Aaron "Tex" Johnson
The Submission Artist of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Name: Aaron "Tex" Johnson
Current Rank: Black Belt under Philip Smith and Murilo Santana
Notable Achievements:
1st Place ADCC East Coast US Trials (2018)
1st Place IBJJF Pans Championship NOGI (2016, 2017, 2018)
1st Place IBJJF Dallas Open NOGI (2021)
2nd Place IBJJF Pans Championship NoGi (2019)
3rd Place IBJJF World Championship NoGi (2017)
Lineage: Carlos Gracie --> Helio Gracie --> Rolls Gracie --> Romero Cavalcanti (Jacaré) --> Roberto Traven --> Philip Smith --> Aaron Johnson
Known for his aggressive and submission-oriented style, Tex Johnson has submitted some of the sport's biggest stars like Davi Ramos and Jackson Sousa. He also holds the record for the fastest submission in Bellator MMA at 15 seconds.
Aaron "Tex" Johnson Biography
Early Life: A Nomadic Upbringing
Born on April 1, 1986, in Bedford, Ohio, Aaron Michael Johnson, better known as "Tex," had a childhood marked by frequent relocations due to his father's military service. Despite the constant change, one thing remained constant: his family's deep-rooted interest in martial arts. Tex began practicing Tae Kwon Do as a child, but it was football and wrestling during his high school years that laid the foundation for his future in combat sports.
The Journey to Jiu-Jitsu
After turning 21, Tex dabbled in kickboxing and Muay Thai, even participating in unsanctioned amateur fights. However, his desire to compete in mixed martial arts (MMA) led him to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). He began his BJJ training under coach Steve Headden and later trained with various academies, including American Top Team and Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Headquarters in Atlanta.
The Black Belt Chapter
Tex's journey to black belt was not without its challenges. After a brief stint under Lucas Lepri, he found himself without a team. It was his friend and training partner Phil Smith who promoted him to black belt on April 26, 2015. Shortly after, Tex joined Unity Jiu-Jitsu in New York City, where he met coach Murilo Santana, who confirmed his black belt rank.
Competitive Achievements
Tex Johnson is a force to be reckoned with on the mats:
1st Place ADCC East Coast US Trials (2018)
1st Place IBJJF Pans Championship NOGI (2016, 2017, 2018)
1st Place IBJJF Dallas Open NOGI (2021)
2nd Place IBJJF Pans Championship NoGi (2019)
3rd Place IBJJF World Championship NoGi (2017)
And many more, including a record for the fastest submission in Bellator MMA (15 seconds).
Technique and Style
Tex competes in the Super Pesado weight division (100.50 kg / 222.0 lbs). He is known for his aggressive, submission-oriented style, with the straight ankle lock being his favorite technique.
Legacy and Future
Tex Johnson is not just a competitor; he's a submission artist who has defeated some of the sport's biggest names, such as Davi Ramos and Jackson Sousa. His journey from a multi-sport athlete to a top-tier BJJ competitor is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and love for the sport. With a career that spans both BJJ and MMA, Tex Johnson is a versatile combatant whose story is far from over.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Aaron Johnson (Tex Johnson)
General Information
Q: Who is Aaron Johnson in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)?
A: Aaron Johnson, commonly known as "Tex" Johnson, is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Philip Smith and Murilo Santana. He is known for his aggressive and submission-oriented style and has competed in both BJJ and MMA. He has been a part of teams like Unity Jiu-Jitsu Academy and Fight Sports.
Q: What is Aaron Johnson's favorite position or technique in BJJ?
A: Aaron Johnson's favorite technique is the Straight Ankle Lock.
Training and Background
Q: How did Aaron Johnson get into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
A: Aaron Johnson started practicing martial arts like tae kwon do as a child and later got into kickboxing and muay Thai. He decided to add jiu-jitsu to his training schedule to prepare for a career in MMA.
Q: Who were some of Aaron Johnson's main instructors?
A: Aaron Johnson has trained under various instructors, including Philip Smith and Murilo Santana. He has also trained at Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Headquarters under Romero Cavalcanti, Leo Nogueira, and Lucas Lepri.
Additional Information
Q: Has Aaron Johnson competed in MMA?
A: Yes, Aaron Johnson is a former professional MMA fighter and holds the record for the fastest submission in the Bellator MMA promotion cage, which was completed in 15 seconds.
Q: What is Aaron Johnson's weight division?
A: Aaron Johnson competes in the Super Pesado weight division, which is approximately 100.50 kg or 222.0 lbs.
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