Over the years, Sudbury MMA Club owner and head instructor John Cole has spent a lot of his time wiping the smiles off his opponents’ faces in fighting events around the world.

That is the fiercely competitive side of Cole.

There’s another side to him and it has nothing to do with busting jaws or contorting an arm in a nauseating position to gain victory.

Cole has spent just as much of his time, if not more, putting smiles on the faces of club members and helping them achieve their goals in life and sport.

This is the fiercely passionate side of Cole.

He loves MMA and has spent most of his life devoted to learning and passing on knowledge to anyone who listened and wasn’t afraid to be challenged.

“I love the challenge of learning and competing,” the 36-year-old said. “It has pushed me to achieve things I never dreamed of before. I have the passion for MMA and the passion to help the people who come here to achieve things they never thought they could.

“I am as passionate about my results as I am about members’ results. I’ve been asked why I put so much time into it, and believe me, it is easy for me. It’s more than a job to me.”

Cole’s roots in sport run deep. He started wrestling in high school at Macdonald-Cartier in the ‘90s. He began in martial arts when he was 14. At the age of 18, Cole started teaching martial arts at a local club.

The club closed, but parents insisted Cole keep a class going for the kids. Cole opened his club in the basement of the Walden Day Care Centre in 1997 with 12 students. It has done nothing but grow since. There are now more than 100 members and the club moved to new locations throughout the years, now residing on Barrydowne Road in New Sudbury.

And he said there’s more growth in the club’s future.

“My goal is to have the club considered one of the top schools in Ontario and then Canada,” he said.

Cole has fought in MMA events and trained in multiple disciplines all over the world such as Kung-Fu, Jiu Jitsu and RyuKyu Kobudo, in more than 20 years of involvement.

Cole is proud of the history his club has built in Greater Sudbury.

“I honestly believe the club can open the door to just about anyone’s dreams if they want to work hard enough,” Cole said. “People see me as the face of the club, but there are many instructors and members who have made it possible to grow. The people who work here have as much passion as I do.

“We provide a positive environment for learning and developing confidence,” he added. “It goes a long way in helping people go after their dreams.”

Matt Williams is a Muay Thai club instructor and student. His life has changed for the better since meeting Cole.

“John not only has been a positive influence in my life over the years I’ve known him, he’s also given me so many opportunities that I really appreciate,” Williams said. “John is someone that’s always there for you. whether you need a good workout, or just someone to joke around with to lighten the day — he’s always been there for me.

Williams said Cole has had an “extremely positive” impact on his life.

“From helping me to get into the best shape of my life, to building confidence in my personal life, as well as with martial arts and everything in between. He’s been many things I’ve needed over the duration of my study at Sudbury MMA, it’s hard to really sum it up.”

Cole has helped people come out of their shells and grow as people, not just athletes. Charles Marson, another member and multi-discipline instructor, said he is the man he is today because of Cole’s influence.

“I gained confidence in myself, and my abilities through training with John for the last 17 years,” Marson said. “Through his guidance, I can now stand in front of a group and teach them martial arts and be comfortable.

“I used to be the one hiding in the back row whenever there was group stuff and shy away from leadership roles,” he added. “He taught me not to let people walk all over me and to stand up for myself. He pushes his students way beyond any point they thought was possible for themselves.”

Cole has travelled all over the world to learn new techniques and disciplines in the martial arts. He wants to continue to improve and have more to give others. His passion, will always be going full force.

“I know I am a role model. All instructors are role models. I take the role seriously,” Cole said. “If we don’t help people at the club, then we have failed.

“Ordinary people are capable of amazing things when pushed right,” he continued. “Anyone can do this. You can work, have a family and accomplish other goals as well. We have proven it here.”

Posted by Laurel Myers