Josh Hinger

Josh Hinger (born May 28, 1982) is an American submission grappler and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) black belt competitor as well as former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter. Hinger is three-time champion at the World No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship and a Bronze Medalist at the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship.

Background Hinger was born on May 28, 1982, in Whittier, California, US and was raised in La Habra where he wrestled for Sonora High School. However after winning the regional tournament, he was weight cutting for the Masters tournament and noticed he wasn't losing any further weight. Ultimately he decided to withdraw from the tournament which resulted in backlash from his coach and team and lead to him being kicked off the team permanently. Hinger would become part of Chris Brennan's fight team in Lake Forest. His MMA career lasted from 2003 to 2005 where he compiled a record on the regional circuit of four wins and one loss. While at university, Hinger taught BJJ to attendees.

Professional grappling career Hinger is a three-time IBJJF no gi World Champion, winning the event in 2016, 2017, and 2018. He won ADCC trials in 2019 to earn a place at the 2019 ADCC World Championships, where he won a bronze medal.

In December 2020, Hinger won a gold medal in both his weightclass and the absolute division at the IBJJF Masters World Championships.

Hinger competed in the main event of Fight 2 Win 170 on April 19, 2021, facing Rafael Barbosa for the promotion's Masters Middleweight title. Hinger won the match by decision. He then competed against Vagner Rocha at Who's Number One on May 28, 2021, and he lost the match by decision. He returned to Fight 2 Win on September 10, 2021, to face Corey Guitard at Fight 2 Win 183, winning the match by decision.

At Brazilian jiu-jitsu Stars 7 on November 6, 2021, Hinger defeated Luis Marques on points in the co-main event. Hinger was then invited to compete in the first RAW Grappling Championship grand prix on November 14, 2021. He defeated Bradley Hill in the opening round before losing to Patrick Gaudio in the semi-final.

As a result of being a previous medallist, Hinger was invited to compete at the 2022 ADCC World Championship in the 88kg division. Hinger defeated Tye Ruotolo in the opening round before losing to eventual silver medallist Lucas 'Hulk' Barbosa.

On September 24, 2022, Hinger competed against Owen Livesey at Polaris 21. He lost by split decision. He also competed at the IBJJF Master International - North America Championship on May 31, 2023, and won gold medals in both the Master 3 medium-heavyweight and absolute divisions.

Hinger competed at the IBJJF Master World Championship on September 2, 2023, where he won both the master 3 middleweight and absolute divisions.

Hinger was invited to compete in the under 88kg division at the 2024 ADCC World Championship. He was submitted by Chris Wojcik in the opening round.

Personal life Hinger revealed on August 11, 2023, that he had suffered a home invasion and approximately $35-40,000 worth of goods had been stolen.

Competitive grappling summary Main Achievements:

Instructor lineage Mitsuyo "Count Koma" Maeda → Carlos Gracie, Sr. → Helio Gracie → Rolls Gracie → Romero "Jacare" Cavalcanti → Alexandre Paiva → Fernando "Tererê" Augusto → André Galvao → Josh Hinger