The curious case of Josh Trowbridge first appeared on reddit where user untotentsd questioned his legitimacy.
Indeed Trowbridge has a very weird list of credentials including both being a Gracie blue belt and a 1st degree black belt under USA Martial Arts Alliance.
When you check out his academy’s facebook site you do see a peculiar pic of him at the Torrance academy:
However the GU site – doesn’t reflect this. He’s not listed as a student or a certified training center. However in 2012 there’s a Gracie Jiu Jitsu Seminar at the academy. And there’s Josh with what looks well.. not like a brand new blue belt.
You can check out more pictures here.
As early as September 2013 Trowbridge awarded his own blue belts.
Sometime later on, Trowbridge posted a picture of what looks like he’s working on his closed guard with a student all while wearing a black and red belt that’s not the black and red bjj belt admittedly. He also appeared to be wearing his wedding ring for the picture meaning in all likelihood this was not a genuine roll.
At no point is Trowbridge pictured along any legitimate bjj belts of any kind beyond the GU picture attached above from 2011.
Trowbridge also offers what looks suspiciously like Women Empowered – calling it Empowered self defense. He also offers stunt skill development classes and has his “pro”facebook page over at https://www.facebook.com/JoshTrowbridgePro/
You can check out his academy at https://www.facebook.com/Trowbridgemartialartsacademy/ or trowbridgemartialarts.com
