Page 37 - Issue 3
P. 37

JOSH







               RUSSELL














               GRAPPLING
               THE WILDERNESS




                 Josh Russell began studying martial arts over 20 years
               ago. He earned his black belt from Carlos Gracie, Jr. in 2004
               and is owner and lead instructor of JR Academy in Calgary
               AB Canada.


                 He’s also a badass outdoorsman. Spearfishing, big game
               bowhunting and free diving are just a few of his hobbies.
               Russell answered all our questions regarding two of his
               greatest passions.

               GrapplerMag: When did you first start training BJJ?

               Josh Russell: I first started at a Japanese Jiu Jitsu club Feb 97.
               The instructor there had the first Gracie Jiu Jitsu instructional
               course on VHS. So he would often mix the two styles together.
               It was helpful training but it was very crude technique by
               today’s standards. Then from there onto another place with
               semi/full MMA training 98-99. My first real introduction to
               BJJ was when I moved to Brazil and went to my first class Nov
               2 2000 at Gracie Barra HQ in Rio de Janeiro.

               GM:  How would you characterize your progression to
               earning your black belt?









               Written By:
               BRANDON IBARRA, ROME LYTTON
               Photographed By:  @joshrussell9911

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