Cadence Glann
Cadence Glann: Resilience and Excellence in Grappling
Cadence Glann stands as a remarkable example of resilience, elite performance, and unwavering dedication in the world of professional grappling. A prominent member of Team Furious Stylez, Cadence is best known for transforming a challenging medical history into a solid foundation for athletic achievement. She is a highly decorated athlete who skillfully balances academic distinction, a unique multi-disciplinary training regimen, and consistent competitive success at the highest levels across the United States.
Resilience & the Journey to the Mats
Cadence’s journey is deeply rooted in overcoming adversity. Born with a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) and later developing Double Chambered Right Ventricle (DCRV), she underwent open-heart surgery in March 2020. Even after a successful procedure, the path to athletic excellence was not straightforward. When she began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in April 2021, after being medically cleared just a year after surgery, she encountered sharp, persistent pain in her sternum—a lingering effect from her heart surgery. Despite this physical setback, Cadence’s extraordinary determination shone through as she pushed forward. To this day, she sometimes experiences flare-ups of sternum discomfort, a reminder of her journey and the obstacles she continues to conquer. Her ability to perform at such a high level, while managing these ongoing challenges, underscores her unique brand of resilience.
Early Athletic and Academic Success
Before focusing on grappling, Cadence excelled in other competitive arenas, showcasing her versatility and commitment. In elementary school, she contributed to a regional championship-winning soccer team, demonstrating her talent and teamwork from an early age. Later, in high school, she claimed victory in multiple divisions of an Academic Decathlon, proving her ability to balance the rigors of academics with athletic pursuits. This blend of discipline and performance is a recurring theme throughout Cadence’s career, laying the groundwork for her later achievements on the mats.
Jiu-Jitsu Achievements, Training, and Competitive Presence
Now a First Roll-sponsored athlete, Cadence is widely recognized for her aggressive, submission-hunting style—particularly her proficiency with armbars and lower-body attacks. As a highly decorated blue belt (as of early 2026), she has consistently maintained top global rankings in her division. At one point, she was ranked #1 in the world in her division by the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and reached as high as #8 nationally and #10 continentally in the AJP Tour rankings for North America and the USA. Her competition resume includes multiple state championship titles in the AGF circuit across Texas and Oklahoma, a silver medal in NAGA Worlds’ Adult Expert division after moving up in both weight and experience, and a recent professional debut victory via first-round armbar. She is also a regular podium finisher at prestigious tournaments such as the IBJJF Pan and World No Gi Championships.
Among her most remarkable competitive moments is her PR-setting fastest submission—an 8.5-second finish at the ADCC Open. This lightning-fast victory not only highlights her technical prowess and readiness but also cements her reputation as one of the most dangerous submission artists in her division. Achievements like this, particularly in such high-level events, underscore the effectiveness of her training and her ability to perform under pressure.
Cadence’s sustained success is built on a three-pillar, multi-disciplinary training model. Her primary No Gi technical development happens at 10th Planet Fort Worth with Douglas Frey, where she absorbs the creative and unconventional aspects of the 10th Planet system. This is balanced with high-intensity competition training at Flux MMA under Kyle Short, honing her ability to adapt and thrive in live, high-pressure situations. Additionally, Cadence strengthens her wrestling alongside the Texas Wesleyan University team under Coach Quentin Perez—a rare and valuable asset for a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor. This hybrid approach has given her a dynamic takedown game, relentless pressure, and a series of unique submission chains that make her a formidable opponent in every competition.
Off the mats, Cadence is a dedicated representative for First Roll Gear, frequently showcasing modern No Gi apparel and actively promoting the growth of women’s combat sports in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Her story stands as a testament to the power of resilience, discipline, and innovative training. Despite ongoing challenges—including the sternum pain that occasionally resurfaces from her heart surgery—Cadence continues to reach new heights, inspiring others to overcome obstacles and pursue excellence at the elite level.
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