Marcus Johnson

Marcus Johnson began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at age 16, transitioning seamlessly from a strong wrestling foundation developed during his high school years. He trained extensively under two-time ADCC champion JT Torres at Essential BJJ Academy in White Plains, NY. To further expand his grappling knowledge, Marcus regularly cross-trained at Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu Academy in New York City, demonstrating his dedication to learning from elite-level competitors. In March 2022, Marcus received his black belt from JT Torres, becoming one of JT's first home-grown black belts since the founding of Essential BJJ.

Pressure Passing and Folding Pass Systems

Marcus Johnson is widely recognized for his methodical pressure passing and refined folding pass systems, techniques heavily influenced by his instructor, JT Torres. He extensively detailed these strategies in his instructional "Finding and Forcing the Folding Pass," released through BJJ Fanatics.

Body-Lock Passing and Guard Neutralization

Marcus also contributed a comprehensive course on body-lock passing to Grapplers Guide, showcasing his systematic approach to neutralizing open guards. His competitive style effectively integrates a robust wrestling base with modern jiu-jitsu elements, including lapel guard variations and advanced leg lock awareness.

Marcus Johnson adopts an academic and structured methodology in teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing conceptual understanding and technical precision. As general manager and senior instructor at Essential BJJ Academy, he significantly shaped the academy's curriculum. Marcus encourages students to approach jiu-jitsu as a scholarly pursuit, promoting detailed note-taking, positional studies, and conceptual homework assignments. He firmly believes teaching is integral to deeply understanding jiu-jitsu, and he has mentored numerous colored belts who have achieved medal-winning performances at prestigious tournaments such as the IBJJF Pan and World Championships.

In May 2025, Marcus Johnson will open Heritage Jiu Jitsu Studio in Morganville, New Jersey. The academy, guided by the motto "Modern Jiu-Jitsu Meets Tradition and Craft," aims to blend cutting-edge competitive techniques with a deep respect for classic fundamentals. Having refined his skills under JT Torres and other elite mentors, Marcus plans to offer structured, high-level instruction in a modern facility. Heritage Jiu Jitsu maintains a close affiliation with Essential BJJ, ensuring the continuation of JT Torres's lineage and influence in Marcus's teaching.

Throughout his tenure at Essential BJJ Academy, Marcus Johnson played a pivotal role in mentorship and athlete development. He frequently led fundamental classes and managed academy operations, particularly during JT Torres's preparations for major competitions such as ADCC 2019. Marcus's coaching directly contributed to the success of Essential BJJ colored belts at major tournaments, including the IBJJF Pan and World Championships. Additionally, he provided grappling coaching to local MMA fighters, leveraging his combined wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expertise. With the establishment of Heritage Jiu Jitsu Academy, Marcus is expected to continue producing high-level competitors and further contribute to athlete development.

Marcus Johnson consistently demonstrated competitive prowess throughout his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu career. During his colored belt years, he regularly medaled at regional IBJJF Opens and competed internationally on the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro circuit during his late brown belt period. As a black belt competing in the Master 1 division, Marcus achieved notable success, including a bronze medal at the 2024 IBJJF World Master Jiu-Jitsu Championship (Master 1 Middleweight). In 2024, he secured double gold medals at both the 2024 IBJJF New Jersey International Open and the 2024 IBJJF Indianapolis International Open, winning his weight class and the absolute divisions. Additionally, Marcus earned silver medals at the IBJJF Miami Open and IBJJF New York Open, performances that contributed to his top-15 ranking in the IBJJF Masters division. Marcus plans to continue competing in IBJJF and AJP events while transitioning to full-time coaching.