Professor Justin Hoglund
Professor Justin Hoglund
With over 25 years of martial arts experience, Justin Hoglund brings a deep well of knowledge, passion, and leadership to the Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy. He learned the foundations of leadership and discipline as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, where he served from 2000 to 2004. During this time, he began his journey in Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts, laying the groundwork for a lifelong pursuit of excellence in combat sports.
Following his honorable discharge, Justin pursued a career in public service, rising through the ranks to become a Battalion Chief for a major metropolitan fire department in the Bay Area. Simultaneously, he remained devoted to martial arts, continuing his jiu jitsu journey where he first connected with Crosley Gracie and Ryan Murphy.
As a well-rounded martial artist, Justin also trained Muay Thai under world-renowned coaches at the legendary Fairtex Muay Thai Academy in San Francisco, where he sharpened his striking skills to complement his grappling base.
A dedicated competitor, Justin transitioned from the mats to the cage, signing his first professional MMA contract in 2008. He fought in local promotions such as Gladiator Challenge and Cage Combat, earning co-main event status and building a strong following in the Bay Area fight scene. After Crosley Gracie opened his academy, Justin continued his Jiu-Jitsu evolution under Alexander Crispim, one of the art’s premier half-guard specialists. In 2012, Crispim awarded Justin his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Though retired from competition, Justin remained deeply involved in the sport, coaching and cornering high-level athletes, including a historic fight at UFC 144 in Tokyo, Japan.
In 2018, Justin and his family settled in Brentwood, where he reunited with Crosley Gracie and continued to train under his old friend and mentor. Now a third-degree black belt, Justin is committed to sharing his lifelong martial arts experience with students of all ages and skill levels.
His approach to coaching is grounded in technical expertise and mental resilience. Through his career in the fire service, Justin has learned how to control his nervous system to perform under extreme pressure—skills he now brings to the mat. He has a passion for helping others master their minds and nervous systems so they can remain calm, focused, and capable when it matters most.
Outside the academy, Justin enjoys traveling the world with his wife and two sons, exploring nature, and spending time near the mountains and water, always finding a balance between his love of martial arts and the outdoors.