OUR COACHES
Coach John
Founder & Head Coach
Coach Mike
Instructor
Coach Trent
Instructor
Coach Donovan
Instructor
Coach Drew
Instructor
Coach Garett
Instructor
Coach Heather
Instructor
About Coach John
John is the founder and head coach of the Bushido Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Zionsville, Indiana.
Background
Prior to Bushido, John was a successful runner. After his running career came to a close he began training Jiu-Jitsu under multiple time World and Pan-Am Champion, John Connors in Norwood, MA continuing at the Nick Diaz Academy in Lodi and Stockton, CA before landing home at Manchester Jiu-Jitsu, Manchester, CT under Rob Magao, 3rd degree Black Belt under legendary Jiu-Jitsu Master Pedro Sauer.
Credentials
John is a 1st Degree Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu under his coach, Rob Magao of Manchester Jiu-Jitsu, Manchester, CT.
Competition Experience
Over the years, John has fought, competed as well as coached students to success in numerous local, regional and national grappling competitions as well as amateur and professional mixed martial arts.
Philosophy
He started the Bushido Zionsville Academy after utilizing what he learned during training at some of the world's most prestigious Jiu-Jitsu and MMA gyms as well as self-defense from Rob Magao and coaches at Manchester Jiu-Jitsu to create Indiana's premier Martial Arts academy. Through Bushido, John is able to share his passion for the "way of the warrior," and building character through martial arts training.
How did you get started?
I formally started Jiu-Jitsu in 2006. I was getting ready to separate from the Marine Corps and had an interest in competing in MMA. I was humbled pretty quickly, specifically by the grappling game. I found out that I couldn't "tough guy" my way out of a submission and realized that Jiu-Jitsu is a true technical skill set that I needed to learn to be successful in combat sports. Although I started, Jiu-Jitsu and MMA to improve my own skill set, I discovered a close-knit community that supported each other in our athletic and personal growth and development.
What's the biggest challenge you've encountered in your training and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I had early on was learning to be okay with failure. Going to training every day feeling like I had to be the best in the room made training more stressful than fun. It also limited my development on the mat because I hesitated to expand my game and learn new techniques for fear of losing or tapping out during a sparring match with my teammates. Once I had the right mindset about trying/failing and trying again, my skill set improved exponentially and Jiu-Jitsu became fun.
What's your favorite thing about training or teaching and why?
I'm still very passionate about Jiu-Jitsu and thoroughly enjoy training every day. At this stage of my journey, I also really enjoy teaching and helping others improve and find success on the mats. I was always really grateful when someone put their effort into my improvement and my primary goal is to pass on the knowledge I've been given to anyone else who is passionate about Jiu-Jitsu.
What are your personal goals on and off the mat?
My personal goals are to provide and take care of my family as well as help my teammates grow and improve on the mat as much as I can. I'm always looking to learn and improve my techniques as well because Jiu-Jitsu is endless.
What's something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I have an identical twin brother who is also a former Marine and law enforcement officer.
How did you get started?
When I was 10 years old, my Dad brought home a VHS tape of a recording of UFC 1. We simply couldn't comprehend how the smallest guy in this tournament was not only beating every opponent he faced but how easily he dominated all of them by using Jiu-Jitsu. Unfortunately, there weren't any Jiu-Jitsu gyms in my area at the time so I didn't think much about the sport until a life-changing event occurred when I needed to learn self defense as I was about to become a father. As fate would have it, I looked up BJJ gyms near me the next day and one was opening. I called right away and scheduled my 'intro class.' The instructor showed me an Americana arm lock and I was hooked immediately. I remember looking up at the ceiling in the gym as he was cranking on my shoulder and simply smiling as I had found exactly what I was looking for. I have been training consistently for over 10 years now and honestly cannot imagine the person I would be today without Jiu-Jitsu.
What's the biggest challenge you've encountered in your training and how did you overcome it?
This is an easy answer for years. I trained the wrong way as I would spend a lot of time failing back on what attacks/sweeps worked well for me when I would get caught in a bad spot. This was my ego and not wanting to accept a 'defeat.' I don't worry so much about winning every round, instead since letting go of the ego and having fun with other parts of my game my Jiu-Jitsu has significantly improved.
What's your favorite thing about training or teaching and why?
As I mentioned earlier, I started Jiu-Jitsu for the self defense aspect of the sport but that is a very small portion of what I enjoy about Jiu-Jitsu today. Jiu-Jitsu is a fun, stress-reliever for me so you are only thinking about Jiu-Jitsu while you are on the mat. There is no room for time or 'thinking' about the other aspects of your life while rolling. My absolute favorite thing about Jiu-Jitsu is teaching Jiu-Jitsu. There is no greater feeling for me on the mats than seeing someone pull off a submission, sweep, escape, etc. that I had taught. I love helping the team 'GG' as it makes everyone better which in turn makes the 'training' tougher for me.
What are your personal goals on and off the mat?
I am always looking to improve all aspects of my game with a greater focus on the weaker areas. A more specific goal would be to compete at my current brown belt level and win. I'm always looking to learn and improve my techniques as well because Jiu-Jitsu is endless.
What's something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I graduated from Purdue with a degree in Information Systems Computer Technology and I was going to be a Database Admin and hated sitting in a cubicle all day and became a Senior Account Sales Executive with my outgoing personality suits me much better.
How did you get started?
Since my childhood years in Brooklyn, NY I have been into martial arts and anime. I just never had the opportunity to try martial arts. I decided to pursue either shotokan Karate or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu when I had more freedom as an adult at the age of 25 around the time of the pandemic. I chose BJJ and I made the right choice. What started out as a hobby eventually became more of a lifestyle. I didn't have a purpose as a white belt to the beginning stage until I decided to compete for the first time and I had an actual goal to prepare for within three months. I got 2nd place at that competition and the routine I built ended up taking over throughout the day every day.
What's the biggest challenge you've encountered in your training and how did you overcome it?
Initially, one of the challenges was training with a clear purpose. The understanding why we're moving the way we do and what goal we're trying to accomplish. Whether it be isolating or controlling an arm, every detail has a purpose and reason. Applying what you learned to an opponent that knows what you're going to do and wants to resist is an indicator if you're applying the move correctly.
What's your favorite thing about training or teaching and why?
For me while training, hitting the move of the day after just learning it in a round of sparring would have to be my favorite thing about training. Teaching has opened up my game and helped me understand jiu jitsu even more. I consider it an opportunity to talk to someone who is new in my shoes where I was four years ago and pass on my experience and prevent them from making the mistakes I learned that focusing on fundamentals and keeping lessons simple helps with understanding and even teaching. I pick up on details I forgot and didn't really recognize until I started competing in jiu jitsu, and at this point I can say I am both motivated and disciplined because of the culture and community developed at this gym and I hope it continues to spread!
What are your personal goals on and off the mat?
I'm looking forward to improving my game, competing a lot more, and winning on the big stages with the academy and this academy.
What's something people might be surprised to learn about you?
Many of us are motivated, very few are disciplined and even fewer people are both. If you look at each engine analogy it is searched for more frequently compared to "discipline" meaning people are actually trying to get motivated when they should be more disciplined. In my case I've been very disciplined my entire life but I didn't really become motivated until I started competing in jiu jitsu, and at this point I can say I am both motivated and disciplined because of the culture and community developed at this gym and I hope it continues to spread!
How did you get started?
After reading Jocko Willink's book "Discipline Equals Freedom" for the second time, I decided I should check out Jiu-Jitsu. Prior to reading that book, I hadn't heard anything about Jiu-Jitsu and didn't think that I would like it. I was in my mid 40s and the idea of grappling with other people seemed so foreign to me, but I decided to just try it. After one class, I was hooked.
What's the biggest challenge you've encountered in your training and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I faced in my training was learning to be patient. Early on I would get hung up on my ability (or lack of ability) to perform one of the moves we would learn in class. Often the details wouldn't "click" for me until later. I've learned to be a little more patient, to focus more on doing my best on what we are learning each day. Giving one the details start to connect and things become a little clearer.
What's your favorite thing about training or teaching and why?
By far, my favorite thing about training and teaching is the people I've met on the mat. Growing up playing team sports, I experienced the unique camaraderie that comes from being part of a team. Training at Bushido has fulfilled a void that I hadn't experienced since college. The sense of community you get by training at Bushido is something you can't get from training alone.
What are your personal goals on and off the mat?
My goal for jiu jitsu is to simply continually improve. Every day I want to be a little better than yesterday, which means training consistently at home and in the gym. A big part of that growth is also learning to be a good training partner. My partners make me better. As my partners get better, they help me get better. It's a fun, humbling cycle.
What's something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I have worked in the commercial real estate field for over 20 years, but I majored in computer science and my job was in Information Technology. I still enjoy writing code and learning new technology. I'm currently interested in Python programming, Emacs, Artificial Intelligence, Cryptocurrency, and I have an unending list of non-fiction books that catch my interest. I often have four or five books that I'm reading at the same time.
How did you get started?
Starting wrestling when I was 5 years old. Continued wrestling through High School. I wrestled 1 year of college at UIndy and received a varsity letter.
Jiu-Jitsu Journey
I really got started in Jiu-Jitsu and MMA after I came back from a Deployment in Iraq in 2007. I was struggling with PTSD and other issues from war and I started training at a mixed martial arts gym that trains mostly active fighters. That's when I really fell in love with the sport. It helped me with my anxiety and depression issues. When I would step off the mat it felt like my worries were gone. I had my first amateur fight in 2007 and never looked back. I went 8-0 as an amateur and then turned pro in 2010. Had 8 wins as a professional and 3 losses. I was the 155lb Midwest Fight Series Champion. Fought 3 times in the UFC.
What's the biggest challenge you've encountered in your training and how did you overcome it?
Balancing family, work, and training is always a challenge. I think the key to keep training a priority is knowing that it helps out in all other areas of my life. Its great exercise, it puts me in a great and relaxed mood and is so much fun.
What's your favorite thing about training or teaching and why?
I love seeing people start to understand a technique and then use it successfully in a live round. Really fun to see it click for them. There is also a special bond you create with people when you do hard things together. Training can be difficult
What are your personal goals on and off the mat?
Keep getting better and learning. Love Jesus and be the best husband and father I can be.
What's something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I love to cook. I do most of the cooking in our house.
How did you get started?
I started in karate first than my husband did a MMA fight and said I should try it so I did and needed more training in the ground game so I started going to my coach's gym. 14 years ago this month February.
What's the biggest challenge you've encountered in your training and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was finding the balance of training and home life and I did it by making it important to have my time to train and it made me a better wife and mother
What's your favorite thing about training or teaching and why?
My favorite part about training is I get to push myself. I surprise myself all the time of what I can do and learn. I love to teach because it helps me see other woman enjoy the thing I love too
What are your personal goals on and off the mat?
My goals is to compete more and someday make it to worlds and off the mat is one day teach my grandchildren the art
What's something people might be surprised to learn about you?
Something that will surprise you is that I am going to be a grandma this year. I'm so excited!