Professor Justin Vance is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Justin Gonzales and Matthew Gallagher. He began his journey wrestling as a child in West Virginia. After joining the Army in 2003, Justin completed Modern Army Combatives Program Levels 1 and 2, Marine Corps Line Training, and MCMAP at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
In 2007, Justin began training at Gracie Barra in Waipahu, Hawaii, where he competed in countless competitions and tournaments. He later moved to Fort Polk, Louisiana, where he collaborated with Army leaders to develop a Combatives and Jiu Jitsu club.
Justin was selected as an Army Drill Sergeant and stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he was introduced to the Fort Sill Jiu Jitsu and Combatives Club. He later served at Fort Stewart, Georgia, where he continued training and instructing at the Marne Fight House.
Justin requested to return to Fort Sill and, while serving as a First Sergeant, established the 434th FA Fight House to train and certify Drill Sergeants. During this time, he received his Blue and Purple Belt from Derek Lemos and served as a kids coach and beginners class instructor.
While attending the Sergeants Major Academy, Justin began training at Grind Underground Jiu Jitsu Club in El Paso, Texas. During that time, he helped establish and create the kids program and received his Brown Belt.
Justin continued teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the Grind banner for four years while serving in the Republic of Korea and at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. In 2024, after 17 years of dedication, Justin received his Black Belt. He is a co-founder of Grind Jiu Jitsu - Elgin, Oklahoma, and a retired Command Sergeant Major with a love for teaching, coaching, and mentoring.
Certifications & Experience
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt
- MACP Instructor
- Marine Corps Line Training Instructor
- MCMAP Experience
- Drill Sergeant
- Army Instructor
- Presidential Volunteer Service Award — Silver
- 2019 Fort Sill Volunteer of the Year
- Master of Arts in Management