Up coming events

Tickets Available Here

Become a Sponsor...

🥋 Fighter Bio: Jon Barnard – The Untameable Warrior from Mākaha

Born in O‘ahu, raised in Mākaha, and forged in adversity, Jon Barnard’s story is one of redemption, grit, and purpose. A proud native Hawaiian, Jon grew up on the rugged west side of the island, where opportunity was scarce, and trouble was common. Struggling with dyslexia and low expectations, he was once told by a high school teacher he’d never be more than a laborer. But deep down, Jon knew he was built for more.

With no athletic background and no “natural” gift for sports, Jon found combat sports as a last resort a way to lose weight, gain confidence, and maybe, just maybe, prove something to himself. Six months after starting martial arts, he stepped into the ring against an undefeated fighter with over 10 wins. Overwhelmed, nervous, and full of doubt, he remembered the words of his coach:
“You can do anything you put your mind to.”
He did not loose that fight and it changed his life forever.

Over the next decade, Jon built an extraordinary fight career:
🏆 50+ wins across Hawaii
🏆 Five titles in multiple weight classes
🌍 Fought internationally, trained with UFC champions
📺 Featured on national TV, podcasts, commercials, and magazines

Fighting gave him more than belts. It gave him clarity, confidence, and skills that would shape every part of his life. Through MMA, he learned to overcome ambiguity, lead others, and build mental resilience. It was this foundation that helped Jon go from being counted out in school to earning a Bachelor's in Business Management, becoming a science and tech educator, and later, an IT developer for Fortune 500 companies.

But Jon’s fight has always been bigger than himself.

Now based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jon is a husband and proud father of three daughters Amaya, Aliyana, and Ariyah. He founded UKA (Untamed Kickboxing Academy) to give others the same second chance he found. UKA trains youth from underserved, often violent communities young men and women who’ve been forgotten by society. Jon mentors over 15 fighters directly, using the values of combat sports discipline, focus, structure, and respect to redirect lives.

He’s witnessed firsthand how combat sports curb violence, build character, and give kids something to work toward. Through sparring, structure, and goal-setting, Jon's students learn more than how to fight they learn how to live. UKA is more than a gym. It’s a lifeline.

Back in Hawaii, Jon has been a vocal critic of the DCCA’s overregulation of MMA, which decimated local events and made it nearly impossible for grassroots promoters to survive. Once thriving garage gyms and weekend events are now nearly extinct, taking away an outlet that once empowered countless young Polynesians to live with honor, purpose, and restraint. Jon has spent the last 4 years engaging with state and national commissions, advocating for a fighter-led, self-governing MMA body one that can protect fighters and preserve the cultural legacy of Hawaii’s warrior spirit.

“Fighting saved my life and now, I use it to save others.”

Jon Barnard is not just a fighter. He’s a teacher, builder, father, and leader. A man who turned his pain into purpose and now fights for a new generation to have the same chance.

He has his boots on the ground in the ring, in the community, and in the industry. And he’s not done yet.

Watch Live here