Eddie "Wolverine" Cummings

Name: Eddie Cummings (Full Name: Edward Cummings, Nickname: "Wolverine")

Current Rank: Black Belt under John Danaher

Notable Achievements:

• 1st Place EBI 4 – 145 lbs Invitational (2015)

• 1st Place EBI 7 – 145 lbs Invitational (2016)

• 1st Place ADCC US East Coast Trials (2015)

• Polaris Invitational 2 Superfight Winner (2015)

• 2nd Place EBI 10 – 135 lbs Invitational (2016)

• 3rd Place EBI 3 – 170 lbs Invitational (2015)

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda --> Carlos Gracie (Sr) --> Hélio Gracie --> Carlos Gracie Junior --> Renzo Gracie --> John Danaher --> Eddie Cummings

Step into the world of Eddie Cummings, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under the enigmatic John Danaher. Known as the "Wolverine," Cummings is a revolutionary figure in the grappling community, particularly for his contributions to leg lock positions such as the heel hook, saddle (411), and ashi garami. As one of the first big names to emerge from the Danaher Death Squad (DDS), Cummings has won several prestigious tournaments, including the Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI) and Polaris Jiu-Jitsu Invitational.

Early Life

Born in October 1984 in New York, Eddie Cummings was not what you'd call a "sporty" kid. His journey into the grappling world began while studying physics at Stony Brook University, where he attended a grappling class held in the basement of the university's racquetball courts. It was there that he met his first coach, Krishna Mirjah, who ignited his passion for competition and awarded him his blue belt.

Initial Training and Influences

After three years at Stony Brook University, Cummings moved to New York City for academic reasons and joined Renzo Gracie's Academy as a blue belt. Although he had some basic knowledge of leg locks, his desire to specialize in this aspect of Jiu-Jitsu was galvanized by a win over East Coast grappling veteran Mark Ramos in 2013. Under the guidance of John Danaher, Cummings became a feared competitor, especially in the submission-only circuit.

Formative Years in Jiu-Jitsu

Cummings' formative years were marked by a relentless pursuit of mastery in leg locks. His dedication to the craft earned him his black belt in January 2015, approximately five years after he first started training. His grappling record boasts an impressive 25 wins, with 21 of those coming by submission, predominantly via heel hooks.

Ascension to Prominence

Eddie Cummings' rise to prominence was meteoric. His achievements include first-place finishes at EBI 4 and EBI 7 in the 145 lbs division, as well as a win at the ADCC US East Coast Trials in 2015. He also won a superfight at the Polaris Invitational in 2015, solidifying his reputation as one of the most dangerous submission artists in the game.

Achievements and Titles

Cummings' list of achievements is extensive. He has won the EBI 4 and EBI 7 in the 145 lbs division, the ADCC US East Coast Trials, and was a superfight winner at the Polaris Invitational in 2015. His grappling record is a testament to his skills, with 21 of his 25 wins coming by submission.

Personal Philosophy and Style

Known for his analytical approach, Cummings specializes in leg locks, particularly the outside heel hook. His nickname "Wolverine" aptly describes him as "small, furry, and mean-spirited," a moniker he humorously confirmed on his Instagram account.

Current Endeavors and Legacy

While details about his current endeavors are not widely publicized, Cummings' influence on the sport, especially in the realm of leg locks, is undeniable. He remains a pivotal figure in the evolution of submission grappling, and his techniques continue to be studied and emulated by aspiring grapplers worldwide.

Conclusion

Eddie "Wolverine" Cummings is not just another black belt; he's a revolutionary figure who has changed the landscape of submission grappling. With a keen analytical mind and a relentless pursuit of mastery, Cummings has left an indelible mark on the sport, particularly in the realm of leg locks.