Michael “Shockwave” Johnson: The Legacy, the Warrior, the Mind Behind Bellicusology
Some men train to fight. Others train to survive. But Michael “Shockwave” Johnson has done both - and built a global system around it.
Known in elite circles as the Black John Wick, Johnson has earned his reputation not through theatrics but through decades of real-world experience, intense instruction, and a rare martial lineage that runs straight through the heart of modern combat history.
Where It All Began
It started, unexpectedly, in elementary school—with a broken nose. A schoolyard fight that left more than a scar; it ignited a question in a young boy’s mind: How do I take control in a world that wants to hurt me?
From that point forward, Michael’s life became a study in precision, resilience, and mastery. Raised in a household where discipline was the foundation, Johnson was born into a martial legacy. His grandfather trained in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu. His father, Steve A. Johnson, studied directly under Bruce Lee in the late 1960s. Driven by a desire to deepen his understanding, Steve then traveled to China and trained under Bruce Lee’s famed instructor, Ip Man.
That knowledge - profound, foundational, and rarely passed down—was given to Michael. By the age of two, he was already in motion. By adolescence, he had begun crafting his own interpretations of the arts. And by adulthood, he fused that experience into a modern combat system that would reach far beyond dojos and gym mats.
The Birth of Bellicusology
In 2002, Michael Johnson launched Shockwave Defense in Albuquerque, New Mexico. But this wasn’t another martial arts school. It was a mission.
Johnson developed and trademarked Bellicusology - a system built on the convergence of psychology, criminology, and real-world violence. It’s the study of militant, martial, and warfare behavior, designed not only to teach people how to react, but how to anticipate, de-escalate, and if necessary, dominate.
Bellicusology integrates traditional martial arts, tactical firearms training, criminal pattern recognition, and reactive scenario simulation. But more than anything, it’s about mindset.
“Violence is never the answer… until it is,” Johnson says. “And when it is, you better be trained.”
Training the Elite
Michael’s work has brought him into contact with some of the most respected tactical units in the world. His resume includes:
Training over 1900 officers for the Florida Department of Corrections
Instructing Ecuadorian Special Forces and national law enforcement agencies
Consulting with U.S. Marines and law enforcement units nationwide
Working directly with elite airlift squadrons and rapid response teams
Each course he delivers is built to do more than improve technique. It reshapes how people think. Students leave with heightened awareness, honed reflexes, and a deep understanding of human behavior in high-stress environments.
Underground Roots, Global Reach
While Johnson’s formal accolades are many, some of his most formative experiences occurred far from the spotlight. His name carries weight in underground fight circles, where he’s competed in high-stakes combat against groups like the Dog Brothers - known for full-contact, weapons-based fighting with little to no padding.
His style - aggressive, invasive, and surgically precise - has evolved from these brutal environments. “You learn quickly when losing means pain,” he says. “There’s no theory in that moment - just instinct, training, and will.”
Michael has also been featured on televised news segments in multiple countries, including Ecuador, where his defense strategies and instruction methods have drawn attention for their impact on tactical teams and public safety training.
Philosophy in Motion
Despite the intensity of his system, Johnson remains deeply philosophical. For him, fighting isn’t about aggression - it’s about clarity.
He believes each person carries a divine spark. “We’re made in God’s image,” he explains. “That means we have the responsibility to protect life, including our own. That belief shapes how I train people - starting with how they see themselves.”
His sessions often open not with a punch, but with a question:
What do you believe about yourself?
What is worth defending?
What is worth defending?
From Warrior to Educator
Johnson’s reach continues to grow, not just in the field but through education. His team runs live and online courses, certifications, and immersive experiences that teach civilians, corporate security teams, and first responders the practical, mental, and emotional tools to survive violence.
His content emphasizes repeatable patterns: situational awareness, understanding pre-attack cues, tactical positioning, and how to control adrenaline before it controls you. “You don’t need to be fearless,” he says. “You need to be prepared.”
Conclusion
Michael “Shockwave” Johnson isn’t just a name. He’s a system, a philosophy, and a force of nature in the world of modern defense. From underground arenas to special forces training grounds, his journey reflects one truth: mastery is earned in pain, pressure, and presence.
And through Bellicusology, he’s passing that mastery on to the next generation of everyday warriors.
Get in Touch with Michael on social @shockwave.defense or at shockwavedefense.com
Charles J. Flanagan is an ISSA Master Trainer, former national-level sprinter, and a featured model on America’s Next Top Model. With more than 20 years of experience in health, fitness, and performance coaching, he’s trained elite performers across industries—including Super Bowl champions, Grammy-nominated artists, and Hollywood talent. Known for his precision, presence, and purpose-driven philosophy, Charles is widely regarded as one of the most trusted voices in performance and longevity. As a writer, he’s contributed to Men’s Journal, Muscle & Fitness, and now Sports Illustrated, where he explores the intersection of human potential, wellness, and high performance. His collaborations with global brands like Nike, Ralph Lauren, and Omorpho underscore his influence at the crossroads of fitness, culture, and innovation. Outside the gym, Charles applies his expertise to executive leadership—advising teams, creatives, and C-suite leaders on how to scale, sustain, and thrive. Whether training athletes or coaching visionaries, his mission remains the same: elevate others through movement, mindset, and mastery.