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The Ultimate Grappler: Adam Wheeler, Olympic Wrestling Medalist & BJJ Black Belt

The Ultimate Grappler: Adam Wheeler, Olympic Wrestling Medalist & BJJ Black Belt

 

 

Adam Wheeler is an American Greco-Roman wrestler, best known for his bronze medal performance at the 2008 Summer Olympics. What sets Adam apart from other elite wrestlers is that he is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt! There has been some recent movement on social media to see a Metamoris match between Josh Barnett and Adam Wheeler. He recently participated in the Metamoris secret tournament which was a qualifier to find an opponent for Barnett.

BJJ Eastern Europe contacted Adam to find out more about this complete grappler, what brought him to BJJ and about his plans to compete more in BJJ:

1. Hi Adam, can you please introduce yourself to the BJJ Community of Eastern Europe? 

Hello, my name is Adam Wheeler and I am 33 years old. I am originally from California, but now live and train in Colorado. I am a black belt in BJJ under Lee Douglas, a Carlos Machado Black belt; however I now train under Professor Marcelo Motta at Prime Bjj.
2.How did you discover BJJ and how did you start training? Tell us about your BJJ journey

I actually started training in high school at a small Japanese JJ School, however only for a short period of time. My reason for stopping was I put all my effort into wrestling and eventually became an Olympic Medalist at the 2008 games. Why I was wrestling I would frequently go home and do bjj with my brother. My brother is the reason I do bjj today. I saw how much he loved it and I always knew I would be training Bjj when I was done wrestling.

adam

3. What are some similarities and differences between Wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu cultures?

There are a lot of similarities between wrestling and Bjj, but there are also a lot of things different. The Bjj atmosphere is more layed back and you have multiple levels training at the same time. Toward the later years of my wrestling career I was training at the Olympic Training Center and there was only super high level athletes training. I love wrestling, but I definitely enjoy the bjj culture a little more these days.

4. What are some of the advantages, both physical and mental, that a long career in Wrestling has given you when you train BJJ?

I do feel like having a long career in wrestling gives you so many advantages for bjj. Not only the physical aspect of it, but the mental toughness and confidence that you gain when your wrestling is priceless. Wrestling taught me to believe in myself and in my training. Not to mention the training mentality of a high level wrestler is second to none.

adam2

5. In terms of strength training, how did you train during your Wrestling career? How often,, what types of programs? How do you strength nowadays for BJJ/Grappling?

When I was wrestling I had a very difficult training program I practiced twice every day except Sundays. Not all practices were super intense, but most were. I was younger then, I would not be able to do the same now days. I also feel that I am training smarter now for the longevity of bjj and overall lifestyle. Now days I actually do my own programming and am currently starting an online training website where I can share my secrets with everyone. Please visit www.naturalfighterfit.com for details.

6. Are you open to competing in some BJJ competitions or superfights? How about MMA?

I do plan on competing soon in Bjj, possibly No Gi worlds in October. I originally told myself I was retired after the Olympics, but I want to be a good example for my students, training partners, and personal training clients. I like to show them that it’s good to test yourself. My mentality is different now days, as compared to my wrestling days. I do believe however for the younger generation if they want to be world champs they need to compete as much as possible. When I wrestled I traveled the world and competed as much as possible.

7. There have been some people on social networks pushing for a match between you and Josh Barnett. How do you feel about that.

The media thing going on right now with a match between me and Josh Barnett got started from someone else. I think he is an amazing athlete and I was very impressed to see the way he fought against Dean Lister. I think people were so impressed by his wrestling that they wanted to see another wrestler and bjj black belt go against him. I would definitely be open for it, again as a way to test myself with one of the best athletes in the world. I am not calling him out and have much respect for him. If Metamoris was interested in having me on their show I could think of some other guys I would like to face as well.

Adam training with Allistair Overeem

Adam training with Allistair Overeem

8. Please tell us about your academy Prime BJJ.

Prime Bjj is my current gym. Professor Marcelo Motta is possibly one of the most technical Bjj athletes and coaches I have ever met. I got my black belt before I started training with him, but he has really helped my bjj game a lot. There are also several other training partners for me at the school who push me physically and technically as well.
Now days there are so many top level guys that I like to watch compete, it’s hard to only pick one. The younger generations are constantly evolving which is always fun to see.

9. How would you describe your BJJ game/style? Strong basics or modern sport Jiu-Jitsu?

It’s hard for me to describe my style of bjj. I like to consider myself a hybrid that has brought my wrestling game and bjj game together and I have a unique style. I know I get away with certain techniques that I have came up with that may not be traditional bjj, but it works for me. I am always a student of the game and continue to improve and learn.

Please check out my website www.naturalfighterfit.com

 

Check out Adam’s wrestling highlight: