Jonathan (Jon) Burke is the lead instructor and founder 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.