About

Aloha My name Is Jon Barnard 

As a native Hawaiian, who was born on the island of Oahu and raised on the west side of Makaha. In the 9th grade, struggling with dyslexia I remember being told by a teacher that I wouldn't amount to anything more than a labor worker. Discouraged like never before. Subject to my circumstances and surroundings and not possessing a knack for most sports. Combat sports at the time was my only way out. I saw combat sports as a way to lose weight, and gain confidence, and quite frankly this was the only thing I was halfway decent at.

Six months into training Martial Arts I found myself across the ring of an opponent with an undefeated record of more the 10 matches. As my first fight, I was sure to lose with those odds. Locking eyes with my opponent across the ring thinking “Why did I sign up for this?” I was about to face the toughest challenge of my life. All that was running to my head was how am I going to overcome this. Remembering what my coach said to me earlier ensured me, "I can do anything that I put my mind to". Against all odd and external doubt. My life changed that very day.

Not knowing the additional benefits of combat sports, my first fight transforms my life. Teaching me how to overcome ambiguity, lead me to meet extraordinary people, and learn new soft skills. Ultimately, changing the trajectory of my life. Former science and technology educator in Kapolei and current IT developer for a few Corporate 500 companies in the past 5 years. I share my credentials to affirm the contributions mixed martial arts had on my professional career. Awarding me the discipline to focus; the ability to cultivate my future; and the grit to be resilient within ambiguity. My commitment to combat sports led me to secure a bachelor's degree in Business Management even after I counted out furthering my education. I knew if I could get through a competition, I could accomplish anything. My first fight was the moment I knew I gained the required skills to become a champion. While acquiring soft skills that deem me a competitive candidate in the IT industry. With that, I want to thank the Hawaii combat scene for bestowing on me additional character traits that led me to become a proud contributing member of society.

Over 10 Years, I was able to compile a winning record with over 50+ fights in Hawaii alone. Secured five titles in multiple weight classes. Featured on TV shows, commercials, podcasts, newspapers, and magazines. Trained with a bunch of UFC champions, traveled the world, and changed the lives of so many kids all through the benefits of mixed martial Arts. If you met me when I was an adolescent. like my 9th-grade teacher you too would have had a similar forecast of my adult life. But fighting changed that for the better.

Today I volunteer and lead a combat team of 15+ young men and women in a town that used to be known as one of the most rough neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina. These are some of the troubled kids that society has given up on. The young who couldn’t see a future for themselves. While being coached, members are mentored to take alternative paths in life using characteristics found in combat sports. Countless testimonies of positive feedback with life-altering changes are felt throughout their community and expressed to our gym. This was done by giving them competition to look forward to. Indirectly emphasized in combat sports are self-control and concentration. Students also learn to focus on individual growth; learn to work towards specific goals; and operate within structure, rules, boundaries, and respect. These are priceless values that benefit all surrounding municipalities.

Since the involvement of the DCCA in the later years competing in Hawaii I've witnessed the erosion of mixed martial arts and its communities. Have you ever wondered if there was a correlation between the rise of deadly violent crimes and the lack of avenues for individuals to control their aggression/emotions? Mixed martial arts is one of the best developers of self-discipline, and self-control. If we can give kids and adults a safe place to channel their aggression. I am sure we would see a downtick in violence in our communities.