David Garmo

Founder - Head Instructor 

David started his Martial Arts journey in 1995 at 5 years of age. Being deathly afraid of the water during his first foray into swimming lessons, David's mother, Sahira decided to take him across the street to "Michigan Martial Arts." There, he was exposed to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by then Blue belt, Lee Miles. After training for a few years, on and off, he started playing team sports in middle school and gave up on Martial Arts. In High School, David wrestled for Brother Rice High School which reinvigorated his love for combat sports.

Upon graduation, he started looking for another sport outlet and eventually found Brazilian jiu-jitsu again by way of MASH Gym. On October 11th, 2008, His second career as a grappler would start. David was awarded his Blue Belt in June of 2009 by Master Caique in addition to Big Don Richard. In March of 2011, he was promoted to Purple Belt at Warrior Way Martial Arts by Master Caique, Harvy Berman, Brandon McDaniel, Angelo Popofski and Big Don Richard. Similarly in December of 2013, he was then awarded his Brown Belt by those same instructors. June of 2014 saw a big change for David. He moved to Detroit Jiu-Jitsu under Danny Agemy where he was then awarded his Black Belt in October of 2017. Subsequently, he received his 2nd Degree Black Belt under Prof. Agemy, as well. Between Purple and Black belt, he gathered experience instructing both Adults and Children at Warrior Way and MASH Gym. As a Black Belt, David moved to Tokyo where he taught Grappling at Carpe Diem BJJ in Tokyo.

His time in Tokyo cemented him as one of the best international competitors in the World through his victories in IBJJF events as well as the famed QUINTET Fight Night, where he and his team came out victorious. With nearly 400 wins in just Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, David is the winningest competitor in Michigan. We hope you will join his classes and see for yourself where he can help take you on your Martial Arts journey!

BJJ Heroes Profile

Currently Ranked #7 in the World at 185 lb by FloGrappling

 Main Competitive Achievements

  • Team USA Representative - World Championship 2024

  • IBJJF American Nationals Gold 2024

  • IBJJF Indianpolis Gold 2024

  • ADCC Toronto Open Gold 2024

  • IBJJF World Championship Silver 2023

  • IBJJF Oklahoma Open Gold 2023

  • IBJJF American Nationals Champion 2022

  • IBJJF European Championship Bronze 2022

  • ADCC West Coast Trials 4th Place 2022

  • FloGrappling’s WNO Competitor

  • Fight 2 Win Record: 3-1

  • IBJJF Indianapolis Open Medium-Heavy Champion & Absolute Silver Medalist 2021

  • IBJJF Dallas Open Absolute Silver Medalist 2021

  • IBJJF American Nationals Absolute Silver Medalist 2020

  • Quintet Fight Night 2 Champion 2019

  • IBJJF London Open Silver Medalist 2019

  • Quintet Fight Night 1 Champion 2018

  • Submission Hunters Champion 2018

  • SJJF Kyushu Quad Champion 2018

  • No Gi Pan Am Silver Medalist 2017, 2015, 2013

  • IBJJF Chicago Summer Open No Gi Absolute Champion 2017

  • IBJJF Japanese Nationals Gi Absolute Champion 2017

  • IBJJF Chicago Winter Open Gi Absolute Champion 2014

  • IBJJF No Gi World Championship Silver Medalist 2013