Professor Josh Cadenbach began wrestling at the age of 8 in his home state of Nebraska. He wrestled competitively throughout his childhood and high school years, winning numerous state and local tournaments. His success earned him collegiate scholarship offers, which Professor Josh turned down to serve his country in the 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment. In 2010, Professor Josh left the service and enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. It was during his time at the U of I that Professor Josh discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and in 2013 opened his first Gracie Barra school in Champaign, IL.

Professor Josh comes from the lineage of Professor Marcos Barros, a fourth-degree black belt under Master Carlos Gracie Jr. Professor Josh is continually training to ensure his students receive the highest quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction. In addition to being a Black Belt in BJJ, Professor Josh is a certified Level 8 Commando Krav Maga instructor, and certified firearms instructor. He brings nearly 20 years of grappling experience to Gracie Barra Champaign, and with it the passion and drive to share the gentle art.