Scott Howard
Founder | Head Coach | “The Brains”
Scott Howard is the foundation Disciple Nine is built on.
With decades of experience in martial arts, coaching, and leadership, Scott has always believed that training should shape more than fighters, it should shape people. His approach blends real-world combat effectiveness with discipline, accountability, and character development, creating an environment where students are challenged to grow both on and off the mats.
Scott is known for building strong systems, not personalities. Under his leadership, Disciple MMA earned a reputation for high standards, structured progression, and a family first culture that welcomed beginners while still producing serious competitors. His ability to balance toughness with mentorship has made him a trusted coach for kids, adults, and fighters alike.
As a founder of Disciple Nine, Scott’s vision is clear: preserve the integrity of martial arts, eliminate ego, and build a nationwide system where families can train together, leaders are forged, and discipline becomes a lifelong pursuit.
Dustin “The Disciple” Pague
Striking Coach | Professional Fighter | “The Brawn”
Dustin Pague is a professional mixed martial artist and coach at Disciple Nine, with experience competing at the highest levels, including the UFC and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). He has faced elite opponents in the cage and the ring, giving him firsthand knowledge of what it takes to perform under pressure. However, what sets him apart as a coach is his ability to translate that experience into practical, accessible instruction for students at every level.
Dustin is deeply committed to developing disciplined, respectful athletes, not just winning records. He emphasizes fundamentals, work ethic, and mental toughness, helping students understand that progress comes from consistency and accountability, not shortcuts.
Within Disciple Nine, Dustin serves as both a coach and a culture carrier, setting the example through his actions, training habits, and leadership. He represents the D9 standard: skilled, composed, and committed to lifting others as he climbs.
Colton Smith
Grappling Coach | Professional Fighter | The “Beauty”
Colton Smith is a professional mixed martial artist and coach at Disciple Nine, with experience competing at the highest levels, including winning the Ultimate Fighter Season 16 with the UFC as well as a strong background in high-level grappling.
His grappling pedigree includes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and submission-based competition, giving him the expertise to develop well-rounded martial artists. His coaching style focuses on strong fundamentals, attention to detail, and helping students build confidence through structured progress.
Colton plays a vital role in shaping the next generation at Disciple Nine—particularly in youth and foundational programs. He understands that martial arts training is often a student’s first exposure to discipline, responsibility, and accountability, and he takes that responsibility seriously.
As part of the Disciple Nine leadership team, Colton embodies the system’s commitment to mentorship, consistency, and long-term growth—helping students become not just better martial artists, but better people.
Bryan Hamper
Professional Athlete Manager | Wrestling Coach
Bryan Hamper is a proven leader in combat sports, bringing championship-level wrestling coaching and elite athlete management experience to the Disciple Nine wrestling program.
Since 2007, Bryan has served as President of SuckerPunch Entertainment, representing professional MMA athletes and guiding fighters through contracts, promotions, and long-term career development. SuckerPunch has represented multiple UFC, Bellator, and PFL World Champions.
Bryan is also the founder and promoter of Cowboy Fight Series, producing professional MMA and Muay Thai events focused on high-level competition and modern live-streamed fight production.
Outside the cage, Bryan serves as Head Coach of South Carroll Wrestling, where he has built one of the most dominant high school wrestling programs in Maryland history. Under his leadership, the team has earned eight team state championships, and Bryan has coached more individual state champions than any public school coach in state history.
Aligned with the Disciple Nine mission, Coach Hamper brings discipline, accountability, and championship standards to every athlete he coaches, both on and off the mat.