Catch Wrestler Josh Barnett Earns BJJ Black Belt

I first met Josh Barnett at the Pan American Games in 2005. He is a confident, well spoken and knowledgeable fighter and instructor, but it was great to meet someone who had achieved so much at a young age, defeating Randy Couture to capture the title. Sadly, it was stripped for his alleged steroid usage, but everyone knows Barnett is the top contender for the Heavyweight title of any MMA organization, worldwide. I hope he signs with the UFC in 2010.

With minimal kimono training, Josh Barnett was promoted to a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt by his longtime coach Erik Paulson. Paulson, a Rigan Machado black belt, awarded Barnett the belt based on competition merit and overall knowledge. Barnett trains and teaches at Paulson’s CSW Training Center in Fullerton, California.

This past November Barnett, technically a white belt in BJJ, entered in the ultra-heavyweight division of the black belt category and won the gold medal at the No-Gi World Championships.

JOSH BARNETT’S 2009 GRAPPLING RECORD
– Second Place (Absolute / Gi) — Caifornia Classic 2009, 11/15/2009
– First Place (Ultra-Heavy / No-Gi) — World Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship, 11/08/2009
– First Place (205 + lbs / No-Gi) — Grappling Experience, 10/25/2009
– First Place (Absolute / No-Gi) — Grappling Experience, 10/25/2009

There's a rumor he might be entering the $10,000 CASH Prize tournament at Grapplers Quest at Tachi Palace in Lemoore, California, stay tuned!