Why did you start BJJ?
I wasn’t in the best place mentally but starting jujitsu for sure saved me.
Purple Belt Competitor
Brendan Sanders
"Bren"
Purple Belt
Fort Worth, TexasTraining for 3.5 years
Brendan “Bren” Sanders is a purple belt from Fort Worth, Texas, who found Jiu Jitsu during a difficult time and let it reshape his life. What began as a way to get out of a mental rut turned into a lifestyle that keeps him healthy in mind and body.
Over three and a half years on the mats, Bren has stacked up podium finishes across Tokyo, Guam, the Philippines, Japan, and the U.S. mainland. He competes to stay sharp, represent GUMA and Guam, and prove that the island produces world-class grapplers.
- Tokyo International 2023 — Silver
- Copa de Marianas 2023 — Bronze
- Guahan Jiu Jitsu League 2023
- Marianas Pro Manila 2024 — Silver, Bronze
- Marianas Open 2024 — Bronze
- Copa de Marianas 2025 — Gold, Silver, Bronze
- Marianas Pro Nagoya 2025 — Bronze
- Marianas Pro Manila 2025 — Silver
- SJJIF Worlds No-Gi 2025 — Silver
- Marianas Open 2025 — Silver
- AGF 2025 — Double Silver
- IBJJF PANS 2025
- AGF 2026 — Gold, Silver
- SJJIF 2026
- SUBMIT 2026
Athlete interview
In Bren’s words
What do you enjoy most about competing?
I’m just competitive and I love competing.
What motivates you to keep training?
It became a lifestyle for me. It changed my life around for the better and now I’m in the best health mentally and physically.
Who has influenced your BJJ journey the most?
Shout out Riley Hippert for inviting me and shout out to the OG Jon Tuck.
What does representing our competition team mean to you?
Guam being so small I want to always put it on the line to show that it has some of the best quality grappling out here on the island and bring attention to the island.
What does representing Guam mean to you?
This place is a home to me and no matter where I am I’ll always show love to Guam and the people out there. They have done so much for me it’s the least I can do.
What are your competition goals for the next 12 months?
Just be active and compete as much as I can. I want to try ADCC.
What is your ultimate goal in BJJ?
Just continue to teach and learn. I really wouldn’t mind teaching a kids class.
On the mats & at the podium
