Meet your instructors!
Clayton Watkins-Master Instructor 6th Degree Blackbelt-USA National Team Coach
Master Instructor Clayton Watkins began his martial arts journey at just nine years old under the mentorship of Ms. Brandy Roberts, a national champion and World Team qualifier, at Northeast Tae Kwon Do in Paris, Texas. While Clayton did not initially stand out as a naturally gifted athlete, he quickly distinguished himself through an extraordinary level of discipline, work ethic, and determination. His relentless dedication to improvement produced rapid progress, earning him his 1st Degree Black Belt at the age of 13 and his 2nd Degree Black Belt by 15.
When his original dojo closed, Clayton continued his training under Ms. Reagan Barham. However, when she later left to attend law school, Clayton once again found himself without formal instruction. Rather than slowing his progress, the challenge strengthened his resolve. At only 17 years old, Clayton took an extraordinary step—he became a professional martial arts instructor and opened his first martial arts school with $1,000 he had saved working on local farms.
The original facility had no heating or air conditioning, but it possessed something far more important: a relentless commitment to excellence and an unwavering belief in the power of martial arts to change lives.
Without any formal business training, Clayton focused on what he understood best—teaching martial arts with integrity, discipline, and intensity. In 2003, the same year he graduated high school, he formally affiliated with the National Tae Kwon Do Federation of America, signing the organization’s charter in Fayetteville, Arkansas. His leadership and dedication later led to his appointment as a Regional Director within the organization.
Clayton continued to pursue academic excellence alongside his martial arts career. He attended Paris Junior Collegebefore earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University–Commerce in 2013.
As the academy’s reputation for excellence grew, student enrollment surged, leading to multiple expansions of the training facility. What began as a small, modest dojo eventually developed into a 5,200-square-foot martial arts academy featuring multiple training areas and a professional pro shop. During this period, Clayton also became a respected tournament promoter, organizing several major martial arts events in partnership with the Europa Fitness Supershow in Dallas, further solidifying his reputation as a leader within the competitive martial arts community.
Over more than two decades of instruction, Clayton has coached 136 National Champions, more than 300 Regional Champions, and numerous top-ten World-ranked competitors. His own competitive career also reached the highest levels of the sport, including achieving a World Ranking of #7 in 2011 and spending eight years coaching athletes at the international level.
His coaching career reached a historic milestone in 2025, when athletes under his guidance captured 164 World Titles at the ICO World Championships in Wales, marking one of the most dominant performances in international martial arts competition history.
Clayton was also a founding member of the Elite Martial Arts Alliance in 2006. In recognition of his contributions to martial arts education and leadership, he was inducted into the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame as Multi-Disciplined Instructor of the Year in 2013, the same year he was promoted to 5th Degree Black Belt.
In 2015, Clayton sold his school and relocated with his family to pursue theological education at Arlington Baptist University, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Biblical and Theological Studies. Following his studies, he spent a season serving in ministry in Escazú, Costa Rica, before returning to the United States.
Today, Clayton resides in Tyler, Texas, where he continues to dedicate himself to developing students both on and off the training floor. He remains passionate about helping students build confidence, discipline, and leadership through martial arts, while also investing deeply in his community through mentorship and service.
Above all, Clayton considers his greatest role to be that of a father to his two children, Conner and Eva, whose lives continue to inspire his commitment to faith, family, and the next generation of leaders.
Joe Johnson-Chief Instructor-4th Degree Blackbelt
Assistant Instructor/Co-Owner
Mr. Joe Johnson began his martial arts journey at the age of ten, training in Tang Soo Do, where he quickly developed a strong foundation in discipline, respect, and traditional martial arts principles. His dedication to training led him to earn his 2nd Degree Black Belt in 1998, marking an early milestone in what would become a lifelong commitment to martial arts.
Shortly thereafter, Mr. Johnson answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. During his military career, his primary duty station was Fort Hood, Texas, where he served with distinction. While stationed there, he completed two one-year combat deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
It was during his service at Fort Hood that Mr. Johnson met his future wife, Michelle Johnson, who was also serving in the same unit. Michelle deployed alongside him during the same tours in Iraq, and following their first deployment the two were married, beginning a partnership built on service, commitment, and shared values.
After eight years of honorable military service, Mr. Johnson was medically retired due to significant back injuries sustained during his time in the Army. Following his retirement, he underwent major back surgery and now lives with two titanium rods and six screws in his lower back. Despite these challenges, Mr. Johnson remains committed to physical training and believes strongly that injuries should never define a person’s potential.
His philosophy is simple but powerful: with the right mindset and proper adjustments, anyone can continue to train, strengthen their body, and improve their health regardless of limitations.
Mr. Johnson continues to serve those who served our nation as a full-time employee with the Department of Veterans Affairs, supporting fellow veterans and their families.
During his military career, Mr. Johnson received numerous honors recognizing his dedication and service, including:
• Meritorious Service Medal
• Two Army Commendation Medals
• Two Army Achievement Medals
After returning to Michelle’s hometown of Gilmer, Texas, Mr. Johnson met Master Instructor Clayton Watkins and resumed his martial arts training at ProComp Sport Martial Arts. Since joining the academy, he has become a valued instructor known for his leadership, experience, and passion for helping others succeed.
Mr. Johnson specializes in competition sparring, practical self-defense, and traditional martial arts training. He also leads women’s fitness and self-defense classes, empowering students with the skills and confidence to protect themselves while improving their overall health and fitness.
Most recently, Mr. Johnson earned his 4th Degree Black Belt He is also a Certified Official with the Professional Martial Arts Conference (PROMAC), further demonstrating his commitment to excellence and professionalism within the martial arts community.
Through his military service, martial arts instruction, and dedication to helping others overcome challenges, Mr. Johnson continues to inspire students both on and off the mat.
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!
Jason Ferrier-Assistant Instructor-1st Degree Blackbelt
Bio coming soon!
BRenden Johnson-Assistant Instructor- 2nd Degree Blackbelt Recommended
Bio coming soon!