Mitchell Norton
Mitchell Norton - Elite-MMA Instructor
Birth place: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Profession: Martial arts instructor and Program Manager
What classes do you teach: BJJ, Kids BJJ, Cardio Kickboxing, Fight Fit
What martial art(s) have trained in:
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – 2008-present Muay Thai/Kickboxing – 2008-present
Tae Kwon Do – 1995-1997 CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
Number of years of training martial arts: I started training Tae Kwon Do at age 8 and did that for 2 years. I re-discovered martial arts in college learning BJJ and kickboxing in college. In 2009 I moved to Houston and joined Elite MMA and have continued my journey in BJJ and Muay Thai there.
When did you start teaching at Elite MMA? I started teaching the Kid’s BJJ in June 2011, I was an Instructor and Program Director at Elite MMA Kingwood from February-October 2013, and now I am the Instructor and General Manager of Elite MMA Greenway since October 2013.
Where do you currently work? I am currently working managing the Houston location with over 500 students in attendance.
What is a memorable moment for you at Elite MMA? It is really hard to pick just one day but I would say it was being promoted to brown belt in July 2015 with 2 of my close training partners. My wife was also awarded her purple belt that day so it was a special day for my family. It was really an honor to be awarded that rank by instructors I respect so much.
Do you have any martial arts accomplishments that you are proud of and why? I lost 60lbs my first year at Elite MMA from BJJ, Cardio Kickboxing, and Advanced Kickboxing classes.
Competition accolades: I have also competed in local, state, and international tournaments and found success but I am truly proud in the teaching of martial arts to both kids and adults. The contribution I am allowed to give back to the family that has given so much to me is invaluable.
Are there any professional accomplishments that you are proud of and why? I am proud of helping open the Kingwood location when it first began as well as growing the Greenway location from 50 to 200 students as the General Manager of such an amazing location.
Any sports/activities that you participated in that you are proud of? I played baseball and basketball when I was younger and competed in skateboarding competitions in junior high. I focus most of my efforts on martial arts and I enjoy weightlifting and Crossfit as a supplement to my training.
What hobbies do you enjoy and why? I like to lift weights and do different methods of conditioning like pushing sleds and running hills to push my body in as many ways as I can think of. When I want to relax it involves mostly movies and TV shows with a few video games with my wife.
Any memorable family moments that you would like to share? With most of my family in Oklahoma it seems like every visit home is full of memorable moments. I enjoy my trips home for Christmas the most as the family spends time together in a very relaxing, satisfying way.
Special moment at Elite MMA: I also proposed to my wife at the end of a lunch class at our Westheimer location in April 2014, that was amazing for me.
Academic accomplishments: Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Oklahoma State University with an Honors degree majoring in Management Information Systems, minoring in Marketing, with an Option in Information Assurance.
