IronClad Martial Arts Center and Power Up Kickboxing

Martial Arts instructor Kru John Johnston's history is an extensive one. He began his Martial Arts lifestyle when he was 11 years old. He first started in Tang Soo Do under the late Grand Master Richard Byrne in Malden, MA until he was 18 years of age. During this time John gained the knowledge of how to live the life of a Martial Artist.

Now for the past 14 years, he has trained and taught at the world famous Sityodtong Academy in Somerville, MA under the owner Kru Mark DelleGrotte, and the late Kru Eric Armington. Throughout these years, John trained extensively in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, and Wrestling. Going from a student, to a head instructor in Muay Thai, to becoming the lead coach for the Sityodtong Fight Team - Kru John has had years of experience teaching many people the arts as well as bringing fighters to the highest level in MMA (mixed martial arts) so they could fulfill their dreams as a fighter in the UFC.

Kru John's path in the Martial Arts has not ended there. He currently trains and holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Julianno (Banana) Coutino, Professor Daniel Gracie, and Professor Mike (loco lobo) Gresh. In March of 2015, John received his Black Belt under Grand Master Bill "Superfoot" Wallace in the Superfoot Systems, and for the past two years has been working extensively in Krav Maga under Sansei Chris Cole, and Master Corey Buzzel.

In 2008, John began a journey in competing and fighting in Muay Thai. After only having three fights and going 3-0 with 2 knockouts, both of which were in the first round, he started a career as a Professional MMA fighter on June 17, 2011. Since then he has stayed undefeated going 7-0 in MMA with all 7 fights winning by way of knockout and 6 of them in the first round. Kru John's last fight was in October of 2014 at the age of 44 and he currently holds the CES Heavyweight Championship Belt and was ranked the #1 Heavyweight in the Region.

Despite Kru John's extensive background in Professional MMA and Muay Thai fighting, Kru John displays a pleasant manner which lends itself perfectly to bestowing his knowledge onto others including children whom he is always a huge hit with. Having Kru John at the helm, children, teens, and adults will no doubt have an incredible experience learning the IronClad System of Self Defense, and understand how to live a life as a Martial Artist.

I look forward to seeing you on the mats.