Dave Camarillo

The Architect of Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu

Name: David Camarillo

Current Rank: Black Belt under Ralph Gracie

Notable Achievements:

II Oscar de Jiu-Jitsu Champion (1998, purple belt)
Joe Moreira International Champion (1999, purple belt)
Copa Pacifica Champion (1999, purple belt)
Rickson Gracie Cup Champion (1998, blue belt)
Canadian Open Champion (Judo)

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda --> Carlos Gracie --> Helio Gracie --> Carlos Gracie Jr --> Ralph Gracie --> Dave Camarillo

Dave Camarillo is a unique figure in the world of grappling, having developed his own system called "Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu." He became a mainstream name as a coach, with many of his students becoming big stars in MMA, such as Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck, Mike Swick, and Cain Velazquez. Dave received his blue belt in a record 10 days and took over the grappling program at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California, in 2003.

Biography

Early Life

Born in 1977 in California, Dave Camarillo's martial arts journey began at the age of 5 under the tutelage of his father, Jim, a dedicated Judoka. Training six times a week, Dave was immersed in the martial arts spirit from a young age. His father's influence was so profound that Dave continued training under him until he was 18.

Formative Years in Jiu-Jitsu

Dave moved to Fresno State Judo at 18, where he also had the opportunity to train in Japan at Tsukuba University. However, a knee injury led him to explore Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a less impactful alternative. He joined the Gracie Academy led by Cesar and Ralph Gracie, where he met future UFC champion BJ Penn. Dave's natural talent was evident, earning him a blue belt in just 10 days and a brown belt in two years.

Ascension to Prominence

In September 2003, Dave took over the grappling program at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California, succeeding Ken Shamrock. Under Dave's guidance, the team's fighters flourished, and he rebranded his coaching style as "Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu." His students, including MMA stars like Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck, Mike Swick, and Cain Velazquez, have achieved great success.

Achievements and Titles

II Oscar de Jiu-Jitsu Champion (1998, purple belt)
Joe Moreira International Champion (1999, purple belt)
Copa Pacifica Champion (1999, purple belt)
Canadian Open Champion (Judo)

Personal Philosophy and Style

Dave Camarillo's Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu is a unique blend of Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, focusing on both throws and groundwork. His system has been instrumental in the success of many MMA fighters, and he continues to graduate students under the Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu banner.

Conclusion

Dave Camarillo is a unique figure in the world of martial arts. His innovative approach to grappling, combined with his ability to produce top-level fighters, has made him one of the most respected coaches in both Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. His Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu system is more than just a style; it's a testament to his lifelong dedication to martial arts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dave Camarillo

General Information

Q: Who is Dave Camarillo?

A: Dave Camarillo is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and a Judo black belt. He is the founder of Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu, a martial arts system that combines elements of BJJ and Judo.

Career and Achievements

Q: What are some of Dave Camarillo's achievements in BJJ and Judo?

A: Dave Camarillo has competed in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo tournaments, earning numerous titles. He is also well-known for his coaching and has trained several successful fighters in various combat sports.

Techniques and Style

Q: What is Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu?

A: Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu is a martial arts system founded by Dave Camarillo that combines techniques from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. It aims to provide a comprehensive approach to grappling, incorporating throws, submissions, and ground control.

Training and Academy

Q: Where does Dave Camarillo teach?

A: Dave Camarillo teaches at his own academy, where he focuses on Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu. The academy offers classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

Q: What can one expect when training under Dave Camarillo?

A: Training under Dave Camarillo offers a unique experience as he blends techniques from both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. His Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu system is designed to be practical and effective for both sport and self-defense.

Miscellaneous

Q: How can I learn Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu from Dave Camarillo?

A: You can learn Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu by attending classes at Dave Camarillo's academy or by studying his instructional materials, which are available in various formats including books and videos.

Q: What makes Dave Camarillo's approach to Jiu-Jitsu unique?

A: Dave Camarillo's unique approach lies in his blending of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo techniques, creating a comprehensive grappling system known as Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu.