Joseph Watson

Founder/Owner Head Instructor

Black Belt

Joseph “Joe” Watson is a black belt under multiple-time world champion Samuel Braga, and he is a world-class competitive Jiu-Jitsu athlete.

Joe has been an athlete since he was young, but he has been practicing, teaching, and competing in Jiu-Jitsu for over a decade. Following a successful football career at Maryville High School, he found his greatest passion in Jiu-Jitsu. He very quickly discovered that this gentle art was something he wanted to dedicate his life to and transitioned to a full-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner.

Joe is an esteemed coach and has multiple years of experience teaching kids and adults alike at Gracie Barra Knoxville, a world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Knoxville, TN, prior to opening Maryville Jiu-Jitsu. Having recently graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Business Administration, Joe is excited to share his knowledge of this amazing art with students through his passionate and infectious teaching style.

Hobbies
Outside of teaching Martial Arts, Joseph enjoys playing Pickleball
Guilty Pleasure
My love of chocolate knows no bounds
Fun Fact About Me
I can’t swim

Memento Combat Sports Instructors

meet The Rest Of the team

The Memento Combat Sports coaching and instructor staff is dedicated to making you feel welcome and included. Read our reviews on Google & Facebook and you'll quickly see that we're a gym where we know everyone's name.

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Joseph Watson
Owner/Head Instructor
1st Degree Black Belt
Daniel McCarthy
Co-Owner/Head Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt
Mike Takata
Judo Sensei
6th Degree Black Belt
Cody Hudson
BJJ For Cops Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt
Chase Morales
Assistant Instructor
Black Belt
Olivia Brown
Adult & Kids Instructor
Brown Belt
Brett Cooper
MMA Instructor
Brown Belt
Evan Minard
Heros BJJ Instructor/Assistant Instructor
Brown Belt
Josh Huffstetler
Kids Instructor
Purple Belt

REVIEWS OF MEMENTO COMBAT SPORTS

"High quality, patient and student-focused instruction. Highly recommend this place!"

         Posted on Google  
   
   Kevin Getch 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been training at Memento Combat Sports since early June, and I'm consistently impressed. The atmosphere and culture here are outstanding; everyone is friendly and dedicated to helping each other improve. The coaches are phenomenal-they don't just show techniques, they really focus on the small details and "nuggets" that help you elevate your game. I've already seen a huge improvement in my skills in just a few months. Whether you're into Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, or kickboxing, this gym is a gem. The emphasis on wrestling is a huge plus and makes the training incredibly well-rounded.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Seth Sinclair 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This gym offers the perfect combination of high-level training with a relaxed and friendly vibe.  The gym is clean and the instruction is top notch.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   K'Dee Kolle 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. No better place to have your kids learn BJJ than Memento! The coaches are patient, engaged, encouraging, and they train all the kids to reach their full potential.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anjelica Moore 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful Jiu Jitsu studio where the owner and coaches truly care about teaching and making each student (child and adult) better and more capable of defending themselves and growing in the sport! I couldn’t praise them enough!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chris Herrington 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t say enough great things about Memento! The professors and staff are incredibly kind and knowledgeable—some of the best people I’ve had the privilege to meet and train with. Whether you’re new to Jiu-Jitsu or just passing through and looking for a place to drop in, Memento is a must-visit!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Luke N 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My daughter loves learning Jiu Jitsu here. There are lots of kids that train here, and the instructors are excellent with them. I highly recommend Memento!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Courtney Whitefield 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Coach Joe is amazing with the kiddos and has a way of helping them learn the art of the sport in a way they understand. He makes the lesson fun and enjoyable while teaching complex moves. Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tamara Harvey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very welcoming and great jiu-jitsu atmosphere. My 10 year old and myself got to train here while on vacation. I highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ethan Moses 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It’s not always common to find a Jiu jitsu instructor who is both a high level athlete, and a high level instructor, but Joseph Watson easily fills both of these rolls. If you’re looking for a place to call home and learn, or to simply stop in on your travels and get some good high level training in, in a safe and healthy environment, Memento is definitely that place.
  
 
  
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Joseph Watson

Founder/Owner Head Instructor

Black Belt

Hobbies

Guilty Pleasure

Fun Fact About Me

meet The Rest Of the team

"High quality, patient and student-focused instruction. Highly recommend this place!"