Meet your instructors!

Master Instructor Clayton Watkins began his martial arts journey at the age of nine under the mentorship of Ms. Brandy Roberts, a national champion and world team qualifier, at Northeast Tae Kwon Do in Paris, Texas. What Clayton lacked in natural athletic ability, he more than compensated for with relentless work ethic, discipline, and determination. That perseverance paid off early—he earned his 1st Degree Black Belt at age 13 and his 2nd Degree Black Belt by 15.

When his original dojo closed, Clayton continued training under Ms. Reagan Barham until her departure for law school once again left him without formal instruction. Rather than slowing his progress, the setback ignited a deeper resolve. At just 17 years old, Clayton became a professional martial arts instructor and opened his own school using $1,000 saved from farm work. The original facility had no heating or air conditioning, but it had something more important—an uncompromising commitment to excellence.

With no formal business background, Clayton focused entirely on what he knew best: teaching Tae Kwon Do with integrity and intensity. His dedication to growth led him to affiliate with the National Tae Kwon Do Federation of America, signing the organization’s charter in Fayetteville, Arkansas in 2003, the same year he graduated high school. He would later serve as a Regional Director for the organization. Clayton continued his education at Paris Junior College and later earned a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University–Commerce in 2013.

As enrollment surged, his school expanded multiple times, ultimately growing into a 5,200-square-foot facility featuring multiple training areas and a pro shop. During this period, Clayton also promoted and managed several major tournaments in partnership with the Europa Fitness Supershow in Dallas, further establishing his reputation as a leader in the sport.

Over the course of more than two decades, Clayton has trained 136 national champions, over 300 regional champions, and multiple top-ten world finishers. He was personally ranked 7th in the world in 2011 and spent eight years coaching at the world level. His impact reached a historic milestone in 2025, when the athletes he coached captured 164 World Titles at the ICO World Championships in Wales, one of the most dominant performances in international martial arts competition history.

A founding member of the Elite Martial Arts Alliance in 2006, Clayton was inducted into the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame as 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 relocated with his family to pursue theological education at Arlington Baptist University, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Biblical and Theological Studies. After a season of ministry in Escazú, Costa Rica, he returned to the United States.

Now residing in Tyler, Texas, Clayton continues to take great pride in the success of his students—both on the mat and in life. Above all, he cherishes his role as a father to his two children, Conner and Eva, and remains deeply engaged in serving his community through leadership, mentorship, and faith. 

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!