Name: James Puopolo
Nickname: None
Age: 24 years old
Height: 6’4″ Weight: 220lbs
Rank: Brown Belt
Gym: Lovato BJJ-Oregon
Length of time training: 6 years (Started on 1/2005 at University of Oregon)

Website, Blog, Twitter, or Facebook links:
SKBJJ.com , http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=11508027, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Salem-Keizer-Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu-Academy/164909883526135

List of titles or accomplishments:
2007
2nd place blue belt heavyweight division World Championships
1st place blue belt heavyweight division and Co-champion open class
American Nationals

2008
2nd place purple belt heavyweight division Pan American Championships
3rd place purple belt heavyweight division World Championships
2nd place purple belt heavyweight division and 1st place open class American Nationals
1st place purple belt heavyweight division and 1st place open class No Gi American Nationals

2009
1st place purple belt heavyweight division Pan American Championships
1st place purple belt heavyweight and 1st place open class American Cup
1st place purple belt super heavyweight division World Championships
1st place -99kg and 1st place Absolute ADCC Northwest Trials
2nd place brown belt super heavyweight division and 1st place open class US Open
3rd place brown belt super heavyweight division No-Gi World Championships
1st place brown belt heavyweight division Grappler’s Quest World Series of Grappling

2010
2nd place brown belt super heavyweight division Pan American Championships
3rd place brown belt super heavyweight division and 3rd place open class World Championships
1st place advanced no-gi open class and 1st place brown-belt open class Tachi Palace Grappler’s Quest
1st place brown belt super heavyweight divison and 1st place open class American Nationals
3rd place super heavyweight division No-Gi World Championships
3rd place ADCC East Coast Trials
3rd place brown/black belt over 202 and 3rd place absolute Abu Dhabi World Pro Trials Las Vegas Gi

2011
1st place brown/black belt over 202 and 1st place absolute Abu Dhabi World Pro Trials Las Vegas No-Gi

How did you get involved in bjj?

Finished playing basketball after high school and wanted to start boxing. My dad and I had seen the early UFCs when I was a kid. He ended up talking me into trying BJJ instead and I was hooked immediately.

What is your favorite bjj story?

My favorite story is still being written.

Who are some of the people who have influenced you bjj?

Major influences on my BJJ are my instructors Ben Baxter, Rafael Lovato Jr, Xande and Saulo. Favorite competitors to watch are Roger and Braulio. In addition, one of my favorite grapplers is Dan Gable. He is a legend and his mental toughness is what I am trying to emulate.

What is your favorite position and why?
Favorite position would be closed guard. I really like to attack with armbars, triangles, and omoplatas. It is a position where you can gain a lot without much risk.

If you could start training all over again, what would you change in your training routine and why?

I wouldn’t change anything about my earlier training. Throughout my training I have been focused on creating the most efficient training possible. I feel I have done everything within my current situation to improve. Every time I learn something to improve my training I add it. That’s all I can ask of myself.

How do you think competition helps your jiujitsu?

I love the way competition challenges me to look inside. What will I do when things don’t go my way? When I’m tired and suffering? It is a mirror to see inside and gauge your mental toughness. I love it.

Who are some people you have beat in competition that you are proud of and why?

I think less about the people I beat and more about the people who have beaten me.

How has bjj helped and changed your life?
BJJ is a life changing sport. I couldn’t imagine my life without it. There are physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits to BJJ. My goal in opening my academy is to improve people’s lives. I could elaborate for days about the benefits of BJJ.

What do you think is not stressed enough in order to better your game in grappling?

Wrestling is one aspect of my game that I have really been working on the last year and a half. I think it is really important to be crosstraining with wrestling.

What are your plans for the next 5-10 year?

My 5 year plan is to achieve my definite chief aim. I will let you know when I get there.

What are three things people may not know about you?

1. I’m a vegetarian
2. I’m a math teacher
3. Think and Grow Rich is my favorite book

Any shout outs?

Shout out to my wife and family for all their support. Also, want to thank my instructor/training partner Ben Baxter and my instructors Rafael Lovato Jr, Saulo, and Xande for taking me under their wing.