Meet your instructors for Longview and Gilmer!
Clayton Watkins-Master Instructor 6th Degree Blackbelt
Master Instructor Clayton Watkins embarked on his martial arts journey at nine years old, training under the guidance of Ms. Brandy Roberts, a national champion and world team qualifier, at Northeast Tae Kwon Do in Paris, Texas. Initially motivated by self-doubt, Clayton lacked the innate talent of his peers but compensated with unmatched determination. By age 13, he earned his 1st Degree Black Belt and secured his 2nd Degree by 15.
After his initial dojo closed, Clayton continued his training under Ms. Reagan Barham until her departure for law school left him without a mentor. This challenge didn't extinguish his passion; instead, it spurred him to become a professional martial arts instructor at 17. Starting with just $1,000 saved from farm work, he opened his own dojo in a humble facility lacking heating or air conditioning, determined to succeed.
Without prior business experience, Clayton focused on what he knew best: teaching Tae Kwon Do. His commitment to personal and professional growth led him to join the National Tae Kwon Do Federation of America as an affiliate school owner. He signed the charter in Fayetteville, Arkansas in 2003, the same year he graduated from high school. He would go on to become the regional director for that organization. Clayton continued his education at Paris Jr College and later at Texas A&M University in Commerce, Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in 2013.
His school expanded multiple times due to increasing student numbers, eventually occupying a 5,200 square foot facility featuring multiple training areas and a pro shop. Clayton also promoted several tournaments in conjunction with the Europa Fitness Supershow in Dallas.
Over two decades, Clayton trained 136 national champions, over 300 regional champions, and three top ten world finishers. He was ranked 7th in the world in 2011 and spent eight years coaching at the world level. He was a founding member of the Elite Martial Arts Alliance in 2006 and was inducted into the US Martial Arts Hall of Fame as the Multi-Disciplined Instructor of the Year in 2013, the same year he earned his 5th Degree Black Belt.
In 2015, Clayton sold his school and moved with his family to attend Arlington Baptist University, where he received a Master's in Biblical and Theological Studies. After a period of ministry in Escazú, Costa Rica, he returned to the United States. Now residing in Longview, Texas he delights in the ongoing success of his students in both class and competitive settings. Clayton cherishes his role as a father to his two children, Conner and Eva, and enjoys his active community life. #martial arts longview texas
Joe Johnson-Chief Instructor-4th Degree Blackbelt
Assistant Instructor/Co-Owner
Mr. Joe Johnson started his Martial Arts training in Tang Soo Do when he was 10 years old. He received his 2nd Degree in 1998 and then shortly there after joined the Military. While in the Army his main duty station was Fort Hood, TX. While assigned to Fort Hood he served two tours to Iraq that lasted one year each in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mr. Joe also met his wife, Michelle Johnson while assigned to the same unit in Fort Hood. Michelle was also a soldier and deployed to Iraq on the same tours with Mr. Joe. The two were married shortly after their first tour to Iraq. After 8 years of service Mr. Joe was medically retired from the military due to injuries to his back while serving. After being retired from the military Mr. Joe received back surgery and continues to train regardless of the 2 titanium rods and six screws in his lower back. Mr. Joe also believes that regardless of our injuries we can continue to train and improve our body’s condition even if some of our exercises need to be modified to prevent further injury. Mr. Joe continues to server our nation and its veterans as a full time employee of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Joe’s highest awards include the following: Meritorious Service Medal 2 Army Commendation Medals 2 Army Achievement Medals After moving back to Mrs. Michelle’s hometown of Gilmer, Mr. Joe and Master Watkins met and he began training again at ProComp Sport Martial Arts. Mr. Joe’s expertise is with competition sparing, self-defense, traditional training, and he also teaches our ladies fitness and self-defense classes. Recently Mr. Joe has received his 3rd Degree after testing with Master Joey Perry from Jonesboro Arkansas. Mr. Joe is also now a Certified Official under the Professional Martial Arts Conference (PROMAC).
Cody Wilson-Elite Performance Coach-4th Degree Blackbelt
Mr. Wilson comes to us from the Ernie Reyes West Coast Martial Arts system. Born and raised in Jonesboro, AR, Mr Wilson has had the opportunity to train under one of the top martial artists in the world, Master Joey Perry, who is a senior master in the West Coast System of martial arts. Mr. Wilson has a wide range of knowledge in martial arts stemming from Tae Kwon Do, Kali, BJJ, XMA, Weapons training, and has won many national titles on the NASKA and PROMAC circuits. His outgoing personality and charisma is evident on the mat where he shines while bringing our students to their very best, pushing them to their potential every day! He is excited to be a part of the Gilmer and Longview area!