Luke Griffith

Biography

Luke Griffith is a highly accomplished Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt from South Africa, known for his explosive performance in the heavyweight no-gi division. Born in 2000, he began training at age five under the guidance of his father, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, laying the foundation for his rapid rise in the competitive scene.

Seeking elite training, Griffith eventually moved to Austin, Texas, where he was invited to join the professional training group led by renowned coach John Danaher. He became a standout member of New Wave Jiu-Jitsu and earned his black belt in April 2025, marking a major milestone in his competitive career.

Griffith is widely regarded as one of the top heavyweight grapplers in the world, known for his aggressive, submission-oriented style and exceptional finishing ability—particularly with the rear naked strangle, his most successful submission. His major accomplishments include winning the IBJJF No-Gi Worlds at brown belt and earning multiple ADCC Trials titles, which he followed with a silver medal performance at the 2024 ADCC World Championships.

He has competed on premier professional platforms such as WNO, UFC FPI, and CJI 2, solidifying his status as a dominant force in the upper weight classes.

Personal

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

Rankings