Grappler Profile: Eddie Cummings
Born in New York in October 1984, Eddie Cummings emerged as a prominent figure in the world of jiu-jitsu. With a reputation as a leg lock specialist, Cummings’s journey has been one of dedication, innovation, and remarkable achievements.
Background And Early Career
Growing up, Cummings wasn’t particularly drawn to sports. However, his trajectory took a turn during his time at Stony Brook University in the late 2000s. The university hosted a grappling class in the basement of its racquetball courts, which became Cummings’s introduction to the world of jiu-jitsu. Under the guidance of his first coach, Krishna Mirjah, who focused on the no-gi aspect of the sport, Cummings’s interest in competition began to flourish.
After three years of training at Stony Brook University, Cummings’s journey led him to New York City for educational pursuits. It was here that he joined the renowned Renzo Gracie Academy (RGA) as a blue belt. Although Cummings had some prior exposure to leg locks, his specialization in this intricate aspect of jiu-jitsu gained momentum after a notable victory over experienced grappler Mark Ramos in 2013 at the Grappler’s Quest World Series of Grappling tournament. This event marked a turning point in Cummings’s focus, pushing him to delve deeper into mastering the art of lower limb submissions.
John Danaher, RGA’s assistant instructor, played a pivotal role in Cummings’s evolution as a grappler. Under Danaher’s expert guidance, Cummings refined his understanding of leg locks and emerged as one of the most feared competitors in submission-only formats. His dedication and achievements on the mat culminated in the awarding of his black belt in January 2015, around five years after he initially embarked on his jiu-jitsu journey.
Cummings’s prowess in leg lock techniques led him to become a two-time EBI Tournament champion at 145lb, solidifying his reputation as a force to be reckoned with. He was a key member of the “Danaher Death Squad,” a group known for their innovative approaches to grappling. His journey also saw him transition from the Renzo Gracie Academy to Unity Jiu-Jitsu, demonstrating his commitment to growth and evolution.
Throughout his career, Cummings showcased his skills in various high-profile events, including ADCC, Fight to Win, EBI, Polaris, and KASAI. Notably, he made a significant impact as one of the first no-gi grapplers in the mid-2010s to achieve success through heel hook attacks, earning the affectionate nickname of Wolverine in the grappling community.
Main Achievements
| Achievement | Year |
|---|---|
| 1st Place EBI 4 – 145 lbs Invitational | 2015 |
| 1st Place EBI 7 – 145 lbs Invitational | 2016 |
| 1st Place ADCC US East Coast Trials | 2015 |
| Polaris Invitational 2 Superfight Winner | 2015 |
| 2nd Place EBI 10 – 135 lbs Invitational | 2016 |
| 3rd Place EBI 3 – 170 lbs Invitational | 2015 |
Summary
While Cummings’s competitive journey paused after 2019, his contributions to the jiu-jitsu community remain an enduring legacy. His determination to specialize in leg locks, guided by the expertise of instructors like John Danaher, stands as a testament to his dedication to the sport and his desire to push the boundaries of what’s possible in grappling.
Social Links
If you want to stay up to date with Eddie check out his channels and social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eddie_wolverine/
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