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Jonathan Torres (grappler)

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For other people named Jonathan Torres, see Jonathan Torres (disambiguation).
Jonathan Torres
Born (1989-09-02) September 2, 1989 (age 35)
Bronx, New York, U.S.
Other namesJT
Spiderman
ResidenceWestchester, New York, U.S.
DivisionLightweight
StyleBrazilian Jiu Jitsu
TeamAtos Jiu-Jitsu
Rank  4th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu[1]
Other information
OccupationBJJ practitioner, instructor
Jonathan Torres
Medal record
Representing  United States
Grappling
ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship
Gold medal – first place 2019 Anaheim, California -77kg
Gold medal – first place 2017 Espoo, Finland -77kg
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Grappling
World No-Gi Championship
Gold medal – first place 2013 Lightweight (Black)
Silver medal – second place 2012 Lightweight (Black)
Bronze medal – third place 2010 Lightweight (Black)[2]
Silver medal – second place 2009 Lightweight (Black)[3]
Gold medal – first place 2008 Lightweight (Brown)[4]
Pan No-Gi Championship
Gold medal – first place 2010 Lightweight (Black)[5]
Silver medal – second place 2009 Lightweight (Black)[6]
Gold medal – first place 2008 Lightweight (Brown)[7]
World Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Bronze medal – third place 2015 Lightweight (Black)
Silver medal – second place 2014 Lightweight (Black)[8]
Bronze medal – third place 2011 Lightweight (Black)[8]
Silver medal – second place 2009 Lightweight (Brown)[9]
Pan-American Championship
Bronze medal – third place 2014 Lightweight (Black)[10]
Bronze medal – third place 2013 Lightweight (Black)[10]
Bronze medal – third place 2011 Lightweight (Black)[10]
Bronze medal – third place 2009 Lightweight (Brown)[11]
Silver medal – second place 2007 Featherweight (Purple)[12]
Silver medal – second place 2006 Lightweight (Blue Juvenile)[13]
European Open Championships
Silver medal – second place 2014 Middleweight (Black)[14]
Silver medal – second place 2012 Lightweight (Black)[14]
Bronze medal – third place 2011 Lightweight (Black)[15]
Bronze medal – third place 2010 Lightweight (Black)[16]
Gold medal – first place 2009 Lightweight (Brown)[17]
Brazilian National Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Silver medal – second place 2010 Lightweight (Black)[18]
Asian Open Championship
Gold medal – first place 2012 Lightweight (Black)
Gold medal – first place 2012 Absolute (Black)
Gold medal – first place 2010 Lightweight (Black)
Bronze medal – third place 2010 Absolute (Black)
New York International Open Championship
Gold medal – first place 2010 Lightweight (Black)[19]
Gold medal – first place 2009 Lightweight (Brown)[20]
Miami International Open Championship
Gold medal – first place 2010 Lightweight (Black)[21]
Silver medal – second place 2009 Lightweight (Black)[22]

Jonathan Torres, also known as "JT" Torres, is an American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and submission grappler.[23] He is known for a number of competitive accomplishments earned both prior to and following his promotion to black belt.[24]

Though having won numerous victories in gi competition, Torres has been particularly successful in no-gi events, earning multiple international championships.[24]

Early life and background

[edit]

Jonathan Torres was born on September 2, 1989, in New York, United States, of Puerto Rican descent.[25] In March 2013, Torres left Team Lloyd Irvin and joined Atos Jiu-Jitsu.[26] He began his martial arts journey at a young age with karate, achieving a black belt before high school. Feeling unfulfilled by karate, Torres transitioned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a teenager after discovering a small BJJ program at his former karate school.[27] Demonstrating natural talent, he earned his blue belt in just six months under his first instructor before moving to train with Louis Vintaloro at Performance BJJ in New Jersey.[28] Under Vintaloro, Torres progressed rapidly, receiving his purple and brown belts in less than three years and winning the IBJJF Pan American Championship twice as a lower belt.[29] Seeking a more competitive environment, Torres joined Team Lloyd Irvin in Maryland in 2009, where he was awarded his BJJ black belt later that year by Lloyd Irvin.[30]

Grappling career

[edit]

In March 2013, Torres left Team Lloyd Irvin and joined Atos Jiu-Jitsu.[31]

On November 22, 2014, Torres fought Rory MacDonald in a grappling match in Metamoris V. Giving up 40 pounds in weight disadvantage, the fight ended in a draw.

Torres competed in the under 77kg division of the 2022 ADCC World Championship, beating Kenta Iwamoto in the opening round and losing to PJ Barch in the quarter-final.[32]

Team transitions

[edit]

When Torres left Team Lloyd Irvin amid controversies surrounding the team and joined Atos Jiu-Jitsu in San Diego, California, under the guidance of André Galvão,[33] it marked a significant turning point in his career, aligning him with one of the most successful teams in modern BJJ. Training alongside elite grapplers like Keenan Cornelius, Torres refined his skills and elevated his performance on the international stage.[34]

Early black belt career

[edit]

As a black belt, Torres quickly made an impact. In 2011, he won the ADCC North American Trials, qualifying for his first ADCC World Championship in Nottingham, England, where he reached the quarter-finals.[35] In 2013, he secured a bronze medal at the ADCC World Championship in Beijing, China.[36] That same year, he claimed his first IBJJF No-Gi World Championship title, defeating Marcelo Mafra in the final.[37] On November 22, 2014, Torres faced former UFC welterweight champion Rory MacDonald in a grappling superfight at Metamoris V. Despite a 40-pound weight disadvantage, the match ended in a draw, showcasing his ability to compete against larger opponents.[38]

ADCC success

[edit]

Torres achieved the pinnacle of no-gi grappling by winning the ADCC World Championship in the under 77kg division in 2017 and 2019. In 2017, held in Espoo, Finland, he defeated five-time IBJJF World Champion Lucas Lepri in a 30-minute final, becoming the first American to win the 77kg division in ADCC history.[39] He repeated as champion in 2019 in Anaheim, California, solidifying his status as one of the world’s elite grapplers.[40]

2022 ADCC World Championship

[edit]

Torres competed in the under 77kg division at the 2022 ADCC World Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada. He defeated Kenta Iwamoto in the opening round but lost to PJ Barch of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu in the quarter-finals, ending his bid for a third consecutive title.[41]

2023

[edit]

Torres was booked to compete against Magid Hage at Who's Number One on February 25, 2023.[42] He won the match by unanimous decision.[43] He then entered the IBJJF Chicago Open on April 29 and 30, 2023 where he won a gold medal in the middleweight gi division.[44] Torres competed at the IBJJF New York Open 2023 on August 5 and won gold in the Master 1 middleweight division.[45]

Torres competed at the IBJJF Master World Championship on September 2, 2023, where he won a silver medal in the master 1 lightweight division.[46]

2024

[edit]

Torres competed in the IBJJF New York Spring Open 2024 on April 7, winning a silver medal in the gi middleweight division.[47]

Torres faced Nicky Ryan in a welterweight superfight at Who's Number One 23 on May 10, 2024.[48] He lost the match by submission.[49]

Torres received an invite to compete in the under 77kg division of the 2024 ADCC World Championship on August 17-18, 2024.[50] He submitted Alexandre de Jesus in the opening round and lost to Elijah Dorsey on points in the quarter-final.[51]

Coaching and legacy

[edit]

In 2016, Torres opened Essential Jiu-Jitsu, an Atos-affiliated academy in White Plains, New York, where he serves as head instructor.[52] Balancing his competitive career with teaching, he has mentored a new generation of grapplers while maintaining a reputation as one of the East Coast’s premier BJJ coaches.[53] His academy is highly regarded for its technical instruction and competitive training environment. Torres has also contributed to the sport through instructional content, releasing DVDs and online tutorials focusing on guard passing, back control, and submission techniques, further cementing his influence in the BJJ community.[54]

Personal life

[edit]

Torres resides in New York and is known for his disciplined lifestyle, often citing his mantra, "Hard work works!" as the key to his success.[55] Outside of grappling, he enjoys a low-key life, preferring simple pleasures like watching movies and eating Philly cheesesteaks over nightlife.[56]

Competitive achievements

[edit]
  • ADCC World Championship: Gold (2017, 2019), Bronze (2013)[57]
  • IBJJF No-Gi World Championship: Gold (2013)[58]
  • IBJJF Pan American Championship: Gold (2015, multiple lower belt titles)[59]
  • IBJJF European Championship: Gold (2015)[60]
  • IBJJJF Chicago Open: Gold (2023, middleweight gi)[61]
  • IBJJF New York Open: Gold (2023, Master 1 middleweight)[62]
  • IBJJF Master World Championship: Silver (2023, Master 1 lightweight)[63]
  • IBJJF New York Spring Open: Silver (2024, middleweight gi)[64]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ de Souza, Diogo (6 June 2023). "JT Torres Promoted To Fourth Degree BJJ Black Belt". JitsMagazine. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
  2. ^ "Results". Official IBJJF results. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  3. ^ "Results". Official IBJJF results. Archived from the original on June 23, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  4. ^ "Results". Official IBJJF results. Archived from the original on May 31, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  5. ^ "Results". Official IBJJF results. Archived from the original on October 8, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  6. ^ "Results". Official IBJJF results. Archived from the original on October 7, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  7. ^ "Results". Official IBJJF results. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  8. ^ a b "Results". Official IBJJF results. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  9. ^ "Results". Official IBJJF results. Archived from the original on September 7, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  10. ^ a b c "Results". Official IBJJF results. Archived from the original on May 30, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  11. ^ "Pan 2009". Official IBJJF results. Archived from the original on August 22, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  12. ^ "Pan American 2007". Official IBJJF results. Archived from the original on May 31, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  13. ^ "Pan 2006". Official IBJJF results. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  14. ^ a b "Results". Official IBJJF results. Archived from the original on September 5, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  15. ^ "Results". Official IBJJF results. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  16. ^ "Results". Official IBJJF results. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  17. ^ "Results". Official IBJJF results. Archived from the original on July 19, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  18. ^ "Resultados". Official CBJJ results. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  19. ^ "Results". Official IBJJF results. Archived from the original on May 6, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  20. ^ "NY Open". Official IBJJF results. Archived from the original on May 31, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  21. ^ "Results". Official IBJJF results. Archived from the original on May 31, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  22. ^ "Results". Official IBJJF results. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  23. ^ "Puerto Rican takes absolute brown" (in Portuguese). 31 January 2009. Retrieved 17 November 2009.
  24. ^ a b "JT Torres (Lloyd Irvin)". BJJ Heroes. January 10, 2011. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
  25. ^ "JT Torres". BJJ Heroes. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  26. ^ "Keenan confirms move to Atos JJ, JT Torres follows". Graciemag. March 1, 2013. Archived from the original on March 5, 2013. Retrieved March 6, 2013.
  27. ^ "Jiu-Jitsu: The American Dream - The Story of JT Torres". FloGrappling. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  28. ^ "JT Torres". BJJ Heroes. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  29. ^ "IBJJF Results". IBJJF. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  30. ^ "JT Torres". BJJ Heroes. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  31. ^ "Keenan confirms move to Atos JJ, JT Torres follows". Graciemag. March 1, 2013. Archived from the original on March 5, 2013. Retrieved March 6, 2013.
  32. ^ "ADCC 2022 Live Results, Play-by-play, Analysis, Highlights, More". Jitsmagazine. 18 September 2022. Retrieved 24 February 2024.
  33. ^ "Jiu-Jitsu: The American Dream - The Story of JT Torres". FloGrappling. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  34. ^ "Keenan confirms move to Atos JJ, JT Torres follows". Graciemag. March 1, 2013. Archived from the original on March 5, 2013. Retrieved March 6, 2013.
  35. ^ "ADCC North American Trials Results 2011". ADCombat. November 22, 2011. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  36. ^ "ADCC 2013 World Championship Results". BJJ Heroes. October 20, 2013. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  37. ^ "2013 World No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship Results". IBJJF. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  38. ^ "Metamoris 5 Results and Recap". Bloody Elbow. November 23, 2014. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  39. ^ "ADCC 2017 Results and Recap". BJJ Heroes. September 25, 2017. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  40. ^ "ADCC 2019 Results and Highlights". FloGrappling. September 30, 2019. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  41. ^ [Reference: ADCC 2022 results]
  42. ^ Burne, Kathrine (7 February 2023). "Full Card Confirmed For Who's Number One: Ryan v Pena 4". JitsMagazine. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
  43. ^ "Who's Number One: Nicky Rodriguez v Felipe Pena Full Results And Review". JitsMagazine. 26 February 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  44. ^ "Great Results From IBJJF Chicago Spring Open 2023". JitsMagazine. May 2023. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  45. ^ "ADCC World Champions Compete At IBJJF New York Open 2023". Jitsmagazine. 8 August 2023. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  46. ^ "BJJ Legends Star In IBJJF Master World Championship 2023". Jitsmagazine. 3 September 2023.
  47. ^ "Action-packed Divisions On Show At IBJJF New York Spring Open 2024". Jitsmagazine. 8 April 2024. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  48. ^ Rogers, Kian (24 March 2024). "Nicky Ryan Set To Face JT Torres At Who's Number One 23". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  49. ^ "Who's Number One 23: Nicholas Meregali vs Vagner Rocha Full Results And Review". Jitsmagazine. 11 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
  50. ^ Blackett, Todd (23 February 2024). "3 World Champions Receive Invites To ADCC 2024". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 24 February 2024.
  51. ^ "ADCC 2024 Live Results, Play-by-play, Analysis, Highlights, More". Jitsmagazine. 18 August 2024. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  52. ^ "About Us". Essential Jiu-Jitsu. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  53. ^ "How JT Torres Built a World-Class Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Westchester". Westchester Magazine. July 15, 2021. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  54. ^ "The Back Take and Control Series by JT Torres". BJJ Fanatics. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  55. ^ "JT Torres: Hard Work Works". FloGrappling. May 3, 2019. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  56. ^ "The BJJ Fanatics Podcast: JT Torres on Balance, Simplicity, and the Grind". BJJ Fanatics (Podcast). August 12, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  57. ^ "ADCC Results". ADCombat. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  58. ^ "2013 World No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship Results". IBJJF. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  59. ^ "2015 Pan Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship Results". IBJJF. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  60. ^ "2015 European Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship Results". IBJJF. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  61. ^ "2023 Chicago Spring International Open IBJJF Results". IBJJF. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  62. ^ "2023 New York Summer International Open IBJJF Results". IBJJF. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  63. ^ "2023 World Master IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship Results". IBJJF. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  64. ^ "2024 New York Spring International Open IBJJF Results". IBJJF. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
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