Photo By Lance Cpl. Rey Moreno Marilao | U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Joshua Poulson, adjutant, Headquarters Company, Marine Corps...... read more read more
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, Guam — For 2nd Lt. Joshua Poulson, the Marine Corps is more than a career — it is the foundation that shaped his drive, resilience and competitive spirit. That foundation carried him to first place at the Marianas Open Jiu Jitsu Tournament Oct. 18, 2025.
Poulson’s journey began humbly. As a private, he balanced the demands of military life with community college courses, working toward a bachelor's degree.
“Back then, it was all about keeping my head above water,” Poulson said. “Classes, training, figuring out what was next — it taught me how to grind.”
That grind eventually led him to becoming a commissioned officer and later to Guam, where he joined the Camp Blaz family. Soon after arriving, he sought out a martial arts gym.
“I was staying in Tumon and Googled places nearby. Atos popped up — I’d heard of them from San Diego,” Poulson said. “I walked in, met Professor Carbalito, and right away felt welcomed. He was super friendly and incredibly knowledgeable.”
The Atos team quickly encouraged Poulson to compete in the Marianas Open, the largest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament in the region. The event drew more than 1,300 athletes from over 200 countries.
“They told me, ‘You’ve got the discipline, you should compete.’ That sounded a lot like the Corps — always pushing you to step up,” Poulson said.
Poulson did just that, earning first place as a white belt and celebrating with his teammates.
“Winning was great, but honestly, it was about representing both uniforms — the Marine Corps and my gym,” he said. “Both demand loyalty, discipline and respect.”
For Poulson, the victory was not just about medals. It was proof that the Marine Corps values of discipline, perseverance and pride extend far beyond the battlefield.
| Date Taken: | 10.27.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 12.04.2025 18:33 |
| Story ID: | 552904 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, GU |
| Web Views: | 389 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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