Our COACHES

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JOHN “DOOMSDAY” HOWARD

Founder & Head Coach AKA Professor

UFC veteran. 3rd-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. Muay Thai Kru. Professional fighter. Coach.

John brings more than two decades of combat-sports experience to the mat, combining elite-level technique with a coaching style rooted in discipline, accountability and real-world application.

He expects his students to work—but he also understands that everyone learns differently. His goal is simple: meet you where you are and help you discover how far you can go.

Meet John
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SHALAYA 

Co-Founder & Coach

Shalaya brings energy, rhythm and purpose to conditioning at Doomsday Defense.

Her jump-rope training combines footwork, coordination, endurance and mental toughness—helping students develop sharper movement while building the conditioning needed to keep going when they're tired.

Her coaching philosophy is rooted in consistency, confidence and challenging yourself to do a little more than you thought you could.

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Coach Reggie

Boxing • Striking • Jiu-Jitsu

A lifelong boxer and former Boston Police Officer with more than 25 years of service, Reggie brings structure, awareness and accountability to his coaching.

His pad work is challenging, technical and intentional. He studies his students closely, identifies where they can improve and pushes them to leave every session sharper than they arrived.

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Coach Marc

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Marc brings patience, curiosity and a technical approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Known for working with students at every level, he creates an environment where people can test technique, ask questions and understand not just how a movement works, but why it works.

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yogi kim

Yoga • Mobility • Wellness

A 200-hour Kripalu Yoga Teacher, 200-hour YogaSpirit Teacher and certified Ayurveda Health Counselor, Kim brings a holistic approach to movement and recovery.

Her teaching combines breath, mobility and intentional movement to help students develop greater awareness of both mind and body.

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Coach John M.

Boxing • Conditioning

A Stonehill College student and developing fighter, John Marinella brings resilience, patience and positive energy to the dojo.

After three knee surgeries, John continued training and earned a decisive win—and Fighter of the Night honors—in his first boxing match. As a coach, he brings that same perseverance to helping others build confidence and skill.

Coach Henry - IN LOVING MEMORY

Three men taking a selfie together outdoors at night, smiling and with arms around each other, with city buildings and parked cars in the background.

From Left to Right: Coach Henry, John “Doomsday” Howard, and Henry Jr.

Coach Henry was more than a coach. He was family.

Known for his intensity, passion for Jiu-Jitsu and unmistakable laugh, Henry brought energy and authenticity into every class he led. His coaching was demanding and real, always rooted in a genuine love for the art and the people he trained.

Henry and John shared more than 20 years of friendship—a bond built through training, loyalty and brotherhood.

His passing left a space that cannot be filled, but his impact remains.

His spirit lives in every roll, every lesson and every student he helped shape.