Rich is a former active duty Marine Corps officer and is currently in the Marine Corps reserves. Rich was first exposed to grappling in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, but didn’t truly start down the martial arts path until he began training Brazilian Jiujitsu and Muay Thai at KOA Martial Arts in October 2018. He was promoted to Blue Belt by Jaron Hampton and Professor Kelly Grissom in October 2019.

In October 2020, Rich moved to Oknawa, Japan and then trained under Professor Flavio Da Silva. After competing and making the podium in many tournaments including the ASJJF Japan Cup, Rich was promoted to Purple Belt by Professor Flavio in June 2022.

In October 2022, Rich returned to KOA Martial Arts and has since competed and won several competitions at purple belt including the IBJJF New Orleans Open (division and absolute) and the IBJJF Lisbon Open in NoGi.