A purple belt out of Pablo Silva BJJ in Bellaire, Jules Johnson will be making his second F2W appearance at Fight 2 Win 103 when he takes on Gracie Barra’s Scott Langham, this Friday night in Houston.
We spoke to Jules ahead of this Friday night.
Jules, tell us a little about yourself and your training.
My name is Jules Johnson and I am a 41 year old Purple belt under Pablo Silva. I originally trained with Saul Soliz at Metro Fight Club. I really enjoy the Muay Thai but Once I started focusing on Gi Jiu Jitsu, I was hooked. I try to train 6-7 days a week…generally no less that 5 except for extreme circumstances. Being on the mat is just where I love to be.
What do you do when you’re not in the gym?
When I’m not training, I am with my wife and 2 step-kids (I am expecting my first child in the next few days. The due date is March 7th). I play A LOT of video game, like PUBG Mobile, God of War and Destiny.
How has jiu jitsu impacted the rest of your life?
Before I started training I was 255 pounds. I had no cardio and honestly, a skewed view of life. After you get on the mat, or in the cage, you definitely get a different prospective on life. I mean, when someone is trying the kick your teeth in or choke you out…other problems in the world don’t seem as dire. BJJ has definitely put life in prospective for me.
Why do you like to compete?
Competition is the truth. It is the ultimate test. If you want to REALLY find out who you are or what you are made of, you need that test. Competition is a measure. It tells you if you are growing, if you are getting stagnant, what your REAL strengths are as well as your weaknesses. I compete because I want to know the truth about myself.
Have you done F2W before? How is it going to feel for you to compete in front of a packed crowd in your city?
This is my second fight to win. I compete a lot. My “9 to 5” is a trial lawyer. I am accustomed to being watched so the packed room isn’t the issue. For me, it is the potential for failure that gets to me. That potential makes me work harder, but it will also make you hesitate because you don’t want to fail. I plan on, not only succeeding, but putting on a good show in the process.
How would you describe your style of BJJ to a fan who wants to know what to expect?
My style is pressure…period. I like to be close and tight. BUT don’t let that fool you…the old dog can move around a little bit too.
How are you preparing for your opponent? Anything specific?
For this match, no predictions, no specific preparation. Pablo trains us to be prepared for whatever comes. I feel that I am ready. I just want to put on a good show for Houston and have my hand raised at the end of the night.
Any last words before the match?
To Pablo Silva, my teammates, my parents, my beautiful wife Ellie, Jenni Tranweaver of Jenni’s Noodlehouse, Dwayne Constancio of Right 1 Graphics, Dr. Jonathon Faro, Carlos Carrillo, thank you all for your support. I appreciate everything that you do and I hope you enjoy the art!!!!!
