Among the most talented students in Madison are Drew and Alex Johnson. Where some people may excel in academics or music, Alex and Drew excel in the high intensity combat found in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or BJJ, is a modified version of traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu that most people are used to seeing, but more closely relates to wrestling; it  involves more grappling tactics that are usually seen in wrestling. This sport has had a massive impact on both of their lives. Since they’ve begun, they’ve medaled at over 50 regional and local championships, and competed on the National and International levels.

Drew, a 10th grader at MHS, trains around 3-4 hours a day. His gym, Unity Jiu Jitsu, is home to two of the top black belts in the world. It trains many top athletes in BJJ, and Drew is no exception. Drew and Alex are very drawn to the physical conditioning that comes with the sport, along with it’s complex techniques. What really makes the sport though, are the traits it shares with real fighting, such as using the whole sum of one’s strength and speed. MDO asked Drew what really makes someone successful at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

“Practice,” he said. “A lot of practice is the most important thing for it.” Clearly, his personal accomplishments have more than proven that.

Both Drew and Alex have sponsorships with companies like AK Kimonos and Defense Soap, and have been covered on Gracie Magazine, the most frequently read magazine about BJJ. Drew and Alex have clearly come a long way from their humble beginnings four years ago.