One of the best parts about running a company serving jiu-jitsu players is the incredible stories we hear from our customers.

We love Artie's story because of his undeniable drive to intensify his skills and become an expert in BJJ.

Artie Grubba

Elgin, IL. Purple Belt.

Why did you first get into jiu-jitsu?

I had wrestled from 6th grade through my senior year of college and was looking for something to continue in. A very small percent of people keep wrestling after college, and I didn't have the funds to travel to international events, and wasn't good enough to get sponsored for it.

Jiujitsu gave me a way to keep competing and a vast new skill set to learn. I started off with mma during the summers between college wrestling to keep in shape, and my first gi bjj practice was almost immediately after my knee recovered from my last wrestling match at nationals.

What has been the biggest obstacle in your journey and how have you overcome it?

The guard and the gi. There were 2 times early in my bjj career that I won the expert nogi bracket and took 2nd at white belt gi. Guard pull to collar choke got me both times.

Tell us about your best (or worst) submission story.

I was a white belt, and competing against a blue belt at a local tournament. I beat him by straight ankle lock, only for him to tell me it was ibjjf illegal.

Share one piece of advice you have for our community.

Never stop learning, always try to improve your weaknesses.

You can find Artie on Instagram at @artiegrubba.