Greg Jackson (MMA trainer)
Gregory Jackson is an American mixed martial arts trainer who co-owns Jackson Wink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, widely considered one of the top MMA training centers in the world. Jackson has trained many successful fighters, including former UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones, former UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre, former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm, former Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans, and a roster of other UFC contenders and World Extreme Cagefighting champions.
History
Greg Jackson was born in Washington D.C. to Kris and Jim Jackson, who were Quakers originally from the Midwest. He and his family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, when he was three years old. He came from a family of wrestlers—his father, brother, and uncle were all champions in the sport—and grew up in a rough neighborhood. For his protection, he began training in judo and learning some kickboxing to complement his wrestling. He was suspended from school on more than one occasion for instigating fights.In 1992, after graduating from Rio Grande High School, Jackson founded his own martial art, Gaidojutsu, which combines rudimentary techniques from catch wrestling and Muay Thai with basic judo locks. His school officially transitioned into an MMA academy in 2000. In 2007, Jackson partnered with striking coach Mike Winkeljohn, a seminal moment in the academy's development; since then, the gym has been known as Jackson Wink MMA Academy , reflecting their partnership.
Awards
Greg Jackson and his gym have won five World MMA Awards altogether. He won the Coach of the Year award in 2009, 2010 and 2011. His old gym, Greg Jackson Fighting Systems won the Gym of the Year award in 2009. The contemporary Jackson-Wink MMA Academy won the same award in 2015. In 2008, he was named Sports IllustratedJackson is a member of the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame.