Crenshaw started competing in kickboxing smokers in 2005 and continued to compete in amateur MMA and Muay Thai. Accomplishments: Sean received a BS Degree in Business. He was promoted to Purple Belt in BJJ in 2019, was promoted to Purple belt in the Dynamix Striking System in and is a Certified Personal Trainer through In his own words: “I want to be the best well-rounded martial artist I can be. I like teaching people how to fight, because I know it will give them confidence in their lives. Confidence comes with training. It is gained by discipline, perseverance and having a positive attitude”