4. Logan Ross – Brown Belt

Logan Ross began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2015 at the age of 17 at Gracie Barra Edmonton. With a strong athletic background in hockey, football, track and field, and cross-country running, he was immediately drawn to the art and the unique atmosphere surrounding it. While he had participated in many sports, Jiu-Jitsu stood out—largely due to the incredible people he met, from first-time students to masters with over 65 years of dedication to the craft.

Competition quickly became a driving force in Logan’s journey. Just two months after starting, he entered his first tournament in Vancouver, sparking a passion that led him to compete across North America in pursuit of excellence. While gold medals were never his ultimate goal, they became a byproduct of his discipline, dedication, and love for the art. Over time, he built an impressive tournament record, earning more than 30 gold medals and six championship belts. His efforts placed him in the top 16 of the IBJJF World standings as a blue belt, and his tenacity earned him the nickname “The Nemesis” in local gyms.

However, his journey took an unexpected turn after receiving his purple belt from Professor Ryan. As his symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis worsened, Logan was forced to step away from Jiu-Jitsu. Undeterred, he shifted his focus to studying leadership, personal development, and business, gaining valuable insights that allowed him to uplift and serve those around him. He firmly believes that the mind often fails before the body and that developing mental resilience is key to overcoming hardship and staying on the path to success.

After a three-year hiatus, a near-death experience from his illness forced Logan to re-evaluate everything. With relentless determination, he fought his way into remission after an eight-year battle with Ulcerative Colitis. Once his health was restored, he returned to Jiu-Jitsu, this time training at Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to expand his knowledge of different grappling systems. Under Professor Pedro, he earned his brown belt, and a year later, with his blessing, he returned to Gracie Barra when Professor Ryan offered him the opportunity to share his knowledge through teaching.

Today, Logan is focused on building strong relationships with everyone he meets, learning from each individual, and supporting their growth—both in Jiu-Jitsu and in life. He looks forward to meeting new students on the mats and helping them on their own journey in this incredible martial art.