From Falcon to Professional Jiu-Jitsu Fighter

By Whitney Truax

What began as just another sport Joseph Brunson ’25 tried in Lower School, quickly grew into a passion. By eighth grade, Brunson knew he wanted to pursue a professional career in jiu-jitsu, and now, since graduating in May, he’s set his sights on a fulltime career in the sport.

This commitment was years in the making. Brunson recalled how his dad, a jiu-jitsu Black belt himself, initially hesitated to enroll him in formal training. “My dad didn’t want jiu-jitsu to be just a thing he was forcing me to do,” said Brunson. “He wanted it to be something I actually enjoyed. He didn’t want me to be doing it for him. So after like a year, I convinced him it was something I wanted to do, and I started training.”

In fourth grade, Brunson started training. In sixth grade, he began taking more classes throughout the week. It was during the pandemic, when he couldn’t play any other sport, that he truly fell in love with jiu-jitsu. After he finished Middle School, he considered pursuing a professional career then, but the athletic opportunities kept him at FWCD. If he hadn’t met Wrestling Program Director Hugo Muñoz, Brunson might not have stayed at the School.

Joining the wrestling team in Upper School brought Brunson joy. “I was the happiest I’ve ever been at Country Day when I was wrestling,” he said. “My favorite spot on campus is the wrestling room.” He concluded his FWCD wrestling career as the most successful wrestler in program history, boasting 124 wins and three SPC Championships.

Looking ahead, Brunson plans to participate in jiu-jitsu competitions across North America. His goal right now is to work toward the Who’s Number One card, a prestigious Brazilian jiu-jitsu event, and get his name out there. The exposure can help with his ranking and the monetary side of things. His training will include four and a half hours on the mat per day, as well as stretching and recovery sessions with his team at Team Mohler, a premier martial arts gym in Grapevine.

“I’ve been very fortunate that I’ve been with my team for eight years now,” said Brunson. “I know basically the whole team, and I’m really close friends with a lot of them, so it’s going to be good to just enter into a space where I know everybody.”

Training alongside his teammates, Brunson is preparing for the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) East Coast Trials in November, one of the world’s largest tournaments, in preparation for the ADCC World Championship in 2026.

Brunson has his sights set on being a world champion, and with years of dedication already behind him, he is stepping confidently onto the mat, ready for whatever comes next.