A long time ambassador for MMA in Indiana, Joel “Baby Silverback” Blanton, has been involved in the game for the better part of 2 decades. Beginning, like most, in local Indiana amateur events and working his way up to larger professional venues, Joel has definitely put in more than his fair share of hard work. MMA, as we all know, can take its toll on the body, so over the past few years, his passion has lead him away from MMA and more toward defining his BJJ goals and a World Championship.
As a BJJ brown belt and a long time member of Team James Clingerman, central Indiana’s longest running MMA / BJJ team, he has become a force to be recon with on the BJJ circuit. Since Joel currently resides in Lafeyette, Indiana, where he cross trains at Impact Zone Training Center, all while being a full time husband, father, and having a full time job. It is all possible, but not without some sacrifices, endurance, and a steadfast support structure.
His most recent wins would be the Double Gold he earned at Mater / Senior World Championships and another Double Gold for Nogi PanAm Championships for the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. The IBJJF is the governing body of the World Jiu-Jitsu Championships, Nogi World Jiu-Jitsu Championships, Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championships, and European Open Jiu-Jitsu Championships. IBJJF tournaments are held worldwide and attract competitors from all over the globe who train year round to test their skills. The IBJJF provides an international ranking system and worldwide recognition.
2014 Chicago Spring Open
Brown, Gi Middle weight – GOLD
No-GI Middle weight – GOLD
2014 Chicago Summer Open
Brown, Gi Middle weight – GOLD
Open – BRONZE
No-Gi Middle weight – GOLD
Open – GOLD
2014 No-Gi Pans
Brown, Middle weight – GOLD
Open weight – GOLD
2014 No-Gi Worlds
Brown, Middle weight – GOLD
Open weight – GOLD
2013 No-Gi Worlds
Purple, Middle weight – GOLD
Open weight – GOLD
2013 No-Gi Pans
Purple, Middle weight – GOLD
Open weight – GOLD
2011 Nogi Pans
Purple, Light weight division – GOLD
Link to Jiu-Jitsu Times Interview can be found here.
Support your local Indiana BJJ / MMA community with gear from Strych9. Link to Strych 9‘s “Baby Silverback” t-shirt can be found here.
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