John McDowell

Dr. John McDowell

Owner & Lead Instructor | 3rd Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt

My name is John McDowell, and I’m the owner and Lead Instructor at WaveMan Combat Academy. I’m a 2nd Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Marcio Laselva and Roberto Tozi, with more than 18 years on the mats and 16 years of coaching experience.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to train, coach, and compete, but what I enjoy most has always been teaching and helping others grow through Jiu Jitsu.

For me, Jiu Jitsu has never been only about learning how to fight or earning the next belt. I’ve seen firsthand how it can change people’s lives. I’ve watched kids develop confidence, adults push beyond limitations they had placed on themselves, and families find something they can learn and experience together. Jiu Jitsu teaches discipline, resilience, humility, confidence, and the ability to become comfortable being uncomfortable.

That’s what WaveMan is about.

You don’t have to be athletic. You don’t have to already be in great shape. And you certainly don’t need to know anything about Jiu Jitsu before walking through our doors. You just have to be willing to start.

Whether your goal is learning self-defense, competing, getting in better shape, building confidence, or simply finding a great group of people to train with, we’ll meet you where you are and help you move forward.

I look forward to meeting you and hopefully seeing you on the mats soon.

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