Johnny Tama No-Gi World Champion

Update June 2025: If you appreciate grappling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and great innovators, you know the name know Johnny Tama. He is a No-Gi World Champion and first Hispanic to win an International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. Our original post announced an upcoming visit by Johnny Tama to Black Label Martial Arts back in August, 2021. Though the event is long over, we still think his story is extraordinary and worth a read. 

Johnny Tama’s journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began in 2009 at the age of 16, after a brutal street attack sparked his pursuit of self-defense. What started as a necessity quickly turned into a passion. He rose swiftly through the ranks, earning his black belt in just seven years under Juan Miguel Iturralde—an extraordinary achievement in a discipline where reaching black belt status typically takes a decade of dedicated training.

Renowned for his technical precision and fierce competitive spirit, Tama is equally grounded by his faith. He often credits his resilience and success to divine guidance. Before his No-Gi World Championship win, he posted with conviction: “This weekend is when I will become what I’ve dreamed so much for so long—watch me!”

“Johnny Tama is not only an elite-level competitor in both Gi and No-Gi,” says friend and follower, Malachy Friedman of Black Label Martial Arts, “he’s also an innovator. He created the Tama Lock, a devastating leg-lock submission, and continues to push the evolution of modern Jiu-Jitsu.”

Known globally as a specialist in advanced guard systems and passing strategies—including 50/50 and leg lock entries—Tama brings world-class expertise to Jiu jitsu. This is a rare He is one of the sport’s true visionaries.

Johnny Tama has come a long way from the streets of Guayaquil, Ecuador. He now owns his own martial arts school. If you are ever in San Diego, stop by Tama Jiu Jitsu and tell them Black Label sent you.