Why did you start BJJ?
I started out of curiosity and eventually fell in love with the sport, the people, and the challenges. It has helped me grow mentally and physically.
Adult White Belt Competitor
Arthur Vasquez
"Art"
White Belt
Phoenix, ArizonaTraining for 1.5 years
Arthur “Art” Vasquez is a white belt competitor from Phoenix, Arizona, who found his way to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu out of curiosity and quickly fell in love with the sport, the people, and the daily challenges it brings.
In just a year and a half on the mats, Art has already begun translating his growth into results, earning bronze and silver medals at Copa de Marianas 2026. He continues to sharpen his game while training across BJJ, boxing, wrestling, and MMA.
- Copa de Marianas 2026 — Bronze Medal
- Copa de Marianas 2026 — Silver Medal
Athlete interview
In Art’s words
What do you enjoy most about competing?
I enjoy the adrenaline and intensity. You have to trust your training, stay focused, and rely on yourself.
What motivates you to keep training?
There is always something new to learn. I want to keep improving in BJJ, boxing, wrestling, and MMA for the rest of my life.
Who has influenced your BJJ journey the most?
My teammates and coaches have had the biggest impact on me. John Tuck has also been an important influence in my journey.
What does representing our competition team mean to you?
It means representing my teammates, coaches, and everyone who has supported me.
What does representing Guam mean to you?
It means representing the people I train with, the island, and my Hispanic culture. I want to compete with pride and show what we are capable of.
What are your competition goals for the next 12 months?
My goal is simple: win gold. I plan to train hard, compete with confidence, and reach the top of the podium.
What is your ultimate goal in BJJ?
I want to see how far I can take Jiu-Jitsu while developing in boxing, wrestling, and MMA. I want to train for life and eventually introduce my children to the sport.
Training & competition
