Josh MacDonald, a jiu-jitsu athlete and YouTube creator behind the Conquer Crohn’s channel, has achieved four podium finishes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments this season while battling the debilitating effects of Crohn’s disease. From a weight of 105 pounds during a life-threatening flare-up just a few years ago, Josh has transformed into a 160-pound competitor taking on highly skilled opponents across multiple tournaments.
In September, Josh competed at the JJ World League Dallas X Gi tournament in the 154-pound and under division. Against a field of seven athletes, Josh secured first place with dominant performances, winning both matches by submission in under a minute. In the semi-finals, Josh submitted Angel Mota with an armbar from a triangle position before advancing to the finals, where he defeated Jourdon Gintzler via triangle choke.
In October, Josh stepped up again at the American Grappling Federation Texas State Jiu-Jitsu Championships to compete in both gi and no-gi divisions. Facing a nine-man bracket in no-gi, Josh earned a hard-fought bronze medal, marking one of his proudest achievements due to the large bracket size and his focus on gi training. In the gi division, Josh claimed silver in a five-man bracket after notable victories, including a submission win against Angel Mota—whom he had previously defeated at JJWL. Despite a strong effort, a lapel choke in the final match cost him the gold. Josh attributes the result to Crohn’s-related energy issues, a factor that makes competing in back-to-back divisions particularly grueling.
In November, Josh returned to the JJ World League for the IV Texas Gi Finals in a six-man bracket. After a tough semi-final victory by referee decision against Ryan Bao—a seasoned competitor with wins in a 16-man ADCC bracket earlier this year—Josh advanced to the finals. There, he faced Brave Mays, a highly technical opponent. Mays, who entered the match fresh from a bye, controlled much of the fight with superior positioning, keeping Josh in side control and half guard. Despite the point deficit and physical exhaustion from earlier matches, Josh skillfully avoided submission attempts while searching for opportunities to counter from the bottom. Josh ultimately earned second place, solidifying his standing among top competitors.
Josh credits his success to his training at Sloth BJJ in Euless, TX, under coaches Isaac Fox and Blas Carrasco. Having started jiu-jitsu in July 2023, Josh has focused on a guard-based game to conserve energy—a strategic adaptation to the chronic fatigue associated with Crohn’s disease. His clean diet and disciplined training have helped him navigate the challenges of competing while managing his condition. “Competing in both gi and no-gi divisions on the same day is tough for anyone,” Josh said, “but for someone with Crohn’s, it’s a different level of challenge.”
Looking ahead, Josh continues to share his journey as an athlete with Crohn’s through his YouTube channel, Conquer Crohn’s, and Instagram page. By sharing his experiences, he aims to inspire others with chronic illnesses to pursue their goals, no matter the obstacles.
For more details about Josh’s journey and to follow his future competitions, visit Conquer Crohn’s on YouTube.
Media Contact
Company Name: Conquer Crohn's
Contact Person: Josh MacDonald
Email: Send Email
Address:218 N Main St
City: Euless
State: TX 76039
Country: United States
Website: conquercrohns.ca
