Edwin Najmi

Early Life and Introduction to Grappling

Edwin Najmi was born on January 22, 1992, in the United States. His initial interest in combat sports began through playful wrestling matches with his cousin during family gatherings. Seeking structured training, Najmi first joined a judo dojo with lineage tracing back to Gokor Chivichyan and Gene Lebell. The dojo placed significant emphasis on groundwork and submission wrestling, particularly during their Friday sessions, which quickly became Najmi's favorite classes. After a year of training in judo and submission wrestling, Najmi sought a discipline more focused on ground fighting. In 2009, he transitioned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, joining Romulo Barral's renowned Gracie Barra academy.

Rapid Progression Under Romulo Barral

At Gracie Barra, Najmi quickly emerged as a standout talent under the mentorship of Romulo Barral. Recognizing Najmi's potential, Barral employed unconventional training methods, notably requiring Najmi to exclusively practice spider guard defense for several months at the blue belt level. This rigorous approach significantly enhanced Najmi's guard skills and overall defensive capabilities. His rapid ascent through the ranks culminated on May 30, 2015, when Barral awarded him his black belt on the podium after Najmi won the IBJJF World Championship at brown belt.

Signature Competition Style

Najmi is widely recognized for his aggressive, submission-oriented competition style, characterized by dynamic guard play and relentless offensive pressure. His signature technique, the Flying triangle, gained widespread acclaim after he famously submitted Nicholas Meregali at the 2015 Copa Podio Lightweight Grand Prix. Najmi consistently advocates an attacking mindset, emphasizing aggression and submission attempts, particularly when facing larger or physically imposing opponents.

Transition to Coaching and Academy Leadership

In 2019, Najmi expanded his role from competitor to instructor by opening Gracie Barra Tarzana in Los Angeles alongside Romulo Barral. As head instructor, Najmi dedicates significant time to teaching and student development, overseeing a thriving youth program and producing competitive athletes. Under his guidance, Gracie Barra Tarzana has rapidly established itself as a prominent training hub within Southern California's grappling community.

Role as Grappling Coach for UFC Fighters

Leveraging his elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expertise, Najmi serves as the head grappling coach for numerous top-tier MMA and UFC fighters. His academy, Gracie Barra Tarzana, regularly attracts professional fighters seeking to refine their ground techniques. Najmi is particularly noted for effectively translating sport BJJ techniques into practical MMA applications, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and highly effective grappling coach.

Reduced Competition Frequency and Shift in Priorities

Although Najmi previously competed frequently and was known for highlight-reel submissions, his competition appearances have decreased due to injuries and the responsibilities associated with running an academy. Peers note that Najmi finds greater personal and financial fulfillment in coaching and cornering fighters rather than pursuing medals. While he has not entirely ruled out future competition, Najmi's primary focus has shifted toward teaching, mentoring, and supporting his students and fighters.

Personal Brand as 'The Entertainer'

Najmi has cultivated a charismatic and approachable persona within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community, earning him the nickname "The Entertainer." He regularly shares humorous and lifestyle-oriented content, including pranks and surfing adventures, on social media platforms. This engaging personality helps attract recreational students to his academy. Despite his emphasis on enjoyment and community, Najmi maintains a serious commitment to technical excellence, consistently encouraging his students to adopt an aggressive, submission-first approach in their training.