Meet Our Staff

Master Instructor Clayton Watkins is the Founder and Master Instructor of ProComp Sport Martial Arts, a rapidly growing martial arts organization with locations in Tyler, Gilmer, and Mineola, Texas. With more than two decades of teaching experience, Clayton has dedicated his life to developing confident leaders through martial arts while building one of East Texas’ premier training organizations.

Clayton 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. Although he was not naturally gifted athletically, he quickly became known for his discipline, work ethic, and determination. His relentless pursuit of excellence earned him his 1st Degree Black Belt at age 13 and his 2nd Degree Black Belt by age 15.

After the closure of his original school and the departure of his next instructor, Ms. Reagan Barham, Clayton faced the challenge of continuing his training on his own. Rather than giving up, he embraced the opportunity. At just 17 years old, he opened his first martial arts school using $1,000 he had earned working on local farms. The original facility had no heating or air conditioning, but it was built on a vision of excellence and a belief that martial arts could transform lives.

In 2003, the year he graduated from high school, Clayton officially affiliated with the National Tae Kwon Do Federation of America, later serving as one of the organization’s Regional Directors. He continued his education while teaching full-time, earning a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University–Commerce in 2013 and later a Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies from Arlington Baptist University.

As his reputation grew, so did his schools. What began as a small hometown dojo expanded into a thriving 5,200-square-foot academy, while Clayton also became a respected tournament promoter, producing major martial arts events in partnership with the Europa Fitness Supershow in Dallas.

In 2015, Clayton sold his original academy to pursue graduate studies and ministry, including serving in Escazú, Costa Rica. After returning to East Texas, he founded ProComp Sport Martial Arts, which has since grown into a three-location organization serving hundreds of students throughout Tyler, Gilmer, and Mineola. Today, he oversees instructor development, curriculum, leadership training, and student advancement across all three academies while continuing to teach classes each week as ProComp’s Master Instructor.

Clayton’s impact on competitive martial arts is equally significant. Since 2020, ProComp has developed more than 100 National Champions and over 285 Regional Champions, while Clayton has coached on the USA NATIONAL TEAM where athletes earned more than 160 World Championships, numerous World Team selections, and top international rankings. He currently serves as the Head Korean Martial Arts Coach for Team USA within the International Combat Organization (ICO), helping prepare American athletes for world championship competition.

Throughout his career, Clayton has received numerous honors, including induction into the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame as Multi-Disciplined Instructor of the Year. He is also a founding member of the Elite Martial Arts Alliance and continues to be recognized as a respected instructor, coach, promoter, and mentor within the martial arts community.

Despite his competitive accomplishments, Clayton believes his greatest success is measured by the lives he helps shape. His passion remains developing students with confidence, discipline, leadership, respect, and perseverance—qualities that extend far beyond the training floor. Every class at ProComp reflects his commitment to helping students become stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally.

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.

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.

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!

Bio coming soon!