Ed Rich began his martial arts journey in his teens, earning his black belt in Taekwondo just two months before March 1997. Driven by a desire to serve, he enlisted in the U.S. Army three days after his 17th birthday, entering what he humorously calls “Ft. Benning’s school for wayward boys.”
From 1997 to 2001, Ed completed infantry training, Airborne School, Air Assault School, the Improvised Explosives Course, and Division-Level RIP with the 101st Airborne Division. He rose through the ranks, becoming a Corporal in 2000 and a Sergeant in 2001, earning multiple Combat Infantryman Badges (CIB) and unforgettable experiences along the way.
Between 2001 and 2014, Ed served on multiple combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. His work with elite teams, including Special Operations Consultants (SOC), Blackwater Worldwide, Academi, ArmorGroup International, and other government agencies, further shaped his expertise and resilience. During this period, he trained in various martial arts, including Karate and Kali, always seeking to add new tools to his skillset.
Ed was first introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Afghanistan under Roland “Goot” Gutierrez, a student of Professor Rick Lucero. What began as a practical pursuit quickly became a passion. Jiu-jitsu offered not only effective skills but also a sense of peace and purpose in a chaotic world.
In 2014, Ed was injured in Afghanistan. Returning home meant enduring multiple surgeries, a long recovery, and personal upheaval, including a difficult divorce. This chapter also brought the realization that he was facing PTSD—a challenge he met head-on, starting a healing journey with the support of Jiu-Jitsu.
By 2015, Ed was training at Professor Marcio “Pe de Pano” Cruz’s academy, rediscovering his passion for Jiu-Jitsu and the grounding influence of the community. After relocating, he continued his training under a Fabio Novaes affiliate while raising his three children full-time.
Today, Ed brings not only years of combat and martial arts experience to the mats but also deep empathy and mentorship—especially for fellow veterans and anyone navigating personal battles. He believes that no experience is too great or too painful to find healing and strength through Jiu-Jitsu.
"There is no person whose experiences are too good or too bad to benefit from Jiu-Jitsu. I'm honored to share this journey with each of you." – Ed Rich