The Stats
Name: Bryan Marugg
Age: 19
Belt: Purple
Weight class: Lightweight
Length of training time: 6.5 years
From: Newberg, Oregon
Nicknames: Beast
Affiliation: Impact Jiu-Jitsu
Sponsors: Atama Kimonos, Roll Adapt Win
Accomplishments:
2012
San Francisco Open Purple Belt Light Champion
2011
Arizona Open Adult Purple Belt Absolute Champion
US Open Adult Purple Belt Light Champion
American Cup Adult Purple Belt Light Champion
2010
IBJJF Pan Jiu-Jitsu Medalist Adult Blue Belt Light (Silver)
US Open Adult Blue Belt Light Champion
2009
IBJJF Pan Jiu-Jitsu Medalist Juvenile Blue Belt Light and
Absolute (Bronze)
5x Oregon Open Gold medalist
5x Revolution Gold Medalist
Featured in GracieMag issue #169
Journey Jiu-Jitsu: At what age and how did you start
training jiu-jitsu?
Bryan Marugg: I started training when I was 13 years old. I
was a little trouble maker hanging with the wrong crowd, and my uncle and
cousin introduced me to our local jiu-jitsu academy. Then the journey began!
JJJ: When did you first realize you wanted to be a
competitor? What was the trigger that made you step up your training routine?
BM: After I competed in my first jiu-jitsu tournament when I
was three months into training. I was amazed by it all, the adrenalin rush, the
nerves, the joy or sadness and all. I always took my losses very hard, as I
have always been very competitive. After my first time at Pan Ams in 2009, I
really became a serious competitor. It changed my life and my all around view
of jiu-jitsu. Since then, competing in all the national tournaments has been my
life.
JJJ: How does your family feel about your training regimen?
How have they helped you?
BM: My family is very encouraging and supportive. They have
always helped me when I've had rough times in the art, and dealt with the
emotional roller coaster that every competitor goes through. They come to as
many tournaments as they can to watch and support. My mom even flew down to
watch me in the 2010 Pans.
JJJ: How has jiu-jitsu changed your life?
BM: Jiu-jitsu has made me the person I am today. I've become
more confident person, and all around happier.
JJJ: How would you classify your game? What trait/attribute
makes you a strong competitor?
BM: I would like to think of my jiu-jitsu game being very
versatile, and having the ability to adapt to many different situations and
styles. I don't play a ton of crazy positions, for I am a fan of the basics.
Every once in a while I like to throw a little flash in there.
JJJ: What is your daily routine like, from sun up to sun
down?
BM: Wake up. Go to the academy and either do my strength and
conditioning or technique/ positional sparring training. Then I go to school
usually, rest, and do Homework. Later on, I head back to the gym to teach and
train for another 2-3 hours. After that I go home and eat, study jiu-jitsu on Youtube,
SLEEP, and wake up to do it all over again!
JJJ: What are you thinking the moment you step out on the
mats before competing?
BM: I always go into a match as calm as possible so that I
can let my technique flow. I'm not into listening to crazy music and getting
pumped up. I like to stay focused and calm. I try not to dwell or think too
much about my next opponent. Only that they are human and that they can be
beaten.
JJJ: A lot of people say that schools matter when it comes
to competing at a high level. You have had success in tournaments despite not
being from a big box school. What is your take on the subject?
BM: I hear about this all the time. Many people are school
hoppers, trying to find the right fit. I'm not into burning bridges. I always
try to think about how good my team is for me and how I owe all my success to
them. I've been lucky enough finding a fantastic family and academy. You don't
have to train in these huge big name schools to be good. My coaches are
fantastic, caring, and very knowledgeable about what I need to be successful.
So I wouldn't worry about finding a big name academy, just for the name. Find an
academy that fit you best.
JJJ: You hear a lot of elite fighters speaking about
training 3-4 times a day, eating clean, and avoiding many other vices. How true
is this for you?
BM: Very true. As a teenager, I love eating junk food, but when
it comes to tournament season I make sure to eat a lot cleaner, and live a
healthier lifestyle. I am a fan of training 2-4 times a day if you done right.
There's a very fine line between over training and peaking at the right point.
Many find themselves under training or over training. If you think about a
professional in any field, they devote as much time as they can to be the best.
Jiu-jitsu is no different. I consider myself training if my mind has jiu-jitsu
on it....which is 24 hours a day.
JJJ: How important is positional sparring and drilling to
you? How often do you do it?
BM: I try to do both every day. Rolling is fun, but I
believe that you need to have as many repetitions in as you can. It is also
crucial to put those techniques in use during live rolls, slow rolls and
positional sparring.
JJJ: What are your goals for this year, and what
competitions will you be competing at?
BM: My main goal is Pan Ams at the moment; then Worlds after
that. With that being said I go into all tournaments with the same goal in
mind, go for the gold. I would also like to become a better student and coach
for our academy. I will be doing Pan Ams, Worlds, San Francisco Open, U.S.
Open, maybe the Asian Open or European Championships. I also compete in many
local tournaments.
JJJ: Do you think it is imperative for anyone serious about
training jiu-jitsu to compete?
BM: I really do. I think it is crucial to compete. It gives
you the opportunity to go at a pace that you can’t reach in the academy, and a
chance to roll with people with a wide variety of styles. For me, whenever I
have a loss in jiu-jitsu, it always kicks me into high gear for the next
tournament. It's not the case for everyone, but I have learned a ton from all
of my losses.
JJJ: We all know that a good foundation and start is important
in any endeavor you take on. What advice would you give to the kid or teenager
starting jiu-jitsu for the first time?
BM: I would tell them not to act like what they see on the
Ultimate fighter! Go into the academy with a positive attitude and get ready to
lose and learn. Many new members come into schools with the thought that they
want to be a fighter or that they are going to win or prove themselves on the
first day. Stay positive and most importantly have fun. Jiu-jitsu is such a
great art and can teach you a lot on and off the mat!
JJJ: When the going gets tough what is your go to submission
or position?
BM: Guard or mount.
JJJ: Favorite activity outside of the gym?
BM: I love to be outdoors. Fishing, camping, or just hanging
with friends or my girlfriend.
JJJ: Favorite food?
BM: My favorite food has to be sushi! In the off season, I
may eat a little junk food.
JJJ: If you could live anywhere in the world where would it
be?
BM: Well I have never left the west coast, besides Arizona
and Idaho. I love California, and after I visit Hawaii, it might be there.
JJJ: Who is your inspiration?
BM: Marcelo Garcia, Rodolfo Vieira, and Andre Galvao. Of
course my team and my family have and will always be my biggest inspiration.
