Don Ortega

ICP4, ICP5, ICP6, CPR

After graduating from Adams State College, Don Ortega started training Jiu Jitsu in 2003. Studying under Alberto Crane and Draculino, Don found a new passion. In the summer of 2004, Ortega made his MMA debut by defeating UFC veteran Brad Gumm. The following year Ortega returned to Adams State College to finish his final year of wrestling eligibility. With a rekindled fire for competition Ortega claimed 7th place at Division II NCAA National Championships earning All American. Ortega then returned to Jiu Jitsu winning titles in the GI and NOGI divisions. Most notably, he won the 2007 FILA Worlds Championships in Antalaya, Turkey, the ADCC Trials in 2009, and the 2008 IBJJF World Championship. Ortega became the first American to win the brown belt middle heavy division in the IBJJF’s history of the tournament. Don has competed twice in the ADCC World Championship considered by many as the olympics of submission grappling. Professor Don trains daily and teaches at Gracie Barra NM.

Notable achievements:

World NOGI bronze medalist (2013)
2x ADCC Veteran (Barcelona 2009, UK 2011)
2008 IBJJF World Champion – Brown Belt
2007 FILA World Grappling Champion
2011 ADCC West Coast Trials – Runner-up
2010 ADCC East Coast Trials – Runner-up
2009 ADCC Trials Champion
2007 World Team Trials National Champion
2007 IBJJF Pan American Champion – Purple Belt
2006 IBJJF Pan American Champion – Blue Belt
2005 NCAA Division II All-American
2 Time NCAA National Qualifier
1-0 Professional Mixed Martial Arts record
New Mexico State Wrestling Champion
5-0 Amateur boxing record