BJJ Credentials

Justin Edel is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, promoted within the Gracie Humaita lineage. He trains under Professor JW Wright, a 4th Degree Black Belt based in St. Louis, and received direct self-defense certification from Royler Gracie.

Training & Competition Highlights

Justin has been training jiu jitsu since 2014. He earned gold at IBJJF Worlds in 2022 as a blue belt and returned to win bronze as a purple belt in 2023. Before BJJ, Justin was a high school wrestler and trained in Wing Chun martial arts, giving him a well-rounded foundation.

Teaching Experience

Since 2019, Justin has been teaching BJJ across the Springfield–Branson area, specializing in self-defense jiu jitsu for all ages and skill levels. In addition to jiu jitsu, he also coaches wrestling and football with Nixa Youth Sports. His teaching style emphasizes technique over strength, building confidence, and developing mental toughness.

Instructor Philosophy

For Justin, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is more than a sport — it’s a way to live out values of discipline, respect, resilience, and self-development. He believes jiu jitsu creates stronger people both on and off the mats, and he is passionate about building a welcoming community at Forged BJJ in Springfield.

Personal Life

Outside the gym, Justin is a man of faith, husband, and proud father of two. Together with his family, he is committed to bringing the Forged BJJ mission to life — creating a place where men and women can grow in mental and physical strength and stand strong for what they love and believe in.