There have been many high level wrestlers that have transitioned to BJJ and done well (Olympic bronze medalist Adam Wheeler, Ben Askren who competed at the No Gi Worlds, and former division 1 wrestlers Aj Agazarm and Ken Primola for example) but very few BJJ players have transitioned to wrestling.
Last weekend brothers Rolles & Igor (sons of the legendary Rolls Gracie) and their half brother Gregor Gracie all participated in wrestling exhibition matches in New York at the Grapple at the Garden event.
The Gracies didn’t do too bad. Rolles Gracie lost via decision to Mo Lawal 15-6 and Igor Gracie lost via decision to Brennan Ward.
The one who impressed the most was Gregor Gracie. He had a major accomplishment in winning his wrestling match(freestyle) via decision over Darryl Christian, a very accomplished Greco-Roman wrestler.
Darryl Christian, is a two-time Greco-Roman Wrestling USA National Champion, 2004 Olympic team alternate, Wrestling world cup silver medalist, and 4x USA Wrestling National Team Member.
Gregor has an impressive BJJ and no gi grappling resume: Mainly ADCC Bronze Medallist (2009); 2x World Champion (2004 & 2005 purple); 4x Grapplers Quest Champion; Nogi World Championships Silver Medallist (2008).
The Gracie family actually has a history in wrestling dating back to the times of Rolls Gracie in the 1970’s.
Gregor talked about his win on his facebook fan page:
Yesterday was amazing! Not only I made one of my dreams come true, which was to compete in Madison square garden ! I wrestled a 2x us national champion and former team USA Olympic member and was able to come out with the victory! #blessed thanks for the pic @lucasnoonan ontem foi demais! Não só eu realizei um dos meus sonhos q era lutar no madison square garden, eu lutei contra um duríssimo adversário 2x campeão americano e membro da seleção olímpica do usa e consegui conquistar a vitória! #mtofeliz #cbla #lutaolimpica #grappleatthegarden #timebrasil
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.