Everybody knows how tough it is to get into ADCC. The biggest and most prestigious no-gi event in the world, participation is limited to an exclusive few who qualify one of three ways. First, podium finishers get invited back. Second, a handful of invites are reserved for standout names from the world of grappling, with only elite caliber athletes getting the call.

Whether or not you believe in “American Jiu-Jitsu” exists separate from “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,” several individual Americans have made their marks on the world of submission grappling. If in no other way, Americans have at least impacted the history books.