Coach Michael Winkeljohn was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico and graduated from the University of New Mexico with a business degree. He began kickboxing in 1980 and his twenty plus year career in the sport has cemented him as both a legendary fighter and unparalleled coach.
Mr.Winkeljohn’s fighting style earned him a reputation of extreme toughness and conditioning that led him to three world titles, including an ISKA championship in 1992 and two Muay Thai championships in 1993. He retired with a kickboxing record of 25-7-3 and a boxing record of 2-0, which includes a notable win over legendary Muay Thai World Champion, Coban Lookchaoemaesaithong. His early fights can still be seen on ESPN Classics.
Mr. Winkeljohn opened his first kickboxing/karate school in 1983 and throughout the years has established himself as one of the premier stand-up instructors in the world, with a roster that includes kickboxing champion Duane Ludwig at K-1 and current female boxing superstar, Holly Holm. He met Greg Jackson in 1992 and his subsequent contributions to the development of Jackson’s MMA fighters has earned the team a reputation of being dangerous in all aspects of the game. After running a successful business for over twently years, Mr. Winkeljohn closed his school and in 2007 joined forces with Greg to establish a new gym: Jackson/Winkeljohn’s.
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