About the author

Gumby

Gumby is the co-founder of OntheMat.com back in 1997 with Scotty Nelson.

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A Brief History of Female Grappling (IBJJF / ADCC / F2W)

By Gumby / January 29, 2021

On January 29, 2021 F2Win Promotions will hold their first ever All Female Pro Card. This is clearly a historic event, and to understand how significant it’s worth giving a brief history of female grappling at the highest levels including IBJJF and ADCC. How far it’s come in a short time may surprise you!

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Rockson Gracie Tribute

By Gumby / January 18, 2021

Rockson Gracie was the oldest child of Rickson Gracie. I think few people I have known have had so bright a spotlight on themselves at such a young age, but I think it can also be said that Rockson Gracie radiated that energy right back.  Unfortunately the fire that burns twice as hot often lasts half […]

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RIP Paul “the Polar Bear” Varlens

By Gumby / January 17, 2021

RIP Paul Varlens, early NHB pioneer passed away due to Covid-19 complications today. He actually lived in the South Bay Area during his fighting career and our paths crossed a few times. Funny story, but I’ve never asked anyone for their autograph EVER, but I wound up asking for one from Paul. Thought I would […]

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Dave Camarillo Highlight Video

By Gumby / January 17, 2021

Dave Camarillo is an American Pioneer of Jiu Jitsu, and was really the first American to come into Jiu Jitsu with a very high level of competitive judo as well. Aside from being a Hero to a lot of us of the early era of Jiu Jitsu in America, you can say he contributed and […]

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Matt Serra Grappling Highlights

By Gumby / January 17, 2021

Matt Serra should be included on the list of American pioneers of Jiu Jitsu. He is Renzo Gracie’s FIRST American Black belt and although he sport BJJ / Sub Grappling career was short, he trained in the era there wasn’t as fine of a line between sport and fight. But aside from being among the […]

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Gumby’s Column: The Ways Jiu Jitsu has changed my life

By Gumby / September 6, 2016

I’m writing this on my 20th anniversary of my own appearance on a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu mat, and on the eve of a new Fundamentals cycle at my gym Heroes Martial Arts preparing for an influx of new students and I am reflecting on all the ways that Jiu Jitsu has changed my life and […]

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Gumby’s Column: Some thoughts on Olympic Judo (from an American BJJ’er)

By Gumby / August 9, 2016

*I watch the Olympics because I love grappling. I will be following Judo and Wrestling in part for my own enjoyment, in part because I understand and appreciate the hard work and sacrifices these athletes make and partly because I am trying to learn.   *That being said, I recognize that the Olympics Judo and […]

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Gumby’s Column: Fight to Win Pro Thoughts

By Gumby / July 24, 2016

I have been to many events over the years, but I think what the promoters of Fight to Win bring to the table is unique and exciting. The idea is create a huge card, over 20 matches in all largely showcasing local talent with a couple of super fights, give everyone the rock star treatment, […]

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Gumby’s Column: My Least Favorite Thing Ever

By Gumby / July 12, 2016

At the risk of sounding like the crotchety old man telling the kids to get off my mat, I have to get this off my chest: As much as I like an informal environment at my own gym (Heroes Martial Arts), I really only have three rules I rigorously enforce:   1: Display Common Courtesy […]

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