Jonathan (Jon) Burke is the founder and lead instructor of Next Level Combatives. With over three decades
experience in mixed martial arts, self-defense (armed and unarmed) and close-quarters combat, Jon developed
the P4 De-escalation Training Program. This unique program utilizes a systematic approach that yields
immediate results and retention under stress for participants of various skill levels.

​

Jon’s introduction to self-defense began in the 1990s working first as an intern, then full-time, at the Gracie Jiu-
Jitsu Academy Headquarters in Southern California. While there, Jon learned the tenets and discipline of

practicing and teaching Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with legendary three-time Ultimate Fighting Champion (UFC) Royce
Gracie. During his time training under Royce, Jon’s commitment and skill earned him a place on Royce’s
competition fight team. After a decade of consistent training, Jon was awarded a black-belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu by
Royce Gracie.

​

Through martial arts, Jon has helped countless men, women and children of all occupations and socio-
demographic backgrounds. He has worked with families, schools, universities, small businesses and large

corporations carve paths to improve their personal and group safety environments. With the desire for their loss
prevention teams to learn the most effective and customer-friendly approach to non-aggressive handcuffing and
close-quarters techniques, Jon was hired by this Fortune 25 company to train their entire eastern region. His
instruction has provided them with the skills to minimize disturbance by resolving issues in a discrete and
efficient manner without causing injury.

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, Jon served as a team leader and instructor to train, what
is now recognized as the Department of Homeland Security, in advanced close-quarters combat for S.A.I.C.
counter terrorist teams. Jon’s expertise and student-friendly instruction have been implemented by U.S. Navy
SEALs, U.S. Army Special Forces, U.S. Army Rangers and other members of the U.S. Armed Forces as well as
U.S. federal and state law enforcement agencies.

Jon’s unique ability to simplify complex fundamentals and teach them has earned him notable recognition. His
body of work spans from world-famous actors, musicians and athletes, to the men and women of the United
States Armed Forces and domestic law enforcement agencies.

 

He has had the honor of teaching non-compliant
assailant cuffing techniques, weapons retention, and upright and ground self-defense to U.S. Special Forces,
82nd Airborne and active-duty forces in South Korea.

Jon designates time to teach rape prevention to female military personnel as well as wives and daughters of
military families. His instruction has had such an overwhelming impact on individuals and organizations that he
has been featured on ABC, NBC, FOX News, ESPN and other media outlets.

 

Jon resides in Florida with his wife
and children where they own and operate a mixed marital arts and fitness facility. He has also authored the
book “Safe is the New Sexy,” a women’s guide to self-defense.