Tim Spriggs

Born and raised in Columbia, Maryland, Tim Spriggs first discovered martial arts at age 16 after watching the inaugural season of "The Ultimate Fighter". Initially training karate for about one year, Spriggs soon recognized its limitations in practical self-defense scenarios. Seeking a more realistic and effective combat system, he transitioned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the nearby Crazy 88 academy.

Spriggs dedicated his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey exclusively to training at Crazy 88 under the mentorship of Julius Park, progressing steadily from white belt to black belt. In August 2014, he earned his black belt during a ceremony hosted by Lloyd Irvin, head of the affiliated TLI (Team Lloyd Irvin). In late 2022, Spriggs achieved another significant milestone, receiving his second-degree black belt from Irvin.

Widely recognized for his aggressive and relentless guard passing, Spriggs established himself as a formidable heavyweight competitor. His tactical approach emphasizes high-pressure passing combined with submission-oriented strategies, enabling him to dominate opponents and secure victories at elite competitions. Notable achievements include capturing gold at the 2018 IBJJF World No-Gi Championship, winning the 2018 ADCC East Coast Trials, and becoming the inaugural WNO heavyweight champion in 2021.

Expanding his athletic endeavors beyond grappling, Spriggs ventured into professional wrestling under the persona "Mush Master". Demonstrating versatility and charisma, he successfully captured a regional tag-team wrestling championship. In a strategic pivot, Spriggs announced plans to pause his wrestling career in 2025 to pursue competitive judo, aiming to represent Team USA internationally.

In 2022, Spriggs showcased his coaching expertise on FloGrappling's reality series "Who's Next", serving as a rival coach opposite renowned grappler Craig Jones. Additionally, Spriggs co-hosts the popular "BJJ GOONS" podcast, regularly engaging listeners with insightful discussions on jiu-jitsu culture, competitive analysis, and trending topics within the martial arts community.

Throughout his competitive career, Spriggs faced significant injury setbacks, including a torn meniscus and rotator cuff. These injuries influenced his decision to temporarily step away from active competition, allowing him to prioritize recovery and reassess his athletic goals. Despite these challenges, Spriggs expressed interest in returning to competition, potentially targeting events such as the IBJJF New York Open.

Following his victory as the inaugural WNO heavyweight champion in 2021, Spriggs publicly challenged Gordon Ryan to a title unification match. This bold call-out intensified their rivalry and drew considerable attention from the grappling community, highlighting Spriggs' competitive ambition and confidence.

Looking ahead, Spriggs has announced his intention to pursue competitive judo, with aspirations of representing Team USA on the international stage. His planned hiatus from professional wrestling in 2025 underscores his commitment to intensive judo training and competition, marking an exciting new chapter in his martial arts journey.