Jonathan Whaley
Arts taught: Judo and Aikido
Jonathan began martial arts in 1993 when he found a flyer on the ground for Fayetteville Tae Kwon Do during career day at school. Seeking a higher discipline and control, he began practicing Tae Kwon Do and Aikido at that time. He has since trained a variety of combat arts including wrestling, fencing, and kendo before joining Sooner Judo Club in 2011.
Training Judo under Dr Joel Holloway and Steve Kenton, Jonathan has earned the rank of Nidan through USAJudo. After a self defense demonstration and with the encouragement of Kenton, Jonathan returned to Aikido to continue training. He has earned a Sandan in Aikido from the Kaze Uta Budo Kai training under Jack Burdett of the Stepwaters Dojo.
Jonathan has been active as a competitor in the state since 2011. In 2019, he began focusing on his coaching certification through USAJudo. As an instructor he seeks to make Judo more accessible to everyone whether they are focused on competition, kata, self defense, or are just looking for a fun activity for kids and families to participate in together.
Aaron “Rhino” Alexander
Arts taught: Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai,
Starting his martial arts journey at the young age of 4, Aaron “Rhino” Alexander has dedicated his life to mastering various disciplines and achieving notable ranks. His early start laid a strong foundation that propelled him to remarkable accomplishments in the martial arts world.
Under the tutelage of Master Tony Equiga, Aaron earned his black belt in Combat Ju Jitsu, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication. In Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, Aaron trained under renowned masters Sandro Sampaio, a 5th-degree black belt, Carlson Gracie Jr., a 7th-degree coral belt, and Ricardo Cavalcanti, a 6th-degree black belt, showcasing his prowess in this demanding art, and earning a 2nd degree Black Belt.
Aaron’s martial arts expertise spans several disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Combat Ju Jutsu, Muay Thai, Hawaiian Bone Breaking, Shaolin Kung Fu, and Taekwondo.
This diverse training has equipped him with a comprehensive skill set and a deep understanding of various martial arts philosophies and techniques.
Aaron played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Ricardo Cavalcanti Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association in Oklahoma, contributing to the growth and development of the martial arts community. Affiliated with Ricardo Cavalcanti since 2016, Aaron recently returned to Sandro Sampaio’s affiliation due to the proximity of Sampaio’s school, his prior training under Sampaio, and Sampaio’s ability to provide additional support to students at Primitive Sports Jiu Jitsu when scheduled. Aaron maintains a positive connection with Ricardo Cavalcanti, who, having moved from Dallas to Las Vegas, continues to share a mutual commitment to the community through his non-profit organization in Brazil.
Aaron runs his school as a non-profit organization, as part of the long running partnership with Sooner Judo. He is committed to helping not only underprivileged youth but also anyone who wishes to train at a non-profit facility. His inclusive approach ensures that everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow in martial arts. This dedication stems from his belief that martial arts are for everyone and anyone who is willing to train and keep learning.
With a passion for teaching and sharing his knowledge, Aaron has been an instructor at Sooner Judo for 14 years. He specializes in teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Combat Ju Jutsu to students aged 14 and up, inspiring and guiding the next generation of martial artists.
Through years of dedication, continuous learning, and teaching, Aaron “Rhino” Alexander has made significant contributions to the martial arts world, leaving a lasting legacy and continuing to inspire others with his expertise and passion. His unwavering commitment to non-profit organizations reflects his belief in making martial arts accessible to everyone in the community.
Assistant Instructors
James Fuller
Arts taught: Aikido, Judo
James Fuller began his study of the arts in 1987.
He joined Sooner Judo club in 2019, training under Steve Kenton.
He has experience in several martial arts, with an emphasis on self-defense and integration of techniques. Having earned dan-level ranks in Chang-Hon Tae Kwon Do, Tomiki-ryu Aikido, and Judo. He serves as the assistant Judo and primary Aikido instructor.
Joseph Netty-Marbell
Arts taught: Combat Ju Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai
Joseph Nettey-Marbell has been training, teaching, and/or coaching Martial Arts since 2004. Mr. Nettey-Marbell is currently a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do under Terry Smith, Black Belt in Judo under Steve Kenton, Purple Belt in Kito Ryu Ju Jitsu under Scott Mincey, Purple Belt in Combat Ju Jitsu under Aaron Alexander, and Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Aaron Alexander. Mr. Nettey-Marbell has also coached Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA under Mr. Mincey and Mr. Alexander.
John Carter
Arts taught: Judo
John has over 15 years of Judo experience, he started judo in 2007 at Missouri State University and joined Sooner Judo Club in 2019.
John Wiser
Arts taught: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
John Wiser started training BJJ in 2004 under Scott Hewitt where he earned the rank of green belt. Then he started training with Carl Franklin where he trained multiple martial arts and earned his brown belt, after Franklin retired from the sport due to an injury, John began training with Aaron Alexander where he earned his 1st degree black belt.