ABOUT CHRIS HOLDSWORTH

UFC Veteran, Ultimate Fighter Champion and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt

Chris Holdsworth is a lifelong martial artist, undefeated professional MMA fighter, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and the founder of Chris Holdsworth’s Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Orangevale, California.

With more than 20 years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience, Chris has competed at the highest levels, coached UFC champions and cornered professional fighters around the world. Today, his passion is making world-class Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing and martial arts instruction accessible to adults and children throughout Orangevale, Folsom, Fair Oaks and the greater Sacramento area.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt since 2009

• Winner of The Ultimate Fighter Season 18

• Retired undefeated from professional MMA

• IBJJF No-Gi World Champion at purple belt

• Multiple Grapplers Quest and NAGA champion

• National Pankration Champion

• Former Team Alpha Male coach

• More than 50 professional fight corners

• Coached UFC athletes and champion Cody Garbrandt

A LIFELONG MARTIAL ARTS JOURNEY

Chris began training in martial arts at a young age through Tae Kwon Do before discovering Hawaiian Kenpo at RYU Dojo. It was there that he developed the discipline, work ethic and commitment that would shape the rest of his life. Chris eventually earned his brown belt in Hawaiian Kenpo and dedicated himself to becoming a complete martial artist.

In 2004, Chris began studying Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under Patrick King. Weekend trips to the renowned Gracie Academy deepened his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He received his blue belt from Royce Gracie in 2005 and his purple belt from Rener and Ryron Gracie in 2006.

At 19, Chris moved to Las Vegas to train full-time with Marc Laimon and the talented team at Cobra Kai Jiu-Jitsu. His training partners included respected competitors such as Jeff Glover, Bill Cooper, Sim Go, Sonny Nohara, Scott Bieri and Sean Spangler.

Marc Laimon awarded Chris his brown belt and, in 2009, his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. At only 21 years old, Chris was one of the youngest BJJ black belts in the United States.

During his rise through the colored-belt ranks, Chris competed throughout the West Coast. His accomplishments included winning the IBJJF No-Gi World Championship at purple belt, multiple Grapplers Quest and NAGA titles, and a National Pankration Championship.

His years in Las Vegas also gave him the opportunity to train with elite MMA fighters and wrestlers, including Gray Maynard, Tyson Griffin, Carlos Condit, Martin Kampmann, Michael Bisping, Johny Hendricks, Jake Rosholt and Shane Roller.

UNDEFEATED MMA CAREER

Chris began transitioning into mixed martial arts while he was a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt. He went undefeated on the Tuff-N-Uff amateur circuit, earning championships in two weight divisions and finishing every amateur opponent in the first round.

After turning professional, Chris continued building his record through dominant submission victories. His pursuit of improvement eventually brought him to Northern California and Urijah Faber’s Team Alpha Male.

At Team Alpha Male, Chris expanded his striking under Master Thonglor “Master Thong” Armatsena and renowned coach Duane “Bang” Ludwig. Duane later awarded Chris his purple belt in the Bang Muay Thai system.

Chris earned an invitation to compete on The Ultimate Fighter Season 18. His technical grappling, composure and submission skills carried him through the competition and ultimately made him the season’s champion.

After another victory in the UFC, Chris made the difficult decision to prioritize his long-term health due to post-concussion complications. He stepped away from professional competition undefeated, finishing 14 of his 15 combined amateur, professional and Ultimate Fighter victories.

UFC COACH AND CORNERMAN

Following his fighting career, Chris transitioned into coaching full-time and became one of Team Alpha Male’s leading Jiu-Jitsu coaches. He taught many of the team’s grappling sessions and helped professional athletes prepare for competition at the highest level.

Chris has coached and cornered fighters such as Cody Garbrandt, Chad Mendes, Josh Emmett, Darren Elkins, Paige VanZant, Cynthia Calvillo and Nad Narimani. He also helped coach Cody Garbrandt during his journey to becoming UFC Bantamweight Champion.

These experiences gave Chris a deep understanding of technique, strategy, preparation and performance under pressure—but they also reinforced an important lesson: great coaching must meet every student at their current level.

CHRIS HOLDSWORTH’S JIU-JITSU ACADEMY

Chris opened his martial arts academy in Orangevale in 2022 to provide the same quality of coaching found in elite training rooms within a welcoming, structured environment for everyday people.

The academy offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing programs for adults and children of all experience levels. Complete beginners are always welcome, and students are never expected to be in shape or have previous martial arts experience before starting.

Chris and his coaching team help students develop:

• Practical self-defense skills

• Confidence and discipline

• Improved fitness and coordination

• Strong Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals

• Competition skills for those who choose to compete

• A positive connection to the local martial arts community

Whether your goal is learning self-defense, getting in shape, building confidence, competing or introducing your child to martial arts, Chris Holdsworth’s Jiu-Jitsu Academy provides experienced coaching and a clear path forward.

START YOUR MARTIAL ARTS JOURNEY

Experience beginner-friendly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing instruction in Orangevale, proudly serving Folsom, Fair Oaks and the greater Sacramento area.