MEDIA & PRESS
STORIES WORTH TELLING.
MEET DOOMSDAY.
John “Doomsday” Howard has spent more than two decades fighting, coaching and building community through martial arts.
A UFC veteran, 3rd-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Muay Thai Kru and 2016 U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee, John's story extends far beyond the cage.
From growing up in Dorchester and competing on some of MMA's biggest stages to receiving an autism diagnosis at 33 and building Doomsday Defense Dojo, John brings a perspective shaped by fighting, resilience, neurodiversity, fatherhood, coaching and community.
DOOMSDAY IN THE HEADLINES.
CBS NEWS BOSTON
FROM THE UFC TO BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION
John “Doomsday” Howard's journey from professional fighter to coach and community leader was featured by CBS News Boston. The story highlights John's life beyond competition and the work happening at Doomsday Defense Dojo in South Easton.
From the cage to the community, John's next chapter is about using decades of experience in martial arts to create opportunity, confidence and connection for others.
THE BAY STATE BANNER
“DOOMSDAY” OF A POSITIVE LIGHT IN SOUTH EASTON
The Bay State Banner profiled John “Doomsday” Howard and the journey that brought him from Dorchester to professional MMA and ultimately to building Doomsday Defense Dojo.
The feature explores John's fighting career, the discipline and perseverance behind his success, and how he's now channeling that experience into creating a positive impact through martial arts in South Easton.
←READ THE STORY
2026 NAGA WINS
ibjjf boston open no-gi 2025
DOOMSDAY WINS GOLD!
We’re proud to announce that John “Doomsday”Howard has won Gold at the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Championship in the Master 3, No-Gi Black Belt Division.
For those unfamiliar, IBJJF is one of the most respected organizations in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Winning gold here means John competed against some of the toughest athletes in his division and came out on top.
This achievement highlights:
Excellence at the highest level – Competing in the Black Belt division represents years of skill, discipline, and mastery.
Relentless dedication – John continues to push himself to new heights, showing that hard work and perseverance pay off.
Inspiration for others – As head coach of the Doomsday Defense Dojo, John’s victory is a reminder to students and community members that greatness comes from consistency, humility, and effort.
Whether in MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or coaching the next generation, John’s drive to excel never stops. This gold medal is another step in a legendary career
that continues to inspire.
click to watch
Doomsday Defense Dojo Celebrates
Competition Medal — Congratulations Chris Purcell!
November 15, 2025 — Boston, MA
We are incredibly proud to announce a major milestone for the Doomsday Defense Dojo: our very first official competition representation — and our very first medal.
On November 15th, 2025, Chris Purcell, a dedicated member of our Stonehill College training group, earned Bronze at the NAGA Boston Grappling Championship in the Men’s No-Gi / Novice / 150–159.9 (Lightweight) / Adult Division.
Chris stepped onto the mats with heart, discipline, and courage, representing not only himself but our entire Doomsday family. His performance embodies the spirit of our dojo:
Consistency in training
Respect for the art
Strength through community
A warrior’s mindset
This achievement is especially meaningful as it marks the first time our dojo has been represented at a tournament — and Chris set the tone with honor.
We’re just getting started.
With students like Chris leading the way, the future of competition at the Doomsday Defense Dojo is bright.
Join us in congratulating him on an incredible accomplishment — and the first of many medals to come! 🥉
Victory Spotlight: Congratulations to John Marinella — 1–0 in His First Boxing Match!
Victory Spotlight: Congratulations to John Marinella — 1–0 in His First Boxing Match!
November 8, 2025 — Massachusetts
Doomsday Defense Dojo is proud to celebrate another major achievement from one of our dedicated students — John Marinella, who stepped into the ring for his first competitive boxing match on November 8th and emerged victorious, now standing at 1–0.
Not only did John secure the win, but he was also awarded Fighter of the Night, a testament to his power, discipline, and heart.
This victory was made even more meaningful by his journey.
John has undergone three knee surgeries, each one posing a challenge that would stop most people in their tracks. But he never quit. Never complained. Never stepped away from the grind. His resilience, consistency, and positive mindset define the warrior spirit we teach at Doomsday.
Coach Reggie and Coach John were supporting him every step of the way behind his boxing coaches — a reflection of the family culture we are building inside our dojo.
John’s win is a reminder that:
Setbacks can become your fuel
Discipline beats doubt
Heart matters more than circumstances
Champions are built long before fight day
We are incredibly proud of John for showing what true perseverance looks like — inside and outside the ring.
Here’s to many more wins ahead. OSS!!!