Izaak Michell

Biography

Izaak Michell is an Australian Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt and one of the most prominent competitors in no-gi. Born in Australia, Michell began training at age 16 and quickly developed into one of the sport’s most promising rising athletes.

Michell first gained widespread recognition training with B-Team Jiu-Jitsu in Austin, Texas, where he emerged as a top prospect. He was promoted to brown belt by Craig Jones, but later had a falling out with him, which ultimately led to Michell leaving B-Team. He then joined the rival New Wave Jiu-Jitsu team under John Danaher, further refining his technical foundation and competitive strategy. His breakout accomplishment came when he won the “Who’s Next” reality show, enduring a legendary two-hour final match to secure the championship. He also captured multiple ADCC Trials titles, including the 2023 Asia & Oceania ADCC Trials.

Known for his relentless pace, dynamic guard passing, and suffocating submission chains, Michell has a style built around constant forward pressure and positional dominance. His performance against Vagner Rocha at the 2022 ADCC World Championship earned “Match of the Tournament,” showcasing his durability, creativity, and willingness to engage in high-intensity exchanges.

Michell has competed—and succeeded—on major professional platforms such as WNO, Polaris, and AIGA, solidifying himself as a world-class contender in the middleweight division. He continues to be regarded as one of the most dangerous and well-rounded athletes in the sport.

Personal

* Legend status is reserved for retired athletes with outstanding achievements and a lasting impact on the sport.

Rankings