Table of Contents
Early Childhood
Introduction to BJJ
First BJJ Coach Krishna Mirjah
Joining Renzo Gracie Academy
Training under John Danaher
Transition to Submission Grappling
Promotion to Black Belt
Two-Time Eddie Bravo Invitational Winner
The Nickname “Wolverine”
High Submission Rate
Contributions to BJJ Techniques
Historic Fights
Main Achievements
Professional Record
Fight History
Conclusion
FAQ’s
Early Childhood
Eddie Cummings, a living legend in the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, was born on March 10, 1984, in New York, the United States of America. In his early childhood, Cummings did not display a particular inclination towards athletics or sports. It wasn’t until high school and college that he began playing soccer, albeit without much enthusiasm.
Introduction to BJJ
In 2010, while pursuing a mathematics degree at Stony Brook University, Cummings was introduced to the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. A colleague who trained under Matt Serra invited him to join the university’s jiu-jitsu club. Curiosity piqued, Cummings attended his first BJJ class at the age of 26.
First BJJ Coach Krishna Mirjah
At Stony Brook University, Cummings’s first BJJ coach was Krishna Mirjah. Mirjah’s focus was primarily on No-Gi BJJ, an aspect that captured Cummings’s interest. Under Mirjah’s guidance, Cummings not only honed his skills but also developed a fondness for No-Gi BJJ. After showcasing his abilities in local tournaments, Cummings received his blue belt promotion from Mirjah.
Joining Renzo Gracie Academy
Desiring to further his BJJ training, Cummings sought an official academy. He made his way to New York and joined the prestigious Renzo Gracie Academy. While studying physics and working as a school lab technician, Cummings dedicated himself to BJJ, training twice a day. During this time, he became a regular student at the academy, laying the foundation for his future success.
Training under John Danaher
At Renzo Gracie Academy, Cummings had the privilege of training under the legendary John Danaher. Recognizing Cummings’s potential in leg locks, Danaher focused on further developing his expertise in this specialized field. Under Danaher’s guidance, Cummings’s skills flourished, and he began making a name for himself in various competitions.
Promotion to Black Belt
After his exceptional performances in multiple competitions, Cummings earned his well-deserved black belt. In January 2015, John Danaher bestowed this prestigious rank upon Cummings, marking his ascent to the highest level in BJJ in less than five years
Two-Time Eddie Bravo Invitational Winner
Cummings’s immense talent and skill shone through in the Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI) tournaments. He emerged as the winner in two separate editions of EBI, showcasing his dominance in the 145 lbs weight class. In EBI 4 and EBI 7, Cummings claimed the first-place title, solidifying his reputation as an elite submission grappler.
The Nickname “Wolverine”
He is affectionately known as the “Wolverine” within the BJJ community. This moniker originated from Cummings’s small stature, tenacity, and fierce competitiveness. On his Instagram account, Cummings playfully explains the inspiration behind his nickname, stating, “They call me Wolverine because I am small, furry, and mean-spirited.
High Submission Rate
One of Cummings’s defining characteristics is his high submission rate, illustrating his mastery of various submission techniques. Out of his 25 wins, an impressive 21 have come by way of submission. Conversely, he has only experienced three losses, with just one of those resulting from a submission. Cummings’s proficiency with inside and outside heel hooks has proven particularly formidable, securing him victory in numerous matches
Contributions to BJJ Techniques
Cummings has made significant contributions to the development of various BJJ techniques, particularly in the realm of leg locks. His expertise in ashi garami, heel hooks, and saddle positions has revolutionized the submission grappling landscape. Cummings’s profound understanding of these techniques has led him to conduct seminars and release instructional DVDs, sharing his knowledge with aspiring BJJ practitioners.
Historic Fights
13.1. Eddie Cummings Vs. Corey Brown
At the Grappler Quest All-Star 2015 event, Cummings faced off against Corey Brown. The match began with both fighters in sitting positions, with Brown attempting to strangle Cummings’s legs to hinder his renowned leg lock techniques. However, Cummings adeptly countered Brown’s advances, applying pressure on his back and head. Seizing the opportunity, Cummings executed an inside heel hook, resulting in Brown’s submission in just a minute and a half.
13.2. Eddie Cummings Vs. Walter Gomez
In the finals of the -66 kg weight class at the 2015 ADCC Trials, Cummings went head-to-head with Walter Gomez. Both fighters engaged in a fierce exchange, with Gomez grappling Cummings’s legs and successfully taking him down to the mat. Undeterred, Cummings countered by grappling Gomez’s head, transitioning into a full guard. With deliberate precision, Cummings executed an armbar to secure victory and claim the title of ADCC Trials champion.
13.3. Eddie Cummings Vs. Chad George
One of the most significant fights in Cummings’s career took place in the quarterfinals of EBI 7, where he faced Chad George. The contest commenced with both fighters in sitting positions. As Cummings attempted to grapple George’s arm, George sought to escape. Cummings responded swiftly, securing George’s leg and applying an inside heel hook. In just 22 seconds, George succumbed to the submission, solidifying Cummings’s dominance in the 65 kg weight class.
13.4. Eddie Cummings Vs. Bill Cooper
In the finals of EBI 7, Cummings confronted Bill Cooper in a highly anticipated showdown. The match began with both competitors in sitting positions, with Cooper aiming to neutralize Cummings’s leg lock abilities. However, Cummings skillfully utilized Cooper’s leg to his advantage, transitioning into a dominant position. With remarkable precision, Cummings executed an inside heel hook, prompting Cooper to submit and securing Cummings’s victory in the EBI 7 finals.
Main Achievements
14.1. Eddie Cummings’s International Achievements
Over the course of his career, Cummings has achieved remarkable success on the international stage. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
. EBI 4 winner in the 145 lbs weight division.
. ADCC US Coast East Trials champion in the 66 kg weight division.
. Polaris Invitational 2 Superfight winner in the 70 kg weight division.
. EBI 7 winner in the 145 lbs weight division.
14.2. Eddie Cummings’s Achievements as a Black Belt
After receiving his black belt from John Danaher in record time, Cummings continued to accumulate accolades at the highest level of BJJ. As a black belt, he has achieved the following notable positions:
- EBI 4: 1st place (Black Belt)
- ADCC US Coast East Trials: 1st place (Black Belt)
- Polaris Invitational 2 Superfight: 1st place (Black Belt)
- EBI 3: 3rd place (Black Belt)
- EBI 7: 1st place (Black Belt)
- EBI 10: 2nd place (Black Belt)
Professional Record
Cummings boasts an impressive professional record, with a total of 29 matches under his belt. Out of these matches, he has secured 25 victories, with only three losses and one draw. Let’s delve into the breakdown of his professional record:
Method of Victory | Wins | Losses |
Submission | 21 | 1 |
Decision | 4 | 0 |
Penalties | 0 | 1 |
DQ | 0 | 1 |
Draw | 0 | 0 |
Fight History
His fight history showcases his journey through various competitions. Let’s take a look at some of the notable matches in his career:
Year | Competition | Opponent | W/L | Method | Weight | Stage |
2015 | Gracie Nationals | Dennis Prokopos | W | Outside heel hook | ABS | SPF |
2015 | ADCC US Trials | John Joseph | W | Outside heel hook | 66KG | 4F |
2015 | ADCC US Trials | Ruben Alvarez | W | Inside heel hook | 66KG | SF |
2015 | ADCC US Trials | Walter Gomes | W | Armbar | 66KG | F |
2015 | EBI 3 | Lauri Karppinen | W | Outside heel hook | 77KG | R1 |
2015 | EBI 3 | Enrico Cocco | W | Inside heel hook | 77KG | 4F |
2015 | EBI 3 | Garry Tonon | L | Triangle armbar | 77KG | SF |
2015 | EBI 4 | Kevin Berbrich | W | Outside heel hook | 65KG | R1 |
2015 | EBI 4 | Russ Miura | W | Outside heel hook | 65KG | 4F |
2015 | EBI 4 | Baret Yoshida | W | Inside heel hook | 65KG | SF |
2015 | EBI 4 | Joe Soto | W | Inside heel hook | 65KG | F |
2015 | ADCC | Asadulaev Surkhay | W | Outside heel hook | 66KG | R1 |
2015 | ADCC | Augusto Mendes | L | Pen | 66KG | 4F |
2015 | Polaris 2 | Reilly Bodycomb | W | Inside heel hook | 70KG | SPF |
2016 | Grappling Ind. | Mansher Khera | W | Referee Decision | ABS | SPF |
2016 | Polaris 3 | Augusto Mendes | D | — | 70KG | SPF |
2016 | PTL Sunday Open | Nathan Orchard | W | Outside heel hook | ABS | SPF |
2016 | EBI 7 | Sergio Hernandez | W | RNC | 65KG | R1 |
2016 | EBI 7 | Chad George | W | Inside heel hook | 65KG | 4F |
2016 | EBI 7 | Mike Davila | W | RNC | 65KG | SF |
2016 | EBI 7 | Bill Cooper | W | Inside heel hook | 65KG | F |
2016 | EBI 10 | Alessandro Costa | W | Outside heel hook | 61KG | R1 |
2016 | EBI 10 | Alexis Alduncin | W | Inside heel hook | 61KG | 4F |
2016 | EBI 10 | Baret Yoshida | W | Inside heel hook | 61KG | SF |
2016 | EBI 10 | Geo Martinez | L | EBI/OT | 61KG | F |
2017 | F2W 31 | Samir Chantre | W | Referee Decision | 70KG | SPF |
2017 | F2W 56 | Jacob Sandoval | W | RNC | 70KG | SPF |
2018 | Kasai Pro 2 | Renato Canuto | W | Referee Decision | 72KG | SPF |
2019 | F2W 108 | William Wolk | W | Referee Decision | 65KG | SPF |
Conclusion
His impact on the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is immeasurable. From his early introduction to BJJ at Stony Brook University to training under the tutelage of John Danaher at Renzo Gracie Academy, Cummings’s journey has been one of dedication, skill, and innovation. His expertise in leg locks and submission grappling has reshaped the landscape of the sport, earning him a well-deserved reputation as a living legend. As the next generation of BJJ practitioners emerges, they stand on the shoulders of giants like him, inspired to push the boundaries of the sport further.
FAQs
Q: What is Eddie Cummings’s favorite technique?
A: His favorite technique is the outside heel hook.
Q: What is Eddie Cummings’s nickname?
A: He is known as the “Wolverine” within the BJJ community.
Q: How many times has Eddie Cummings won the Eddie Bravo Invitational?
A: He has won the Eddie Bravo Invitational twice, in EBI 4 and EBI 7.
Q: What is Eddie Cummings’s submission rate?
A: He has won 21 out of 25 matches by submission, showcasing his high submission rate.
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