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Brandon Wilson’s story could be the basis of an Oscar-winning screenplay, just like the film classic “Rocky.”
Just like the cinema’s ultimate underdog Rocky Balboa, Wilson has overcome stumbling blocks to reach a top prize in his sport – Mixed Martial Arts. After fighting through the California Ametuer Mixed Martial Arts bracket that started back in April, the former La Serna High School wrestler won his final fight on December 3rd 2011 in San Diego winning the Northern Champion to capture the “California State Mixed Martial Arts Championship!”.
Wilson, who grew up in Whittier was representing Black Mat Mixed Martial Arts, located at 12200 E. Washington Blvd., Suite J. A nonprofit organization that teaches mixed martial arts to boys and girls, young adults and, most importantly, they help “at risk ” and “under-privileged” kids in Whittier and surrounding areas.
BlackMat MMA was founded in Koon’s garage in 2003. “The young man who lived next door asked if he could train with me,” said Koon, 51, the former assistant wrestling coach at La Serna High. “It just grew from there, and soon there were dozens of young people training inside my garage,” he said. It was a place that provided boys and girls, and young adults a safe haven – a place where they could feel safe, be respected, and be treated with dignity and honesty, Rico Ortiz, assistant Coach explained. “It’s a place where they can grow as a martial artist, but most importantly as human beings,” he said.
Wilson, 24, was one of those who came to the garage, and started the transformation to the man he is today. Once he joined the wrestling team, Coach Phillip Koon became a mentor and strong male role model.
Wilson, who enters the cage wearing a black cowboy hat to the tune of “16 Tons” by Johnny Cash, is married to his lovely wife Jazmin and has two young children, Brandon, 2, and Bella, 7 months which is his foundation stated Wilson. “I work very hard to provide for them,” he said of his 50- to 60-hour week in sales for an organic food distributor.
“God has given me this family, and it’s all I need,” Wilson said.
For more information please visit our website at www.blackmatmma.org or contact Coach Koon at323-864-4385 We would like to Thank all of our sponsors and partners for supporting BlackMat MMA and our Mission to help as many “at risk and underprivelded youth” in the community using MMA as a vehicle.
- Bas Rutten former UFC Champion our friend and partner takes a picture with Brandon, Coach Koon, Coach Rico and George Valdez.
A special Thank You to Kirsten Zulyevic from the Bas Rutten Systems!
If you would like to sponsor or donate to the Charity please click the link below.
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