Josh Prado
Head Coach
Born and raised New York City, Josh's immersion into the world of jiu-jitsu was under the esteemed guidance of Daniel Gracie, Leo Leonardo Leite, and John Danaher. His training ground was none other than the iconic "blue basement" at Renzo Gracie Academy NYC. But even before BJJ beckoned, Josh grappled with his passion for wrestling at Phillips Exeter Academy. It was here, with Exeter's Big Red, that he celebrated three triumphant New England titles. Taking his wrestling prowess to the next level, Josh wrestled at Wesleyan University under the celebrated Coach Drew Black - multiple time New England Wrestling Association's Coach of the Year and the school's most successful coach to date. Capping his illustrious journey, in 2019, Josh's skills and dedication were recognized as he was awarded the coveted Black Belt by Lincoln Pereira, a renowned Renzo Gracie Black Belt.
Accolades
Coming Soon...
Fred Borden
Coach
NYC native Fred Borden found his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu after attending Occidental College, where he studied politics & international affairs. Drawn to the art at the iconic Renzo Gracie Academy that was then on West 37th Street, it was a transformative lesson with the legendary John Danaher that deeply rooted his commitment. The academy became his training ground, attending classes frequented by BJJ and MMA luminaries. Alongside his BJJ training, Fred refined his wrestling skills at the distinguished NYAC Wrestling Club. From 2008 to 2012, he served as an assistant teacher at Renzo Gracie Academy, predominantly under the guidance of Daniel Gracie. This period was instrumental in his growth as a practitioner, culminating in a well-deserved black belt conferred by Rolles Gracie in 2018. Fred decided to move to Seattle for his daughters upbringing in 2013 opening a new chapter in his BJJ legacy.
Accolades
- Awarded black belt in 2018 by Rolles Gracie.
- Gold medalist at the IBJJF Pan Ams 2011 in the Masters brown belt division.
- Competed multiple times at tournaments like NAGA and Grapplers Quest (all nogi categories).
- Regular attendee of John Danaher's renowned afternoon class at Renzo Gracie Academy.
- Trained at the NYC Athletics Club's wrestling program.
- Assistant teacher at the Renzo Gracie Academy from 2008-2012, primarily under Daniel Gracie.
Noah Johnson
Assistant Coach
Born amidst the beauty of Kapolei in Oahu, Hawaii, Noah journeyed to Washington at the age of 6. The Evergreen State became both his home and playground, and in 2009, during his high school years, he ventured into the demanding world of wrestling. Demonstrating both prowess and leadership, by 2013 he was appointed the head coach of a respected wrestling club in Everett, WA.
Simultaneously, his high school journey led him to an open MMA school, introducing him to the dynamic arts of kickboxing and wrestling. This diversified foundation set the stage for a deeper dive into martial arts. A temporary break followed, until 2018 led him to a serendipitous encounter with Fred and Tony in Seattle's vibrant Fremont neighborhood. This rekindled his passion, and Noah immersed himself in both Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 2020 became a hallmark year for him: he confidently stepped into the MMA cage for his inaugural fight and, under Fred's expert mentorship, earned his esteemed purple belt in BJJ.
Accolades
- 7th in washington state for wrestling
- Trained under Brooklyn Obregon wrestling, very prestigious academy
- Purple belt under Fred Borden in 2020
- Multiple gold medals in local competitions
- MMA record of 3-1
Fred and Josh's journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began when they first crossed paths during Daniel Gracie's white belt class at Renzo Gracie's gym in New York City. Fred served as an assistant coach, while Josh, an eager white belt, sought to deepen his knowledge of the sport. Instantly, they forged a connection, and their shared passion for BJJ quickly turned them into close friends.
The turning point came in 2010 when Josh was awarded his blue belt the same night Fred received his brown belt. This significant achievement marked their individual progress and solidified their partnership. From 2011 to 2013, they became inseparable training partners, focusing exclusively on enhancing their skills and helping each other evolve in the sport. Their chemistry was undeniable, both on and off the mats, and their shared dream of opening a gym, even if it started as a joke about having black mats, remained a constant topic of discussion. Their "We Grind It Out" philosophy was born from their continued training.
Despite life taking them in separate directions for a time, with Fred eventually relocating to Seattle and Josh running a gym in New Jersey, their friendship remained unbreakable. In 2018, Josh made the life-changing decision to move to Seattle to join forces with Fred, and together, they fulfilled their dream by establishing the Renzo Gracie affiliate gym. Their partnership, marked by dedication to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, has flourished into a thriving BJJ community and is a testament to their friendship and unwavering commitment to the art they cherish. They now finally have their black mats.