12 Year-Old Edmonson Native Wins Double Gold in Jiu-Jitsu World League Competition

Edmonson Voice Report:
Elisha J. Rich, a 12-year-old athlete from Edmonson County, Kentucky, is already making a name for himself in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). The son of Ryan and Rachel Rich, Elisha is currently stationed in San Antonio, Texas, with his father, who serves in the United States Air Force. Despite the challenges of moving frequently, Elisha has flourished in his BJJ journey, and his dedication and hard work are paying off.

This past weekend, Elisha competed at the Jiu-Jitsu World League competition in Austin, Texas, where he clinched double gold. This victory added to his impressive record, which currently stands at 16-3. Elisha trains at Mushin BJJ Academy, one of the top BJJ gyms in the country, where he has honed his skills under the guidance of his Professor Bobby and Coach DK. Both have played a crucial role in Elisha's development, teaching him the technical and mental aspects of the sport that have helped him succeed.

Elisha’s favorite thing about Jiu-Jitsu is the unpredictable nature of every fight. He loves how every fighter has their strengths and weaknesses, ensuring that no two matches are ever the same. This dynamic environment pushes him to continually improve and adapt. One of his favorite quotes from Professor Bobby is, "Make sense of the chaos." Elisha knows that in Jiu-Jitsu, no fight will ever be choreographed, and that unpredictability is what makes the sport so exciting.
Looking ahead, Elisha is eager for his next big challenge the competition in Louisville, Kentucky, this year. He’s particularly excited because his family and friends from Edmonson County will be there to cheer him on. Elisha knows their support will be a big motivator as he looks to showcase his growing skill set on a bigger stage.

"Elisha is a standout athlete known for his impressive height, which is above average for his age," said his father, Ryan. "He closely resembles his uncles, Phil and Edd Rich, from Bee Spring, KY."

In addition to his accomplishments on the mat, Elisha is grateful for the support of his local sponsors, S and S Classic Cars, run by Steve and Serenna Ashley. Their help has been instrumental in allowing him to pursue his goals and continue to grow as an athlete.

Elisha’s future in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is incredibly bright, and he is just getting started. With his relentless drive and the guidance of his mentors, the sky is the limit for his role in the sport.