JOSHUA MATANANE
JOSHUA’S STORY
Joshua Matanane began his grappling career in junior high school through the sport of wrestling.
As he continued to wrestle through high school, he became increasingly passionate about grappling in general and began studying Japanese Jujutsu classes under Shihan William Thurston in Oklahoma City.
Within eight years of training he earned ranks in several forms of classical Jujutsu, including a Shodan in Kazoku Ryu, and a Nidan in Toshu Kakuto Kempo Jujutsu.
Feeling a need to explore newaza, or ground techniques, he also began training under Ty Gay of Redline Jiu Jitsu.
Joshua was awarded his blue belt by Professor’s Royler Gracie and Leonardo Xavier. He also received a second blue belt from the Gracie Academy through their Instructor Certification Program.
After a geographical move took him away from Redline Jiu Jitsu, he began training at 5150 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, where he received his purple and brown belts.
Joshua was introduced to Professor Roy Dean through a training partner and sought his guidance as head instructor of 5150 BJJ. He was accepted as a Roy Dean Academy Affiliate as he transitioned to his current position of Chief Instructor at Quest Grappling Academy in Norman, Oklahoma.
