ALEXANDER SLUSER

Alexander Sluser's Bio

Alexander Sluser started training jiu jitsu in 2020. With a wrestling background, the pull toward grappling was always there, but once he stepped onto the mats, it turned into something bigger. Jiu jitsu didn’t just become a sport for him, it became part of his identity. It reshaped how he approaches both his personal life and his career.

His motivation for competing at Battle of the Badge is bigger than himself. Alexander wants to spotlight first responders, especially law enforcement officers, who train jiu jitsu to sharpen their skills and raise the standard of the profession. For him, training isn’t optional, it’s part of being better at the job.

He’s fortunate to work for a department that fully supports that mindset. Alexander trains jiu jitsu on duty in his department’s mat room with a consistent group of colleagues, and he doubles down by training just as much off duty at Danville Jiu Jitsu. The mix of work-based and academy training keeps his game honest and functional.

When preparing for competition, Alexander trains hard four to six times a week starting two to three months out. As the event gets closer, he tapers intentionally, shifting focus toward recovery, weight management, and sharpening his game plan. The final stretch is about fine tuning, light drilling, and mental readiness.

His training camp includes the officers he trains with at work and the coaching staff at Danville Jiu Jitsu, Coach Ripper, Coach Rick, Coach Faisal, and Coach Dennis. He credits them with helping him stay grounded, technical, and prepared.

Alexander’s strengths lie in his guard, ground control, and scrambling ability, creating openings for multiple submissions. He’s actively working on improving his leg lock game and tightening his setups, knowing there’s always another layer to chase.

Mental preparation starts early for him. A week or two out, he visualizes the opening minutes of the match, running through realistic scenarios so nothing feels unfamiliar when it’s time to step on the mat. Preparation breeds calm, and calm wins matches.

One of the most meaningful moments in his journey was earning his purple belt. The timing mattered. He was just beginning to truly understand the chess match that jiu jitsu is, and growing into that belt helped solidify what the art actually means.

His advice to other first responders competing is practical and honest. Protect your body. Your family and your job come first. Jiu jitsu is a sport. As a first responder, you’re running a marathon, not a sprint.

After this event, Alexander plans to keep training and competing, with the hope of returning to Battle of the Badge again.

For anyone considering a career as a first responder, his message is simple. Go for it. It’s challenging, meaningful, and unlike any other job. You help people on their worst days, take bad people off the street, and connect with your community in a way few careers ever allow.

• Agency

  Fremont Police Department

• Gym Name

  Danville Jiu Jitsu

• Weight:

  170 lbs

• Belt

  Brown

• Uniform:

  No Gi