Dave Camarillo: Record, Net Worth, Weight, Age & More!

By Benjamin Strusnik, September 29, 2021

Who is Dave Camarillo?

Dave Camarillo is a well known Judoka and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under the great Ralph Gracie. While he began at Gracie Academy, he eventually diverged and created his own take on BJJ, called Guerilla Jiu-Jitsu. Since his time training fighters at American Kickboxing Academy, on the Ultimate Fighter Season 12, and in his own gym, Camarillo has built a name for himself in the grappling community.

Who is Dave Camarillo?

The Armlock Obsession by Dave Camarillo

Camarillo started martial arts at a young age when his father, Jim, got him started in Judo. For the Camarillo family, martial arts was a lifestyle; Jim Camarillo owned and operated his own Judo gym during Dave’s childhood. He grew up training six days a week under the watchful and experienced eye of his father.

When Camarillo turned 18, he joined the Judo team at the local college, Fresno state. He trained Judo here until sustaining a significant injury to his knee, which required that he take a break from the high-impact training required of Judokas. It was during this downtime that he discovered the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, immediately finding a large crossover between the “newaza” part of his Judo game and his newfound pastime of BJJ.

But he didn’t begin just anywhere. As luck would have it, Dave Camarillo walked into a Gracie Academy helmed by Cesar and Ralph Gracie, two legends of the sport known for their tough, old-school style. Upon joining, he became fast friends with another superstar in the MMA and Jiu-Jitsu world, BJ Penn. Although Penn left after achieving purple belt for another gym, Camarillo stayed with Ralph Gracie until receiving his blackbelt.

In 2003, while still competing as a black belt, Camarillo became a professional instructor. He took over for Frank Shamrock at American kickboxing academy in San Jose. It was at AKA that he began to pioneer his signature style of Guerilla Jiu-Jitsu, eventually branching out on his own to create a gym under the Guerilla banner.

Leg Lock Obsession by Quentin Rosenzweig

How Old is Dave Camarillo?

Dave Camarillo was born in 1977. He will be 44 years old in 2021.

Dave Camarillo Family

While little is known about Dave Camarillo’s personal life, his relatives have led similarly successful careers in martial arts. His father, Jim, of course, was a major influence for Dave. Seeing the work and dedication that operating a gym takes of it’s owner was a valuable lesson.

Dave’s brother, Dan Camarillo, also owns and operates his own Jiu-Jitsu studio in California as well. His gym is under the family name, Camarillo. Both brothers have maintained an active influence on the grappling scene for the last two decades.

How Much is Dave Camarillo Worth?

Dave Camarillo’s net worth is not publicly known. He runs a successful Jiu-Jitsu gym, trains professional UFC fighters, and creates instructionals to spread his love of the art.

How Tall is Dave Camarillo?

Dave is a Jiu-Jitsu coach and competitor, so his height is not readily available.

How Much Does Dave Camarillo Weigh?

Dave Camarillo competed most frequently at lightweight in his competition days. The limit for that division is typically 76kg, or 167 pounds.

Dave Camarillo Fight List

A full record of Dave Camarillo’s matches, including both his early career and his superfights, has not been published. Here are the highlights of his competition career in the years leading up to his black belt.

1997: Canadian Open Judo Championships - 1st Place
1998: Oscar de Jiu-Jitsu Championship - Purple - 1st Place
1998: Rickson Gracie American Jiu-Jitsu Association Tournament - 1st Place
1999: Joe Moreira International Championship - Purple - 1st Place
1999: Copa Pacifica Championship - Blue - 1st Place (Division & Absolute)

Dave Camarillo's Best Fight of All Time

Dave Camarillo has been an active part of the Jiu-Jitsu scene since the mid 90s and has had many awesome matchups. One of his most interesting was a recent 2019 superfight against UFC and US Army Special Forces veteran, Tim Kennedy. Although Camarillo was eventually submitted, the match was an enjoyable one to watch and took place for a charitable cause.

Who Did Dave Camarillo Lose To?

Although his competition record is hard to find, Camarillo did an interview where he noted the three toughest grapplers that he has ever faced. Number one, perhaps unsurprisingly, is his own big brother, Dan Camarillo. The Brazilian Judoka Flavio Canto and the Jiu Jitsu legend Marcelo Garcia round out the list. Camarillo said of Garcia, “You are in danger in almost every ground position imaginable!”.

Dave Camarillo Record

Competed a long time ago, with his early matches taking place in the mid to late 90s. Many have now been lost to the sands of time. After competing in a tournament organized and sponsored by Rickson Gracie, Gracie called him “ the most technical American Jiu-Jitsu fighter”.

Dave Camarillo Injuries

When he was competing with Fresno State’s Judo team as a black belt, Dave Camarillo suffered a knee injury that paused his judo career and got him started down the path to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Ralph Gracie. While recovering, he had to avoid the high-amplitude throws that characterize Judo. He found Jiu-Jitsu to be a great alternative to the punishing nature of Judo throws and became a lifelong practitioner. He had a lifetime of background in Judo before starting BJJ and, as a result, was awarded his blue belt in a record 10 days of training Jiu Jitsu.

Is Dave Camarillo Retired?

Although he is semi-retired from competition, Camarillo continues to make a big impact on the world of grappling and mixed martial arts. As recently as 2019, he has taken grappling superfights for charity. He is the founder and owner of Guerilla Jiu-Jitsu, and has coached many UFC greats, including Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck, and Cain Velasquez. In addition to his Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu videos, he has teamed up with BJJ Fanatics to create “The Armlock Obsession”, a detailed breakdown of his system for isolating, controlling, and breaking arms.

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