There are several grappling masters in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While the beloved sport is constantly evolving, some individuals stay up to date and deliver exceptional results in the name of everything grappling-related. Today we will be highlighting ten grapple experts and why they deserve a follow on Instagram. By the end of this article, you will better understand each professional's skill and what separates them from their competitors.
1. Grappling University Martial Arts
Grappling Martial Arts provides a safe and friendly environment that has classes for everyone, despite their age bracket or gender. This company, located in Clifton, NJ, is heavily celebrated because they applaud all students, regardless of their Judo level. Additionally, they create a haven for everyday people and competitors. Grappling Martial Arts follows this saying, "Whatever your goals are, they can be found on the mat."
2. Ed Ramos BJJ
Ed Ramos is a certified 3X World Champion Professor and 3rd Degree Black Belt/ IBJJF. Moreover, he is the head instructor of Ed Ramos Brazilian JJ in East Houston, TX. What differentiates him from others is the informational BJJ videos he posts online. His breakdown of each move makes learning BJJ exciting and clear-cut.
3. Hannette Staack
@hannettestaack
Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Hanette Staack is a 7X World Champion and 3X ADCC Champion. She began her BJJ journey at 18-years-old, even when she was the only female in the class. She continues to participate in the sport and has even opened an academy with her husband in Chicago.
4. Vanessa Waltz
@infinitydestro
Vanessa Waltz is the co-owner of Gracie Barra Colorado Springs. Likewise, she's earned the F2W Pro Belt, BJJ Black Belt, and is a 5X American National champion. In addition, she credits BJJ for saving her life. Her journey dates back to 2003. She came to Gracie Barra in 2012 as a purple belt, seeing instructional guidance and a place to hone leadership skills. In an interview, she said, "When we come together on the mats, it's a brilliant mix of personalities, backgrounds, and goals."
5. Pauline Bak
@paulibak
Pauline Bak is a BJJ Black Belt. Not to mention, she's a personal trainer, so it's safe to say she loves everything related to fitness. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, like Staack, Bak started Lapel Arts with her husband. She garners a lot of clients because she makes classes fun yet challenging. Also, others praise her for having great attention to form and technique.
6. Miko Hytonen
@chokes_and_more
Aside from being a well-established Jiu-Jitsu instructor, he also has his very own martial arts brand, MANTO. Beginners reference his Instagram page if they need to learn techniques. He has been doing Jiu-Jitsu since 2012. To add, Hytonen delved into martial arts at 4-years-old. He passes along this message via Submission Shark, "If you want to achieve something, you must be able to commit to working hard for your goals. Respect others. The more you push yourself, the better you eventually feel."
7. Weiss Sakhizada
@kimuratrapstar
Weiss Sakhizada is a multiple-time IBJJF champion and medalist. He has a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under JT Torres as well. The co-owner and head instructor of Suckerfreejiujitsu, he prides himself on staying motivated to teach his students. Sakhizada adds, "I found Jiu-Jitsu during a time in my life where I felt lost. I wasn't able to make sense of the world and my place in it."
8. Leticia Ribeiro
@lettyribeiro
Leticia Ribeiro is a 9X Jiu-Jitsu world champion. She also is highly recognized in the IBJJF Hall of Fame. At 15-years-old, Ribeiro joined a Gracie Academy. She went on to gain a 4th-degree black belt. Now, she's the head instructor at Gracie Humaita South Bay. Ribeiro is considered one of the best female fighters of all time.
9. Bia Mesquita
@biamesquitajj
Bia Mesquita is a 9X IBJJF World Champion and 5X ADCC champion. Mesquita carries 23 titles at black belt level as well, breaking records everywhere. At just 5 years old, she started BJJ. She also dabbled in Judo and swimming. Still, BJJ felt like her truer calling. By the time she was 10, Mesquita was a junior champion and state champion. Currently, she's trying her hand in MMA.
10. Claudia do Val
@claudiadovaljj
Claudia do Val is a 3X IBJJF World champion. In addition, she carries a black belt under Ricardo De La Riva. She's known for having a #1 overall ranking for IBJJF gi and no-gi. Val's efforts to transition from a white to brown belt were not hindered as she progressed rather quickly. 'Till this day, she competes at nearly all IBJJF tournaments.