Professor Clayton Mclain grew up wrestling from a young age in Oregon, and was first introduced to Jiu Jitsu and Mixed martial arts in 2002 at 14 years old with JT Taylor out of Central Oregon,  earning his blue belt and purple belt from JT.

Immediately upon his return from Brazil, JT ushered Clayton to the first Connection Rio Bjj on American soil, opened by Professor Asche, his long time training partner in 2016.

Throughout the years, Clayton earned a 4-1 MMA record, multiple sub league championship medals, super fight medals, as well as naga and other tournaments around the Northwest.

Clayton began teaching under the microscope of Professor Asche beginning at the tail end of Purple belt, all the way to black belt, earning an advanced education in coaching Adult BJJ and self defence, as well as the youth. Training kids, families and competitors became the top priority years ago, as he believes it is also the cornerstone of his own personal development as a martial artist.

Clayton, his wife April, and their two children, Mackenna and Audrianna took over Connection Rio BJJ Walla Walla in July of 2023.