Josh Hinger

Wrestling Roots and Transition to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Josh Hinger began his grappling journey wrestling at Sonora High School in Brea, California. After relocating to Temecula, California, he continued wrestling at Chaparral High School, notably capturing the CIF 145lbs division wrestling title during his senior year in 2000. His introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu came in July 2003 when a former wrestling teammate invited him to attend a class. Initially seeking mats to continue wrestling, Hinger quickly became captivated by BJJ, fully transitioning under the guidance of his first instructor, Chris Brennan.

Journey Through Belt Ranks and Joining Atos

Hinger's early Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu development occurred under Chris Brennan, who guided him from white to purple belt. Following the closure of Brennan's academy in 2006, Hinger continued his training under renowned competitors Baret Yoshida and Jason Bukich, earning his brown belt from the duo. Eventually, Hinger joined the prestigious Atos headquarters in San Diego, California, training directly under André Galvão. His dedication culminated in receiving his black belt from Galvão on December 7, 2013.

No-Gi Specialist and Signature 'Hingertine' Technique

Widely recognized for his exceptional no-gi grappling skills, Josh Hinger is particularly celebrated for his mastery of the guillotine choke, affectionately dubbed the "Hingertine." Hinger employs the guillotine not merely as a submission but as a versatile positional tool, enabling him to execute sweeps, establish mount, and effectively counter opponents' guard passes. His aggressive style and willingness to attack the neck of any opponent, regardless of size, have produced memorable moments, such as his notable guillotine attempt against Cyborg Abreu at the 2019 ADCC World Championship. Hinger's innovative approach to the guillotine choke has significantly influenced modern no-gi grappling, making it an essential technique for competitors worldwide.

Leadership and Mentorship Role at Atos HQ

As a veteran competitor and respected leader within Atos HQ, Josh Hinger plays a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of grapplers. Leveraging his extensive wrestling background, he leads Friday wrestling practices and frequently directs competition class warm-ups and drills in the absence of head coach André Galvão. Known affectionately as the "elder statesman" of the squad, Hinger has mentored prominent athletes such as Tye Ruotolo, Kade Ruotolo, Lucas Barbosa, Cade Marostica, and Andy Murasaki. His professionalism, longevity, and unwavering dedication set a powerful example for younger athletes aspiring to compete at elite levels.

Competition Style and Notable Matches

Josh Hinger is renowned for his aggressive, submission-oriented grappling style, particularly in no-gi competitions. Throughout his career, he has successfully competed in both adult and masters divisions, often challenging himself by competing above his natural middleweight class. Notable performances include his second-place finish at the 2015 EBI Invitational and a bronze medal at the 2019 ADCC World Championship. Hinger consistently demonstrates adaptability and technical precision, frequently facing larger opponents and showcasing his versatile skill set.

Matburn Podcast and Thought Leadership

Beyond competition, Josh Hinger expanded his influence through the Matburn Podcast, co-hosted with fellow grappler Keenan Cornelius. Launched in 2019, the podcast gained popularity for its candid discussions on controversial topics such as steroid use in BJJ, mental health among competitors, and the economics of professional grappling. Hinger's straightforward and humorous communication style resonated with listeners, making him a beloved figure in the BJJ community. He emphasizes fundamental techniques, positional sparring, and cross-training in wrestling and judo, further solidifying his reputation as a thoughtful leader and advocate for the sport.