Issue 134

November 2015

Jackson-wink striking coach Brandon Gibson reveals how a life in martial arts helped him become one of MMA’s most sought-after trainers

Brandon Gibson

Leading man

When it comes to mixed martial arts in the state of New Mexico, two names that stand out above all others – Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn. For years the coaching duo have consistently created champions and top contenders in promotions all around the world.

However, with a seemingly endless amount of fighters coming out of Jackson-Wink MMA, even they need a little help to make sure everyone gets the attention they need to fulfill their potential and reach their mixed martial arts goals.

That’s where Brandon Gibson comes in. The 33-year-old striking coach has been a key cog in the Jackson-Wink machine for a decade, and he’s finally making headlines for his stellar work with fighters including former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, flyweight knockout artist John Dodson and UFC 170lb title challenger Carlos Condit.

Although he’s now helping better some of the finest MMA athletes in the world, Gibson’s martial arts journey started as a way of protecting himself as a child on the tough streets of the Duke City.

“When my family first moved to Albuquerque we were living in a rough neighborhood. My father wanted me to have self-respect and carry it around, knowing that I knew how to be disciplined but also knew how to defend myself. He knew martial arts would be an important tool growing up in the neighborhood I grew up in,” he says.

“So I started traditional Okinawan-style karate at six years old and there probably hasn’t been a week gone by in my life since I first walked into a dojo that I haven’t practiced martial arts in some form or another.”

However, once he got older, Gibson drifted away from the karate world after finding a passion for boxing. While training at the same small community gym hat helped mold boxing legends like Bob Foster and Johnny Tapia, one of Gibson’s friends – Dutch kickboxer Hein Smit – convinced him to train at Jackson’s.

“It was a smaller gym at that time, but that’s where all the professional MMA fighters trained. That was 2004 and I’ve been working there ever since. I didn’t pursue a fighting career, but as a lifelong martial artist I was always that guy in the gym who was always a good sparring partner and could emulate lots of different styles.

“That ability naturally transitioned into coaching, and that’s where my leadership talents and qualities were best suited. I couldn’t have had two better mentors than Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn. I’ve been able to learn at a very high level under very experienced and tenured coaches and be able to train alongside and coach very top level fighters.”

As a part of the team from the early years, Gibson saw it evolve into arguably MMA’s most successful establishment. And with victory a common occurrence among Jackson-Wink fighters, ‘Six Gun’ has been a part of many of the team’s most important championship wins. However, his proudest moment in a fighter’s corner had a more personal meaning than any other.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to corner Jon Jones in eight of his world title fights, corner Carlos Condit in his title fights and John Dodson. However, One of the moments that really stands out to me was cornering Tim Kennedy against Rafael Natal on the Fight for the Troops card in Kentucky,” he says.

“Me coming from a military family and being able to train alongside Tim – who I have a lot of respect for as a man, not just as a fighter – for him to believe in me and put me in his corner for that fight, walking out there in front of the soldiers was just an honor and an amazing experience.

“That’s one that always stays with me. It was a great moment in my coaching career and made me believe in my own voice a little more and not be afraid to take that leadership role at times.”

While many coaches have different ways of drilling their students to make sure they’re able to execute all the right moves, Gibson’s has a unique approach.

“I always say I’m much more of a collaborator than I am a coach. I say we’re all jazz musicians; let’s get together, play something cool, see what comes out and find out what works in this little ensemble we have.”

If Gibson and his ensemble can continue to collaborate as well as they have up to now, they’re sure to score plenty more hits in the future.

Respect 

Jon Jones hails coach

“I consider him my Bundini Brown,” Jon Jones says, when asked about Gibson’s role. “Bundini was Muhammad Ali’s cornerman and right-hand man. He knew Ali best. That is what Brandon is for me. He’s a phenomenal coach and friend. He has a great spirit towards martial arts and life in general. 

“With his work ethic, Brandon is an all-around great example, and I’m really glad to have him in my life and with me in my career.”