Where Jiu-Jitsu Scrapper John Combs Get His Mental Strength From

John Combs is no stranger to challenges. He's already eagerly stepped under the bright lights of the Fight to Win Pro stage no less than five times, and on Friday, April 21, he'll be doing it once again, this time as part of the main event against Andris

Apr 21, 2017 by Averi Clements

Where Jiu-Jitsu Scrapper John Combs Get His Mental Strength From

John Combs is no stranger to challenges. He's already eagerly stepped under the bright lights of the Fight to Win Pro stage no less than five times, and on Friday, April 21, he'll be doing it once again, this time as part of the main event against Andris Brunovskis.

But this time around, Combs won't be competing in Denver, Colorado, where he trains at Easton Training Center. Instead, he'll be paying a visit to where he spent some of the earliest years of his life: Cleveland, Ohio.

Even though Combs moved away from Ohio when he was just six, he's been back to visit a few times in recent years, most recently competing in the Cleveland Triathlon there. However, he's never grappled in the city where some of his earliest memories were created, and there's no doubt that his first time doing so is going to make a huge impression on everyone watching F2W 32. "I have always felt that I carry the spirit of the Midwest when I compete: fighting hard, but giving respect to all opponents. I am very excited to represent my team... but I will feel even more energized to put on a good show for my fellow Buckeyes!" he says.

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John Combs after winning the hearts of the crowd in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Photo: Chase Smith

Combs' appreciation for his roots also shows in his grappling game. He started out as a wrestler in high school, but after a friend submitted him with a kimura despite Combs landing a "brutal" takedown, he began to see jiu-jitsu as an opportunity for growth. He became completely dedicated to grappling after leaving wrestling behind in 2012, but he still wrestles twice a week to supplement his jiu-jitsu game. "I argue that a Jiu Jitsu competitor must learn balance, scrambling, mental toughness, and of course good takedowns to find success in the highest levels of the sport… Any BJJ competitor looking to find success at any belt, whether gi or no gi, can earn valuable skills by braving stepping outside of their comfort zone and onto the wrestling mats."

So far, Combs' strategy has seemed to be a solid one --- he had an illustrious career as a brown belt, winning Pans, the US National Pro, and the Las Vegas Open. But since he was promoted to black belt, he openly admits that although he works just as hard as he always has, he needs to work "much smarter" to enjoy the same kind of success he did in years past. He was injured in Mexico City, then submitted by AJ Agazarm at the UAEJJF trials and Clark Gracie at Pans, and then "beautifully heel hooked" by Ian Murray at the ADCC West Coast trials this year.

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John Combs wins by submission at Fight To Win. Photo: Mike Calimbas

But if you think a few losses are going to keep him down, well, you don't know John Combs. "So far this year has been a trying one compared to the incredible success I had at brown belt last year at this time. My plans are to bring a great show to the people of Cleveland, then win the Vegas Open which qualifies me for the IBJJF Mundials, kick the crap out of [Gilbert] 'Durinho' [Burns] at SUG, and find success at Worlds," he says.

As Combs prepares to face Brunovskis, who he describes as having a "lethal" guard, the nerves that he claims strike him before every match are still hitting him, but he's walking onto that stage with a plan and a heart full of courage and determination. "I see this as a strong force trying to break a stout object. If I can pass Andris' guard this match really opens for me, but I need to get through a minefield of tricks to get there."

The injuries, losses, and competition jitters that Combs has faced this year are tough speed bumps to overcome, but the mental tenacity that this native Ohioan nurtured through all those years of wrestling ensures that there's no way he's going to let them slow him down as he eyes victory against Brunovskis. If nothing else, he's determined not to leave the results up to the refs. "I can guarantee you that neither of us will back down and try to decision the other fighter; we want blood!"

Watch John Combs vs Andris Brunovskis LIVE or On Demand ONLY on FloGrappling!

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John Combs hits his famous guillotine choke. Photo: Chase Smith / FloGrappling

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