Coach Maddox has been training Jiu-Jitsu and MMA with Professor Rob at GTA since he was 11 years old. He was promoted to his blue belt in 2023. Maddox actively competes in Jiu-Jitsu tournaments. He constantly challenges himself and aims for growth.

 

He is now an assistant coach for our kids program, helping our students through their Jiu-Jitsu journey. “I coach because I love explaining the art we train everyday and watching the kids problem solve and evolve by using the techniques we’ve taught them.”

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Maddox trains both grappling and striking, but has a true love for Jiu-Jitsu. The art of Jiu-Jitsu allows a smaller opponent—like himself—to use leverage, grips, and speed to control and submit bigger/stronger opponents. Coach Maddox expresses, “I love Jiu-Jitsu because I feel like everyday, my game grows and when I see progress and improvement in my understanding of certain techniques, my love for the art keeps growing.”

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Coach Maddox, now 18-years-old and a graduate from high school, plans to continue coaching at GTA while also continuing his path in Jiu-Jitsu by training in the most optimal way. He has goals and ambitions to rank higher in competitions and become an elite fighter in the Gi and No-Gi division. Coach Maddox hopes to help GTA grow and create an elite competition team, so that one day, we can all fight at the black belt level and show who’s boss.

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We asked Coach Maddox: if you can tell your younger self something regarding martial arts, what would you say?

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“If I could tell my younger self something regarding martial arts, it would be to not force my way out of positions, but rather slow down and think how can I use it to my advantage.”