19-YEAR-OLD JIU-JITSU CHAMPION

Woolf Barnato can’t imagine an existence without Jiu-Jitsu. In fact, the thought of doing anything else scares him. Introduced to the martial art at age 4 by his mother as a way to keep him “out of trouble,” the Northern California native has practiced the combat sport nearly his entire life.

“I was a pretty crazy kid,” admits Barnato, laughing. “I was one of those kids who had a hard time paying attention to things. I was kind of all over the place.”

But when it comes to Jiu-Jitsu, Barnato does anything but fool around. The 19-year-old is a rising star, most recently taking first in his division at the Pan American Games 2012 in Irvine, California, winning five fights in one day, three of which were by submission. He also won the 2012 All Star Open Championship and the Absolute Weight Championship at the Rumble in the Redwoods Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament. Last year, he took second place in last year’s International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Championship. This year, Barnato has his sights set on winning first place. “He works very hard and he’s very disciplined,” says Mikyo Riggs, blackbelt and owner of Marin Mixed Martial Arts in San Anselmo, California. “Jiu-Jitsu is always evolving and to have an open mind and try new things is really going to help you. Woolf has a very creative mind and that’s what makes him unique in this sport.” 

Riggs first met Barnato when he was a child. At four years old, Barnato was a wild and fun-loving boy who just wanted to have a good time, Riggs says. He’s still got the same spirit today. “In my 20 years of teaching, he’s the most outgoing, likable kid I’ve ever met,” says Riggs, who continues to train Barnato. “Woolf is like a son to me. I’ve got to watch him develop and it’s been a pleasure.”

Barnato trains six days a week, 4 to 5 hours a day. His workouts include Jiu-Jitsu most mornings and evenings, plus yoga and lifting. On Sundays, he rests and sometimes indulges in his favorite cheat meal – an In-N-Out burger (4x4), fries and chocolate shake.

He says the key to his success is believing in what he does, working hard, staying focused on his goals, and most importantly having fun. It’s not hard to be motivated when he gets to wake up each day and have the privilege of training. “It’s like a little kid eating candy – he doesn’t need to get motivated to eat candy,” Barnato says. “He just wants to eat it. It’s how I am with Jiu-Jitsu.”

Barnato has a bright future ahead of him. He’s definitely one to watch, says David Mulligan, franchisee of Max Muscle Marin. “He is the most driven and dedicated athletes I have ever met. He is truly a rising star and will go far in all walks of life.”

Sport: Jiu-Jitsu

Division: Roosterweight and Light Featherweight

Titles: 2012 All Star Open Champion, 2012 IBJJF San Francisco International Open Champion, 2011 IBJJF World Championship Runner Up, 2010 US Open Champion

Barnato's Supplements: ARM, MaxPro, GlutaMatrix, Pro BCAA, Max Essential Omegas

Who inspires you and why? My professor Mikyo Riggs. He is a great Jiu Jitsu player with the right mind for taking athletes like myself to the next level

What does being a part of Team Max mean to you? “It means I am part of something special with many other great athletes who share a common thread of passion.” MS&F