Jonathan Wilson
Originally from Columbus, Georgia, John has always been drawn to the world of combat sports. From a young age, he loved “scrapping” and gravitated towards anything involving fighting, especially kickboxing and Taekwondo. At 18, he stepped into the competitive world of kickboxing tournaments, eventually immersing himself in Muay Thai, mastering the art of strikes using elbows and knees.
When John transitioned into MMA, he encountered a game-changing moment—getting tackled with no idea how to grapple. With no Jiu-Jitsu schools nearby, he turned to the library, devouring books on grappling techniques. His determination led him to a shoot grappling gym, where he could test and refine his skills live. This began a lifelong pursuit of learning as John trained at multiple schools to expand his expertise.
John’s love for grappling grew as he helped a college group train and ran sessions from his home gym. Eventually, he found his way to Bad Apple MMA in Columbus, Georgia, where he credits Joseph Creer for refining his skills. Under Creer’s mentorship and with insights from a Marine instructor, John shifted his fighting philosophy toward top control and became a versatile coach.
Over the years, John has shared his knowledge by teaching kids Jiu-Jitsu, training students in Muay Thai, and mentoring fighters. After relocating to Tallahassee, he established an MMA group, participated in local fight nights, and even coached wrestling at Florida High for two years. With 24 years of martial arts experience, John remains passionate about teaching, seeing the skills he passes on come to life in his students.
Off the mat, John is a family man with nine kids, a love for video games, and a deep appreciation for staying active. Teaching martial arts isn’t just a job—it’s his way of life, allowing him to stay in shape, connect with others, and make a lasting impact on the next generation of fighters.
