Meet Ijah "Rudie" Baltimore, a dedicated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor whose journey is defined by perseverance, growth, and a relentless drive to win. Hailing from Harlem, New York, Rudie began his Jiu Jitsu journey on a whim, seeking more than just the typical gym workouts. What started as a quest to break from a lifting routine soon evolved into a passion for Jiu Jitsu that has shaped his life and athletic career.
The Start: A Simple Decision Leads to a Life-Changing Passion
Rudie’s journey into Jiu Jitsu began when he felt unsatisfied with his regular workout routine. After exploring karate, he quickly realized it wasn’t for him and immediately started searching again. His curiosity for a more dynamic and challenging form of martial arts led him to search for a full-contact martial art, and that's when he found Jiu Jitsu.
His first class was a defining moment. He was immediately rolled up by a youngster, but instead of being discouraged, Rudie signed up for a membership just one day into his trial week. This quick decision marked the beginning of his competitive journey.
Not long after, Rudie entered his first competition and earned a bronze medal. Yet, he wasn't satisfied. Determined to improve, Rudie reflected on the advice from his daughter, Nini, who was also an athlete. When Rudie asked Nini how she kept going after a loss in her track competitions, she simply said, “I don’t like to lose, so I have to just keep going until I win.”
Inspired by his daughter’s mindset, Rudie returned to competition a few weeks later and earned gold in his second tournament. To this day, he keeps Nini’s voice in his head when competing—“What would Nini do?” This philosophy has become a core part of his mindset, pushing him to give his best in every match.
Achievements and Competitive Success: A Champion’s Journey
Since that first tournament, Rudie has competed over 100 times in five years, earning an impressive 58 medals across various prestigious events, including the IBJJF and AJP Grand Slam. His dedication to Jiu Jitsu is evident in his remarkable success in the competitive scene.
Some of his key achievements include:
- 33 Gold Medals, 10 Silver, and 15 Bronze in IBJJF competitions
- AJP Grand Slam Master Champion (1x Brown Belt)
- Pan No-Gi Champion (2x, Brown and Purple belt)
- Silver Medal (1x, Purple Belt, Pan No-Gi)
-
Pan Championship (1x, Purple Belt, Open Class)
- Bronze (2x, Purple Belt)
- World No-Gi Champion (1x, Purple Belt)
- International Master Champion (2x Purple Belt, 1x Open Class)
- Silver Medal (1x Purple Belt Open Class)
- Bronze Medal (1x Purple Belt, World No-Gi)
As a brown belt today, Rudie continues to push himself to new heights, chasing even greater achievements while maintaining his focus on improvement and growth.
The Mindset of a Champion: Yoga, Consistency, and Personal Growth
Outside of the mats, Rudie lives a simple, consistent life. He practices yoga, which has not only helped his physical flexibility and strength but also contributed to his mental focus and discipline. He plans to earn his yoga certification in the next two years, as part of his commitment to personal growth and wellness.
Rudie’s philosophy is centered around habit, dedication, and a commitment to growth—both in and out of Jiu Jitsu. The discipline he applies to his Jiu Jitsu training extends to his daily life, where consistency, mental clarity, and balance are key to his success.
The Future: A Champion in the Making
Rudie’s journey is far from over. With his brown belt and his impressive record, he’s well on his way to achieving even greater success in the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. His mindset, work ethic, and relentless pursuit of excellence are a testament to his dedication to the sport.
As Rudie continues to compete at the highest levels, he aims to further develop his skills, earn more accolades, and inspire others to pursue their Jiu Jitsu dreams. Whether he’s on the mats winning medals or at home encouraging his daughter, Nini, to continue chasing her dreams, Rudie’s journey is a true example of perseverance, passion, and the unyielding desire to succeed.
