Trainers
Grand Master David Sheram is an 8th Degree Black Belt/Grand Master Instructor in Tae Kwon Do and Sung Ja Do (a Self Defense Combat System) and a 6th Degree Black Belt in Shinsei Hapkido. In addition Grand Master Sheram is skilled in Tang Soo Do, Aikido, Iaido and various Martial Arts weapons. He studied in Korea for his 1st Degree Black Belt, which he received in 1973. He taught in Japan for 2 1/2 years and has been to Korea for 3 of his Black Belt promotions. David is also a combat trained veteran who honorably served in the United States Air Force, during which he was stationed in Germany, Korea, and Japan. He has over 45 years of Martial Arts teaching experience and has competed in full-contact kickboxing matches.
Certifications/Achievements:
- 2017 8th Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do
- 2017 8th Degree Black Belt Sung Ja Do
- 2017 Grand Master Instructor Tae Kwon Do
- 2017 Grand Master Instructor Sung Ja Do
- 2011 6th Degree Black Belt Shinsei Hapkido
- 1992 Fought Full-Contact Kickboxing in Florida
- 1978 USAF Commendation Medal
- 1978 3rd Degree Black Belt Tang Soo Do
- 1971-8 Honorably served USAF
- 1973 Pacific Air Command Air Force Security Policeman of the Year
- 1973 1st Degree Black Belt Tang Soo Do
Paul Shunnarah
Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Paul Shunnarah has always been an active, outgoing, and determined individual. In 2008, he graduated college from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in Marketing/Entrepreneurship. Paul opened his first business, ‘Appearance Car Audio’, at the age of 18, and then a second venture, Overtime Grill & Bar, in 2009. After receiving several awards for both businesses, Paul was determined to further his career in health and fitness. So in 2013, he joined partners with Master David Sheram to open Gauntlet Fitness. Paul is a great asset to the Gauntlet Fitness Team and brings high energy and motivation to all of our clients.
Certifications / Achievements:
- Level 3 Gauntlet Kickboxing Certified- (Master Sheram)
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
- Small Business of the Year
- Entrepreneur of the Year
- Young Professional of the Year
April Mack
In 2013, April Mack walked into a 4pm Friday Shark Tank Class (hardest class of the week) very intimidated but excited to see what Gauntlet is all about. Isn’t kickboxing for people that want to fight, get hit, and to teach you how to beat up someone?
Following the workout, April knew she had found something that she loved. It is very intense, but the trainers kept it fun and motivating. It became something that changed her life and allowed her to grow in every aspect of her fitness journey!
The assumption is that April has always been into fitness; the truth is that she was just another busy single mother that could not find time or the motivation to get in shape. In 2012, April was invited to do a 10lb weight loss challenge. Today she is 60lbs down and in the best shape of her life. In 2015, April was approached by members of the Gauntlet about becoming a Personal Trainer, to which she happliy obliged. Her story, motivation, and work ethic inspire Gauntlet members and trainers every single day.
Certifications:
- Level 3 Gauntlet Kickboxing Certified- (Master Sheram)
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
- Level 2 Hapkido
Marcus Dunn
Marcus has 8 years training as a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Health and Wellness Coach. After multiple athletic injuries abruptly ended his athletic career, he pursued an education to help others build stronger bodies and help deliver empathetic encouragement during the rehabilitative stages. He has a passion for reading, traveling, sports and volunteering with youth in the community. NextUp Enterprise was established in 2015 and serves as an outreach for all of his passions.
Jama Sexton
Jama started out as a client at the Gauntlet for 3 years and became progressively more interested in kickboxing. Every class, she would beg David to show her more advanced moves.
She and her husband, Bobby, welcomed their first child, Evelyn Marie, in September. That’s when Jama decided to officially take the leap and become a Trainer at The Gauntlet. She loves the competitive nature of the Gauntlet and the fact that it kicks your butt while having a good time. She strives to give her clients an environment where they can workout free of judgement and can be themselves.
Jama played college softball and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. She worked at Children’s of Alabama Hospital for 3 years.
Jama has a passion for working with children. She enjoys hiking, swimming, and watching old movies.