# JW Wright ("like a Fat sneaky Raccoon")

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## Overview

**Name:** JW Wright

**Nickname:** like a Fat sneaky Raccoon

**Date of Birth:** January 01, 1976 (age 50)


## Bio

A Sambo black belt turned Gracie Humaita black belt under Royler Gracie and David Adiv, JW Wright represents the kind of cross-training pioneer who built Jiu-Jitsu in the American Midwest before the sport went mainstream. Born in Sullivan, Missouri and raised in Steelville (population 1,400), Wright started in karate as a teen, then cycled through taekwondo, kickboxing, and eventually Sambo after a Royce Gracie seminar sparked his interest in grappling. He earned a bronze medal at the AAU Sambo National Championships and a Sambo black belt in 2001, but when his coach quit, Wright kept the team alive as instructor. A private with Royler Gracie in 1999 led to a mentorship with Adiv, and Wright opened his own St. Louis gym in 2002, earning his BJJ black belt in 2008. He co-founded the FUJI BJJ tournament franchise with Vince Anzelone in 2015 and later helped develop Respect Professional Jiu-Jitsu, a gi-focused professional circuit.
## Specialties

- Well Rounded
## Achievements

- IBJJF Pan American Champion (2010 Master 1)
- IBJJF Las Vegas Open 3rd Place (2010)
- IBJJF Chicago Open Champion (2013 Master 1)

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**Last Updated:** September 24, 2026

**Data Source:** bjj.space (https://bjj.space/people/jw-wright)