JOSH JOHNSON
Professor Johnson was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Elizabethtown upon graduating from High School in 1996. In those days quality instruction or even quality training partners were very hard to come by. His first introduction to organized Jiu-Jitsu instruction was with Rickson Gracie student, Eric Silver in Nashville while he was attending Western Kentucky University. Also during this time Josh met and trained with Troy Turner during weekends and summers. Troy ran a Gracie Academy affiliate school in Louisville. While at WKU Josh traveled to Nashville to train 2-3 times a week. In addition, he also began training Judo in Bowling Green, developing a strong knowledge base in throws and ne-waza. He became an avid competitor in Judo, winning several tournaments, including state and collegiate championships.
His journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was still going forward during this time. His style eventually became a nice mix of the two art forms. In 2006, Josh was awarded the rank of faixa preta (black belt) in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by his Master, Luiz Palhares. He continued to develop his game during this time, while also focusing on building very strong competitive athletes. The team routinely competes in mixed martial arts bouts, submission grappling tourneys, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitions. One of Professor Johnson’s main influences throughout his journey has been none other than the legendary Brazilian Master Fernando Pinduka. Josh trained extensively in Brazil at Pinduka’s academy. Master Pinduka is one of the most decorated figures in the history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. His teachings have blended with those of Master Palhares, to give Professor Johnson a style that is unique to say the least. Professor Johnson is currently a 4th grau(stripe) black belt under Master Palhares, yet still considers himself an eternal student of the art he loves.
Major Jiu-Jitsu Influences: Eric Silver, Troy Turner, Bruce Shepard, Caique, Ricardo Vieira, Marco Chuck, Luiz Dentinho, Carlson Gracie Jr., Luiz Palhares, Fernando Pinduka
Major Judo Influences: Fred Barnett and Eberhard Kieslich
LINEAGE
Jigaro Kano-> Mitsuyo Maeda->Carlos Gracie->Helio Gracie->Rickson Gracie->Luiz Palhares->Josh Johnson
Pedigree:
4 Stripe Black Belt BJJ (25 years experience)
Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt, Judo (23 years experience)
Local, Regional and International training and competition experience
Formal Education:
BS in Physical Education Pedagogy, Western Kentucky University
MS in Physical Education Exercise Science, Western Kentucky University
Certified k-12 Teacher
Practicing K-5 Teacher
Crossfit Level I Trainer
Crossfit Kettlebell Instructor
Movement and Mobility Certified
World Kettlebell Club Fitness Trainer
Expert in organization and programming of training
Professional Organizations: Team1 BJJ, Luiz Palhares BJJ, IBJJF, USJA, KAHPERD
Organized training, trained and coached/cornered combat athletes for well over 1,000 competitions of BJJ, Judo and MMA, Former Strength and Conditioning Coach-Central Hardin High School, Former Track and Field Coach-Central Hardin High School, Former Football Coach-Central Hardin High School
Athletes: UFC signee, Bellator vet, Professional MMA Fighters have fought all over the United States. Local regional and international grappling competitors. MMA team has nearly 400 wins. Fighters have accumulated over 20 professional and ammy titles.
E-town Jiu-Jitsu & Kickboxing 
Hello, is kickboxing open to both males and females? I’m a small and petite young lady who would love to learn a little boxing for self-defense, to stay fit, and increase my confidence. It can be difficult to find willing and dedicated training partners due to my small stature and their fear of “hurting me” but I think it’s important to train with the best so I can be my best. I also wouldn’t mind one on one lessons if those were available. Just checking to see if this location would be right for me.
New phone #:
270-681-7858
Talk to Julia! And come try it out.