Coach J started karate at 11 and judo at 12, earned his judo black belt at 18 and his BJJ black belt at 30, and also trains Muay Thai, Greco-Roman and catch wrestling. He has 20 years of amateur and pro competition (NAGA, Newbreed, High Rollerz, Sapateiro), took 3rd at Florida's Strongest Man in 2017 and is certified in strength and conditioning and sports rehabilitation.