Jonathan Thomas
The Rocket Scientist Turned Jiu-Jitsu Maestro
Name: Jonathan Paul Thomas
Current Rank: Black Belt under Romero Cavalcanti (Jacaré) and Lucas Lepri
Notable Achievements:
IBJJF Miami Spring Open Champion (2017)
IBJJF Atlanta Open Champion (2014)
IBJJF Paris Open Champion (2016)
IBJJF World Champion (2009 purple, 2011 brown)
IBJJF Pan Champion (2007 blue, 2009 purple, 2011 brown)
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda --> Carlos Gracie --> Carlson Gracie --> Sérgio Souza (Bolão) --> Mauro Chueng --> Elan Santiago --> Lucas Lepri --> Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan Thomas left a promising career in the rocket-building industry to become a full-time coach at Valhalla Jiu-Jitsu academy in Sweden. He has also worked extensively with renowned BJJ figures like Rubens Charles (Cobrinha) and Rodrigo Vaghi.
Jonathan Thomas Biography
Early Life and Martial Arts Beginnings
Born on August 25, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, Jonathan Thomas, often known as Jon Thomas, was captivated by martial arts from a young age. Initially practicing a traditional style called Goshin Jitsu, he later transitioned to judo. However, it was the VHS tapes of the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featuring Royce Gracie that ignited his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).
The Formative Years
Jonathan's initial foray into BJJ was under Rodrigo Vaghi, one of Rickson Gracie's most well-known students. While pursuing a degree in engineering mathematics, he reached the purple belt level and decided to take a leap of faith. He moved to Atlanta to train with Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles, one of his idols, at the Alliance Headquarters.
The Alliance Era
After two years in Atlanta, Jonathan briefly moved to Washington DC to work in the satellite industry. Despite a promising career, his love for BJJ pulled him back to Atlanta, where he continued his training under Lucas Lepri and Master Romero Cavalcanti. It was under their guidance that he earned his black belt in late 2013.
Competitive Achievements
Jonathan's competitive record is impressive:
IBJJF Miami Spring Open Champion (2017)
IBJJF Atlanta Open Champion (2014)
IBJJF Paris Open Champion (2016)
IBJJF Poznan Open Champion (2016)
In the colored belts, he also won:
IBJJF World Champion (2009 purple, 2011 brown)
IBJJF Pan Champion (2007 blue, 2009 purple, 2011 brown)
His favorite technique is the Toreando Pass, and he competes in the Peso Pena weight division (70,00 kg / 154.5 lbs).
The Swedish Connection
While working full-time and competing, Jonathan also conducted BJJ workshops in Europe. During one of his visits to Göteborg, Sweden, he was invited to become a full-time coach at the Valhalla Jiu-Jitsu academy. He accepted the offer, leaving behind a promising career in the rocket-building industry.
Legacy and Influence
Jonathan Thomas is not just a competitor; he's an educator and a mentor. His story is one of passion, sacrifice, and an unyielding commitment to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Whether it's his technical brilliance, his coaching acumen, or his indomitable spirit, Jonathan serves as an inspiration to aspiring grapplers and seasoned athletes alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jonathan Thomas
General Information
Q: Who is Jonathan Thomas in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)?
A: Jonathan Thomas, often referred to as Jon Thomas, is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Master Romero Cavalcanti (Jacaré) and Lucas Lepri. He has also trained extensively with Rubens Charles (Cobrinha) and Rodrigo Vaghi. Jonathan gained prominence in the lower ranks of BJJ's international sporting circuit and later led a successful competitive career as a black belt athlete and coach for the Swedish grappling academy, Valhalla Jiu-Jitsu.
BJJ Achievements
Q: What are some of Jonathan Thomas's notable achievements in BJJ?
A: Some of his main achievements include:
IBJJF Miami Spring Open Champion (2017)
IBJJF Atlanta Open Champion (2014)
IBJJF Paris Open Champion (2016)
IBJJF Poznan Open Champion (2016)
IBJJF Munich Open Champion (2016)
IBJJF Boca Raton Open Champion (2015)
Q: What were Jonathan Thomas's achievements at the colored belt levels?
A: As a colored belt, Jonathan won the IBJJF World Championship in 2009 as a purple belt and in 2011 as a brown belt. He also won the IBJJF Pan Championship in 2007 as a blue belt, in 2009 as a purple belt, and in 2011 as a brown belt.
Q: What is Jonathan Thomas's favorite position or technique in BJJ?
A: His favorite position or technique is the Toreando Pass.
Training and Background
Q: How did Jonathan Thomas get into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
A: Jonathan Thomas was introduced to martial arts at a young age and later discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through VHS tapes of the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He initially trained under Rodrigo Vaghi in St. Louis, Missouri, before moving to Atlanta to train with Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles and later Lucas Lepri and Master Romero Cavalcanti.
Q: Where does Jonathan Thomas currently train and coach?
A: Jonathan Thomas is currently a coach at the Valhalla Jiu-Jitsu academy in Sweden.
Additional Information
Q: What else is interesting about Jonathan Thomas's career?
A: Jonathan Thomas left a promising career in the rocket-building industry to focus full-time on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has also conducted numerous BJJ workshops in Europe.
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