Matt Leighton's Profile

Matthew Leighton was born on August 1, 1992, in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood, an area recognized for its challenging environment. His early fascination with martial arts began through watching Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events, ultimately leading him to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at age 17. Encouraged by close friends already involved in the sport, Leighton began training at a local Gracie Barra affiliate in Downtown Chicago, initially under the guidance of purple belts 'Beto' Barros and Brick Welch.

Commitment and Early Development

After graduating high school, Leighton fully immersed himself in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, moving into the gym to dedicate all his time and energy to training. His commitment intensified in 2011 when Adem Redzovic assumed leadership of the academy, awarding Leighton his blue and purple belts.

Transition to Competitive Excellence

Seeking a more competition-oriented environment, Leighton transitioned to the New Breed Training Centre in 2013, training under Mark Vives. His relentless dedication culminated in receiving his black belt from Vives on June 30, 2017.

In 2019, Matthew Leighton co-founded Citadel BJJ in Iowa City alongside wrestling coach and strength trainer James Kelly. As head instructor and co-owner, Leighton actively leads daily training sessions and student development. Citadel BJJ aims to cultivate high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a region traditionally dominated by wrestling, providing an inclusive environment and accessible resources for newcomers interested in grappling.

Mastery of the Lasso Guard

Leighton is widely recognized for his tactical use of the lasso guard, a technique central to his competitive success. His precise control and strategic setups from this position have become hallmarks of his grappling style.

Notable Competitive Achievements

In 2018, Leighton secured a significant black belt victory at Fight 2 Win 2018, submitting renowned competitor Dante Leon via a lasso guard armbar. He continues to compete actively in events such as ADCC Opens and regional superfights, consistently demonstrating a submission-oriented approach and technical precision.

Matthew Leighton is a vocal advocate for active coaching, frequently addressing the importance of black belts maintaining consistent training and teaching routines. He emphasizes passion and dedication as essential qualities for effective coaching. By remaining an active competitor and instructor himself, Leighton exemplifies continuous growth and commitment, setting a clear standard for his students and peers within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community.