David Garmo was born in the United States on February 19, 1990. His journey into martial arts began at age five, training in combat sports at Michigan Martial Arts. Here, Garmo encountered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the first time, learning foundational techniques from Lee Miles, then a blue belt. Although his early training was sporadic, these formative years introduced him to the principles of grappling and discipline. By age ten, Garmo stepped away from martial arts, pausing his development for several years.

Wrestling Foundation

During high school, Garmo reignited his athletic ambitions by joining the wrestling team at Brother Rice High School. Competing throughout his high school tenure, he developed a strong base in takedowns, positional control, and mat strategy—skills that would later translate seamlessly to jiu-jitsu.

Return to Jiu-Jitsu

After graduating in 2008, Garmo sought a new challenge and returned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, this time training at MASH Gym. Initially considering a career in mixed martial arts, he soon found his passion centered on the technical depth and strategic complexity of jiu-jitsu, shifting his focus entirely to grappling.

Commitment to Full-Time Training

Upon his return to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Garmo committed fully to the sport, transitioning to life as a full-time BJJ athlete within a year and a half. He refined his game under the mentorship of respected coaches including Don Richard, Brandon Fracassi, John Toth, Angelo Popofski, and Harvy Berman. Each coach contributed unique perspectives, helping Garmo develop a well-rounded approach to both gi and no-gi competition.

Belt Promotions

Garmo’s progression from white to brown belt was overseen by Master Caique Elias, a highly regarded figure in the jiu-jitsu community. In October 2017, after years of dedicated training and competition, Garmo earned his black belt from his friend and mentor, Danny Agemy, marking a significant milestone in his career.

As a brown belt, Garmo expanded his technical repertoire by making regular trips to Tokyo, Japan. He spent extended periods training and coaching at Carpe Diem Academy, one of Japan’s premier jiu-jitsu academies. This international exposure allowed him to adapt to diverse training methodologies and spar with a wide range of partners, further sharpening his tactical awareness and adaptability on the mats.

David Garmo stands out as one of Michigan’s most accomplished no-gi competitors. Renowned for his dynamic, crowd-pleasing style, he brings relentless pressure and creative transitions to every match. Garmo has competed in high-profile events such as the 2018 Quintet Fight Night 1, 2019 Quintet Fight Night 2, and the Onnit Invitational, consistently showcasing his technical prowess and strategic mindset.

Throughout his career, Garmo has represented elite teams including Carpe Diem and Detroit Jiu-Jitsu. His commitment to no-gi grappling, combined with his aggressive passing and submission-oriented approach, has established him as a standout figure in the American grappling scene.