combat first, always.
The Combat Factory exists because real-world threats don't follow sport rules.
Meet the instructors, the philosophy, and the training system behind Lexington, NC's best martial arts school.
Brandon Emory—Head Instructor & Founder
Brandon Emory has spent nearly 30 years building a martial arts curriculum forged from real experience — not just the mat, but the street, the badge, and the protection detail.
Credentials & Background
- Black Belt — Karate
- Black Belt — Tae Kwon Do
- Black Belt — American Combat Jujitsu
- IBJJF Purple Belt — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Founder — American Bujutsu
- Former Law Enforcement Officer & Criminal Investigator
- Executive Protection Background
- Degrees in Criminal Justice
Brandon didn't develop his curriculum in a gym bubble. His training comes from decades of studying what actually works when the stakes are real — refined through law enforcement experience, protective operations, and over two decades of instruction. Every technique taught at The Combat Factory has been tested outside the dojo.
When you train under Brandon Emory, you're not learning theory. You're learning from someone who has lived it.
In addition to leading The Combat Factory, Brandon also owns and operates
Alliance Code Enforcement; professional code enforcement and municipal planning services.
Our Philosophy: Combat First. Always.
Most martial arts schools today train just for trophies. We train for the moment when trophies don't matter. At The Combat Factory, every technique, every drill, and every round on the mat is evaluated by one standard: does it work when it counts?
Sport Martial Arts
- Rules and referees
- Points and positions
- Competition mindset
- Athletic performance metrics
Combat Martial Arts
- No rules in a real threat
- Dominant control and neutralization
- Awareness, capability, confidence
- Effectiveness under stress
train to Be a Wolf Among Sheep.
This isn't an arrogant slogan — it's a mindset. The wolf doesn't look for fights. The wolf doesn't fear them. At The Combat Factory, we develop awareness, capability, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing you can handle whatever comes.
We teach three integrated systems — American Bujutsu, American Combat Ju-Jitsu, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — because real-world self-defense demands striking, clinch work, takedowns, and ground control. We cover it all.
Coach Josh Whitman
Assistant Instructor
Coach Josh Whitman is an IBJJF certified brown belt who brings dedication, technical precision, and a student-first approach to every class he leads at The Combat Factory. His commitment to growth — both on the mat and off — reflects the school's standard that great instructors are perpetual students.
Training under Professor Joe Hurst, Josh reinforces the school's culture: no ego, no shortcuts, just hard work and real progress. Students benefit from his focused coaching style and his genuine investment in their development.
Ready to Find Out What You're Capable Of?
Your first class is free. No contracts, no pressure — just an honest look at what real-world martial arts training can do for you. Come train with us.