Today we’d like to introduce you to Marco Soto
Hi Marco , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey in martial arts started when I was five years old, inspired by my dad, who began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He laid the foundation for me and my brother, and by the time I turned six, we were all training together as a family. We expanded our training to freestyle karate under our instructor, Orlando Waugh, in Arlington, Texas. At eight, I began competing in BJJ and became more consistent in my practice. A year later, my mom joined us. And once they were old enough, my younger brother and sister also joined us.
I also started wrestling in middle school, initially more because my parents encouraged me to, but it later became something I enjoyed. I earned my Black Belt in freestyle karate when I was just 9, then continued wrestling through college. Eventually, I earned my BJJ Black Belt in 2022. Throughout this journey, what I appreciated most was that martial arts became a shared family experience allowing us to spend quality time together and make friendships with teammates.
Martial arts also provided a healthy outlet and discipline. As a young kid, I didn’t recognize the value of it, but as I grew older, I developed a deeper appreciation for the sport—not just as a physical practice, but as a way of life. After high school, while I wrestled in college, is where I began thinking more about my future. I realized that all the experience I had gained over the years, both individually and with my family (with a total of four Black Belts between us), had given me something valuable to share. I knew then that I wanted to pass on my love for martial arts to others and inspire them the way I had been inspired. That was the vision and dream. And now, this March, we’re lucky that we’ll be celebrating a year from when my family and I opened up Southside MMA.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wish I could say the journey has been smooth, but like any business, there have certainly been challenges. Fortunately, as a family-run business, we’ve always had each other’s support. The early struggles were typical of starting something new—wondering whether people would even come to our school and whether we could build a client base. Our first location didn’t go as planned, and at the last minute, we had to pivot and find another spot quickly, which was a challenge in itself. Securing the right equipment in a short timeframe also added to the pressure.
On top of that, I’m balancing coaching, competing as an MMA fighter for the American Kombat Alliance (AKA), and serving as a certified referee with the North American Grappling Association (NAGA), which can be demanding at times.
However, despite these obstacles, we’ve been fortunate to experience growth, which really shows the need for martial arts in the Oak Cliff community. Our recent expansion to a larger location in Wynnewood Village has been a huge step forward, and we’re excited for what the future holds.
We’ve been impressed with Southside MMA , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Southside MMA is located in Oak Cliff, Dallas. We’re more than just a mixed martial arts academy; in just under a year since we opened, we’ve quickly noticed that there was a need for this in the community. My mom, brother and me own and operate the academy, and we are all experienced mixed martial artists. I’m happy to say that Southside MMA stands out for our dedication to empowering individuals through martial arts. We specialize in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, MMA for students of all skill levels, ages six and up, for children, men and women.
What sets us apart is our emphasis on family values and personal growth. We’re proud to have built a tight-knit environment where every student, from beginners to advanced, receive the guidance, support, and encouragement they need to succeed. Our instructors are not just highly skilled; they are also dedicated mentors who genuinely care about each student’s progress.
Brand wise, we’re most proud of our reputation for producing successful athletes. We currently have two professional undefeated MMA fighters.
Additionally, we are dedicated to inclusivity. We actively encourage young girls and women to join our classes, fostering a sense of strength among a group that may not traditionally consider martial arts. In addition to classes, we offer free self-defense classes for women in our community throughout the year.
Southside MMA is a place where individuals can discover their strength, achieve their goals, and join a community that celebrates perseverance, respect, and excellence in martial arts. Whether someone is interested in self-defense, fitness, or competition, our team will help them get to the next level.
Oak Cliff holds a special place for our family too. My parents grew up really close to Wynnewood Village and it’s great that we can now be part of this business community. We really want to make sure that Southside MMA stands as a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and community spirit in the heart of Oak Cliff.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Without a doubt, my parents have been my greatest mentors. They not only introduced me to martial arts but have been a constant source of support throughout my entire journey. Their unwavering encouragement and dedication have driven me to keep pushing forward, both in the sport and in life. My brothers and sister have also played an instrumental role in shaping who I am today—not just as a person, but as a fighter. Their support, both on and off the mat, has been invaluable and continues to inspire me every day.
From the time I was six, I’ve trained with Instructor Orlando Waugh, and he has been a huge influence in many ways. His guidance, both in martial arts and in life, has shaped my approach to the sport. I’m also grateful for all my teammates at Texas Black Belt Academy—each one of them has been a key part of my development and motivated me to push myself further.
Additionally, Coach Eric Flores has been another key mentor who has provided invaluable guidance and support, as well as my teammates at Arlington Martial Arts.
I’ve also had the privilege of training with incredible athletes and coaches at Jackson Wink in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The experience and knowledge I gained there, as well as the friendship with my teammates, have shaped me into the fighter and coach I am today.
And of course, all my amazing supporters! My family—my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents—and my friends—who have always been there, cheering me on every step of the way. My sponsors too. As a fighter, their support allows me to focus on training, and that makes all the difference—Prestige Hardwood Floors, Gather Resources, and JPAC Energy.
Lastly, a big thank you to our Southside MMA students. I super appreciate their trust in me, my family, and our academy. I’m excited to be a part of their own journey and hopefully be just as impactful as my instructors have been on me. Also, a special shoutout to the parents of our young warriors. They are often the support behind their kids, just like my parents were mine. They’re the ones making sacrifices—driving their kids to training, watching them practice, attending competitions, and more. As kids, we might not always realize it, but parents, your commitment means everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southsidemma.net
- Instagram: south_sidemma
- Facebook: southsidemmatx
