Jason Cárdenas Dodd
Meet the Instructor – Jason Dodd
Jason Dodd is the owner, founder, and head instructor of Mat Life Training Center, where he’s been a cornerstone of the martial arts community in Alachua County for over 30 years. His lifelong journey began with Tang Soo Do as a child, later evolving into a passion for Japanese Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu during college.
A former international heavyweight full-contact karate fighter and medalist, Jason brings an unmatched level of experience, discipline, and heart to every class he teaches. He began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1999 and Muay Thai in 2010, blending traditional martial arts values with modern techniques to create a balanced, effective, and empowering training environment.
Under Jason’s leadership, MatLife Training Center became home to Alachua County’s first full-contact Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai, and MMA programs, continuing a legacy of excellence and innovation.
Credentials:
- Kyoshi, 8th Degree Black Belt – Japanese Ju Jutsu
- Renshi Shihan, 5th Degree Black Belt – Shorinji-Ryu Japanese Karate
- Master – Ko Ryu (Japanese Weapons Arts)
- Professor, 3rd Degree Black Belt – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Master Instructor – Dutch-Style Muay Thai
Instructors & Mentors:
- Japanese Martial Arts: Soke Nakasaki, Iwao Tomatsu, Alex Heyman, KA Shakoor
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Travis Shaddox, Marcio Simas, Ricardo De La Riva, Beto Nunes, Relson Gracie, Phil Cardella, Robert Drysdale
- Muay Thai: Stefan Butin Bik, Bobby Robare
With decades of experience and a true love for the arts, Jason leads MatLife with passion, discipline, and a commitment to helping every student succeed.
