Professor James Markle

Head BJJ Coach, Black Belt

Originally from Millstadt, IL. James is a lifelong martial artist (TKD, Judo, Sambo, Aikido) and competitive grappler since 1989.

Markle eventually made the move full time to train under Macaco and great friendship was born. With much blood and sweat, in 2015 James became the first American to earn his black belt under Jorge “Macaco” Patino..

"In the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, I've discovered that progress flows from the heart of dedication and the bonds we forge on the mat." - Professor James Markle

Markle played soccer and also trained in judo and wrestling before being introduced to Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 1999. After a whirlwind tour around the globe… Working as an engineer and training with various schools along the way, James found his way to the great state of Texas, ending up in Houston, TX in 2005 where he settled down at Miletich Fighting Systems earning his blue belt in 2010 under former UFC Fighter Sam Hoger. It didn’t take too long training in the gi to make it apparent that more mat time was necessary and after being introduced by a mutual friend to Jorge “Macaco” Patino , Markle began cross training at Macaco Gold Team.

• IBJJF Black belt under Jorge “Macaco” Patino
• Featured on:
• Fight 2 Win 47
• Texas Submission Hunter 1 & 4
• 2018, 2017 & 2016 IBJJF Master Worlds Competitor
• 2016 IBJJF Houston Open Medium-Heavy 3rd place -Black Master 2- 195lbs
• 2015 IBJJF San Antonio Open Medium-Heavy 3rd place – Black- Master 2- 195lbs
• www.marklebjj.com

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