‘Doomsday’ of a positive light in South Easton

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This is the story of a young man from the streets of Dorchester named John “Doomsday” Howard, who rose from the hardscrabble streets of his community to gain an international name for himself in the field of mixed martial arts. Today, at 42, he is the proud owner of Doomsday Defense Dojo in South Easton, Massachusetts, teaching men, women and children the fundamentals of his craft.

His sessions are one-on-one appointments, and bookings are available on a 24-hour basis. The policy was adopted so that students of any skill level wouldn’t feel bullied. Following his 50th professional fight on June 14, I had the chance to talk to John Howard about his life journey.

Howard won his first UFC fight in 2009 by split decision. COURTESY PHOTO

The son of Laurette and Jerome Howard said, “From a young man fighting in the streets, I found my calling through the Job Corps, to get my high school diploma, and a man named James Stokes. Mr. Stokes beat my butt all over the ring the first time we sparred, and I was hooked on learning the skill of grappling.” 

Howard attributes his rapid ascent in the sport to his work ethic and desire to succeed.

“I stayed in the gym for eight-hour training sessions to reach my goal,” he said. “The sport was a lot different back in those days, and a lot rougher. But as it began to grow and receive more media attention, it became more refined with more structured rules.”

Safety became a priority for the people running the sport and the combatants in the ring, and this lifted the sport to a higher level of awareness to the viewing public, said Howard.

The entrance of women [into] the sport also raised awareness of it, he said. “Today, women put on some of the most entertaining fights due to their aggression and combative styles. Women make better fighters by the quality of their fights.”

And while some dislike the sport, there are lots of fans who wholeheartedly support it.

Howard fights in both the Welterweight and Middleweight divisions. PHOTO: MMA

For John “Doomsday” Howard, the sport provided an avenue to a better life. “I put a lot of years into building my reputation as a hard-working, never-quitting competitor,” he said, “I take pride in that by bringing my passion to my sport every day.”

Throughout his career, Howard has competed in various prestigious organizations, including the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the International Fight League (IFL), and Classic Entertainment & Sports – Mixed Martial Arts (CES MMA), among others. His professional record, 29-20-1, is impressive, with notable victories and performances across multiple weight divisions.

The former CES MMA Middleweight Champion is a respected member of the MMA community because of his dedication to the sport and relentless work ethic. While his achievements in the cage have drawn special attention, it is his work in the field of autism that has brought clarity to his life.

“I was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of 33. The diagnosis put a lot of things in perspective for me. Since that time, I have become an advocate for autism awareness, using my platform to encourage and motivate people, both within and outside of the fighting world,” Howard said.

In a professional career that started in 2004 with a 10-4 record and the Combat Welterweight Championship, Howard has been raising eyebrows. His prowess in the cage led him to the UFC in 2009, where he earned a split-decision victory over Chris Wilson in a bout that won the Fight of the Night award.

Throughout his career, Howard has consistently demonstrated his perseverance, transformation and unwavering commitment to excellence, earning the respect of his peers.

“It is something that I teach to every student that walks through the door of my dojo,” he said. “We teach different skills to all ages with the thought of instilling pride and confidence, not only to compete but to learn how to defend themselves.”

This philosophy bodes well for the growing number of people flocking to Howard’s dojo. And while he teaches, he intends to keep fighting past his milestone 50th professional fight. The milestone not only celebrates his longevity in the sport but also his evolution from a young man seeking direction to a seasoned athlete and mentor dedicated to uplifting his community.

“I’m not done at 42. I still have more to give as a combatant and a teacher of this sport I truly love,” said Howard. “As a teacher, I see the growth of my sport in the family component of my business. Men, women, and children, guarded by padding and strict safety guidelines, are taught the proper technique of what I do for a living as a professional.”

When asked about the moniker “Doomsday,” Howard credits Henry, his brother.  “He started out with ‘Superman,’ and I said, ‘Hell no!’ We then came up with Doomsday because Doomsday killed Superman,” said Howard.

From the streets of Dorchester to such honors as being named to the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame and the distinction of being only one of five to be asked to go to Thailand to teach their art to their people, John “Doomsday” Howard lives by his motto, “Better to be a warrior in a garden, than to be a gardener in a war.”