BJJ star Jeff Glover retires from competitive grappling

Get the Full StoryThe sport loses and celebrates one of its pioneers. Competitive grappling is still a niche sport but it still has its wealth of prominent names that draw respect from everyone. Jeff Glover is one of those individuals and when he announced his retirement this week the industry showered him with praises. For those that are familiar with his performances, Glover is going to be remembered for bringing an unorthodox and enjoyable style to the mats.

Glover took to Instagram to announce his retirement after picking up a victory at the High Rollerz event on Sunday.

Going out with a big win, Glover posted. This will definitely be my last match of my career. I m 35 and I have been doing Jiu Jitsu events since I was 16. I m crying as I write this, but these are tears of joy.

Going out on a big win . This will most definitely be my last match of my career. The stoner king my hips are jacked up and my body is telling me to take it easy now. So I m hanging up my belt and Gi , and will now focus on being the best coach I can be goodland_jiu_jitsu I m 35 and I ve been doing jiu jitsu events since I was 16 . Over those years I ve been hurt a lot , but I would not change it for a second. It s been an absolute honor sharing my jiu jitsu with you guys . Im crying as I write this , but they are tears of joy. I have to thank Franjinha for always being there for 20 years . With out him non of this would have happened . I love all the jiu jitsu fans out there , especially the ones who hated me . Jiu jitsu ! Jiu jitsu ! Jiu jitsu ! Jiu jitsu ! Jiu jitsu ! A post shared by Jeffrey Dean Glover jiu_tang on Jun 11, 2018 at 11:27am PDT

The Ricardo Miller black belt has had a long run in competitive grappling across many of the most important tournaments and promotions that the sport has to offer. His accolades include gold medals in the Pan American Championships, No-Gi Championships and a bronze medal at the 2011 ADCC Tournament.

During that time he competed for organizations such as Submission Underground, Fight to Win Pro, FIVE Super League, the Eddie Bravo Invitational, and more. His surprise match against Barret Yoshida at Metamoris 4 stands out as a great example of his light-hearted nature as he jumped up from the commentary booth to put his skills on display. His resume includes wins over the likes of Caio Terra, Wilson Reis, and a plethora of others.

Glover s style brought forth the development of the deep half and the leg lock game that is prevalent in the industry today. The Donkey Guard is another innovation that Glover helped push to the forefront and is a highlight of his grappling style that was equally playful and dangerous at the same time. Many big names from within the sport took to his Instagram post to let them know how well he was appreciated.

Thank you Jeff, for everything you have done for Jiu Jitsu and for all of us who tried to follow your example, Ryan Hall posted. You re an inspiration and the grappling world is a better place for having you in it.

Champion, posted Tom DeBlass.

My man! I ll always remember our journeys together, Rafael Lovato Jr., posted. Thanks for the laughs and beautiful Jiu-Jitsu!

Jeff Glover will be remembered as one of the pioneers of competitive grappling and at the forefront of many of the changes that we see and enjoy today.

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