Ray Huxen has an extensive background in martial arts, particularly in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). He began his Judo training in 1994 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and later moved to Philadelphia in 1995, where he joined the Philadelphia Judo Club under the guidance of head instructor Art Bourgeau. After 15 years of dedicated training, Ray achieved the rank of Yodan (4th degree black belt) in Judo.
Throughout his Judo career, Ray has achieved notable accomplishments in competition. He has won silver and bronze medals at Judo Nationals (Masters), earned a gold medal and several silver medals at the Am-Can International tournament, and secured multiple medals at the Liberty Bell Judo Tournament, among other regional achievements.
In 1998, Ray started cross-training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and his talent and dedication quickly became apparent. He earned his brown belt in 2005, and his skills continued to shine as he medaled in various national events, including Grapplers Quest and NAGA. As a brown belt, Ray achieved both gold and silver medals at the Pan-Ams. Prior to his brown belt, he excelled as a blue and purple belt, winning multiple championships such as the Relson Gracie National, Grapplers Quest, NAGA, and Saulo Ribeiro Association tournaments. After 17 years of dedicated training, including 7 years as a brown belt, Ray was awarded his black belt in 2013.
In 2018, Ray and Osagame were accepted into the prestigious Marcelo Garcia Association after undergoing an intensive process. The affiliation with Marcelo Garcia, a highly respected competitor and individual in the martial arts world, is a source of pride for Ray and the club.
Ray’s contributions to the Philadelphia Judo Club have been significant. In 2009, after 27 years as head instructor, Art Bourgeau passed the title of Head Instructor to Ray, making him the tenth head instructor in the club’s 70-year history. This appointment reflects Ray’s expertise, dedication, and leadership within the martial arts community.
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