Mr. Frazier co-founded Tennessee Martial Arts Academy in 2002 with a simple vision: To develop students’ physical and mental well-being through teaching, caring, and living a life of example. Mr. Frazier’s dream was to give back to the community what the art of Taekwondo had given him.
After more than 20 years of serving the Smyrna community, TNMAA is still committed to the same purpose. Whether you seek exercise, self-defense, confidence, stress relief, goal setting, better focus in school, channeling hyper activity, TNMAA is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.
Brad Frazier
Owner and Chief Instructor
Brad Frazier, a native to the Murfreesboro/Smyrna, TN area, has dedicated over 30 years to the art of Traditional Style Taekwondo. Beginning his training in the early 1990s, Mr. Frazier cross-trained in the areas of Filipino martial arts and weaponry, Japanese Aikido, and kickboxing. In April 2012, he received his 4th degree black belt, and in June 2019, he received his 5th degree black belt.
In 2002, Mr. Frazier, received his Chief Instructor Certification and opened TNMAA, to share his passion of Taekwondo with his community. Mr. Frazier has remained committed to Taekwondo because, “It provides an outlet to positively focus one’s energy; learning self-discipline, structure, and offering both physical and mental challenges that foster personal growth.”
As Chief Instructor, Mr. Frazier has focused on providing detailed Taekwondo skill training and mentoring to students of all ages through the after school program, evening classes, and summer camp. As an instructor, Mr. Frazier enjoys, “The opportunity to make a positive impact in each individual life; mentally and physically, improving each child’s way of approaching life, with increased focus and self-confidence.”
In his spare time, Mr. Frazier enjoys obstacle-course racing, playing guitar, and singing.
Education/Training
Middle Tennessee University
Early Childhood Education
5th Degree Black Belt (2019)
Chief Instructor Certification (2002)
Certified Spartan SGX Coach (2017)
Self-Defense Instructor
CPR, First-Aid, and AED Certified
Concealed Carry Permit
CDL, P & S endorsement
Alex Pernestti
Assistant Instructor
Mr. Pernestti started training in Taekwondo with Mr. Frazier in 2002 at the age of seven. He was one of the first students to attend the after school program and has spent 20 years at TNMAA studying and teaching Taekwondo.
After receiving his first black belt in 2008, Mr. Pernestti began training and studying to become an Assistant Instructor the following year. He attended college to study education and early childhood development, then returned to TNMAA to continue teaching and training under Mr. Frazier's guidance.
Mr. Pernestti is largely responsible for the instruction of our newest and youngest students, setting the foundation for their Taekwondo path. He also handles the weapons training as that is one of his favorite aspects of martial arts.
Education/Training
Middle Tennessee University, coursework
Motlow & Middle Tennessee University
Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Development
4th Degree Black Belt (2022)
Assistant Instructor Certification (2009)
CPR, First-Aid, and AED Certified
CDL, P & S endorsement
Traci Turner
Program Director
Miss Traci came to TNMAA as the parent of a student in 2012. While her son achieved his second degree black belt, she observed the dedication to students and life skills taught, and was happy to join our staff in 2015.
Before working at TNMAA, she was a radio personality and homeschooled her son from kindergarten up to college. When she is not at TNMAA, she is either spending time with her family or interviewing rock stars and attending concerts.
As Program Director, she is responsible for parent communication and billing, social media, and orchestrating the dismissal chaos.
Education/Training
University of La Verne, CA
Bachelor of Arts Communications
CPR, First Aid, & AED Certified
Child Abuse & Sexual Assault Awareness Certified
Self Defense Skills Training
Concealed Carry Permit
CDL, P endorsement