Russ Helm is a third degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Eric Burdo and Julio Fernandez, and a brown belt in judo under Kevin Santi. He began his grappling career in 1997, and has competed and placed in a variety of tournaments, including Copa Atlantica and VABJJ events. He is a certified special education teacher with the Commonwealth of Virginia and a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University. Russ runs several BJJ Fundamentals and self defense classes at Revolution BJJ, and is a frequent student and rolling and drilling partner at the gym.