Three-time NCAA champion takes major step in grappling journey at Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu opening
August 5, 2025 – Elite wrestler Jason Nolf reached a significant milestone in his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey yesterday, receiving his blue belt promotion from BJJ legend Gordon Ryan at the grand opening of Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu in Austin, Texas.
The promotion marks a rapid progression for the 29-year-old former Penn State standout, who has been transitioning from his decorated wrestling career into submission grappling. Nolf, a three-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion, has been training consistently under Ryan’s guidance as he adapts his elite wrestling skills to the BJJ mats.
From Wrestling Mats to BJJ Mats
Nolf’s wrestling credentials are impeccable – he dominated at 157 pounds during his Penn State career from 2015-2018, capturing three consecutive NCAA titles and compiling an impressive 117-3 collegiate record. His transition to BJJ has been closely watched by the grappling community, especially after his promising debut performance last year.
In his BJJ debut in June 2024, Nolf showcased his wrestling foundation by securing a beautiful duck-under takedown, demonstrating how his elite wrestling skills translate to submission grappling. However, he also learned valuable lessons about BJJ’s ground game complexities when his opponent attacked his legs from guard.
Gordon Ryan’s Seal of Approval
The blue belt promotion from Gordon Ryan carries significant weight in the BJJ community. Ryan, widely considered the greatest no-gi grappler of all time with a record of 159 wins and 9 losses (130 by submission), doesn’t hand out promotions lightly.
The timing of the promotion at Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu’s grand opening adds extra significance to the moment. The gym, formerly known as New Wave Jiu-Jitsu, represents Ryan’s evolution as both a competitor and instructor following his recent retirement from competition.
What This Means for Nolf’s Future
Nolf’s blue belt promotion signals his serious commitment to BJJ and submission grappling. With his wrestling foundation and now formal recognition of his BJJ progress, he’s positioned to become a formidable competitor in the grappling world.
The promotion also highlights the growing trend of elite wrestlers transitioning to BJJ, following in the footsteps of athletes who have successfully made the crossover between disciplines.
For Gordon Ryan, promoting Nolf represents his continued role as a mentor and instructor, even in retirement from active competition. The promotion demonstrates Ryan’s commitment to developing the next generation of grapplers at his new Austin facility.
What do you think about elite wrestlers making the transition to BJJ? Will Jason Nolf become the next wrestling-to-BJJ success story?
