Donald Pugh

Although his martial arts journey started later than some, when Don Pugh started practicing, he found what would become a lifelong passion. 

He started training with his children in Canada at South Calgary Wado Kai, a member of the Shintani Wado Kai Federation. Don couldn't get enough, taking every class and seminar he could. He achieved a kyu rank of Green in Shintani Wado Kai before relocating his family to Arizona. 

After a hiatus, he eventually found Atkinson's Martial Arts. Since then, he has actively trained under John Atkinson, a ranking member of both the International Karate & Kung Fu Association (CKKA) and the Black Belt Institute. John's style is a blend of karate, kickboxing, Kung Fu, and Jiu-Jitsu. It places a strong emphasis of realistic applications and self-defense. In 2022 Don was awarded his 1st degree black belt under John Atkinson.

In 2024 Don was awarded his blue belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and became a certified instructor of both the Gracie Combatives™ and Gracie Bullyproof™ adult & kids self-defense programs.  

When not teaching, Don continues to train Karate under John Atkinson and Ron Matte, head instructor of the Shintani Wado Kai Federation; while also taking every opportunity to improve his Gracie Jiu-Jitsu skills.