Man of the Month
Jordan Wilson: Southland Camo Man of the Month
1. What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Slow down and stay grounded. The world will try to rush you into proving yourself, but peace doesn’t come from hustle, it comes from your faith. Keep God first, lean into your family, and don’t be afraid to say no to things that pull you away from God and who you’re called to be.
2. What’s a defining moment in your life that shaped you, whether on the mat, at work, or with family?
The day I became a father changed everything. It gave me a new lens to see life through. Every decision I make now, I think about how it will affect my kids and the kind of example I’m setting. It’s made me more patient, more driven, and more dependent on God’s guidance.
3. Growing up in the South, how did traditions like hunting, farming, or community gatherings influence your path?
Growing up in the South taught me the value of hard work and hospitality. Whether it was cleaning fish with my stepdad or sitting around the table after church with my family, I learned early that showing up for your people matters. Those simple Southern roots shaped the way I lead, love, and live today.
4. As a full-time nurse and jiu-jitsu school owner, how do you balance your roles, and what’s a lesson you’ve learned that our Southland Camo community might appreciate?
It’s not easy but I believe we make time for what matters. Nursing and jiu-jitsu both teach discipline, service, and grace. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to stay present. When I’m at work, I try to focus and give it everything I've got. When I’m home, I’m fully Dad. And when I’m on the mats, I strive to be a good coach and build up others the best I can. It's a tough thing to balance but there's a verse in Matthew that says 'For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also' - it's important to prioritize the things you're investing your time in in a way that honors God.
5. Running Zicro Academy, what’s the most rewarding part of teaching jiu-jitsu to folks in Marianna, FL?
Watching confidence grow... especially in the kids. Seeing a shy student turn into someone who believes in themselves because they pushed through something hard… that’s powerful. But even more rewarding is when our gym becomes like a second family. We pray together, train together, and grow together.
6. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone trying to juggle multiple roles like you do?
Don’t do it alone. Let God lead, let your loved ones support you, and remember your why. You can’t give from an empty cup, so protect time with your family and in prayer. That’s where your strength and direction will come from.
7. Who’s been a role model for you, and how do they inspire the way you live and lead?
My grandfather, Pasteve, and my grandmother, Patpat, have been two of the biggest influences in my life. My granddad drove me all over the country just so I could chase my jiu-jitsu dreams, and he even made sure I got to my nursing state boards when the time came. He never once complained.. just believed in me when I needed it most. Patpat has the kind of quiet strength that holds a family together. Their faith, sacrifice, and unconditional support taught me that success doesn’t happen alone. It's built on the prayers, miles, and love of the people who stand in your corner. And now, I am blessed that I get a chance to pass that on. My students inspire me every day. Their dedication, their growth, their trust. It reminds me why I do what I do.
