TCLA INSTRUCTORS

Mike O'Dowd

Mike spent over 9 years in Naval Special Warfare with extensive combat operations experience in Iraq and Afghanistan. He served as a JTAC, Intelligence Analyst, Lead Breacher, Communications Specialist and various other qualifications for his team.

He spent his last 3 years in the Navy teaching combat shooting and helping to develop the modern-day Combatives program at the Basic Underwater Demolition School (BUDS). He has trained thousands of military members, government employees, law enforcement, and civilians. 

He has an MBA from University of California, San Diego and a Bachelors from Boston University and is the founder of Defense Strategies Group.

Zack Ferguson

Zack is a former Navy SEAL team 7 veteran with multiple deployments to Iraq, Yemen, Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. He served as his platoons Lead Sniper/Pointman, JTAC, Combatives Instructor, and Weapons Ordnance Specialist.

Additionally, Zack is a competitive 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, as well as an amateur MMA fighter. His goal is to continue to reach and connect with people through his Jiu-Jitsu content to help show that there are other communities out there to join when veterans leave active duty.

​He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Charleston.

Angel Cortes

Angel is a former Army Ranger and member of the 1st Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment. He served for over 8 years, 24 of those months he was deployed between Iraq and Afghanistan. Angel is a combat shooter and Master Breacher and has extensive experience teaching pistol and rifle defensive shooting.

Angel is also the founder of the OG Pumpkin, clothing and lifestyle brand. He uses the proceeds from his business to fund Veteran initiatives and provide support to Active Duty Military.

In his free time, Angel is a competitive Muy Thai and BJJ fighter. He is currently finishing his Bachelor of Science at California State University, Long Beach.

Cameron Fath

Cameron Fath is a former US Army Ranger and California National Guardsman, having dedicated 9 years to the military, split between active duty and reserve service. His service included deploying to the Middle East, joint training exercises in Europe and Asia, and mobilization to assist law enforcement during nationwide civil unrest.
Cameron has shared his experiences through hosting popular social media channels. This led to his role as one of the hosts of "Toughest Forces on Earth," a Netflix reality show that highlights the capabilities of elite Special Forces units from around the world.