In Josh’s words

The story of DURO

When I first stepped onto the wrestling mat at the tender age of 5, my mother, unfamiliar with the sport’s intricacies, found her own unique way to support me. Her rallying cry, “Duro Joshua, Duro!” echoed not just in the gym but throughout my life. “Duro,” meaning “hard” or “durable” in Spanish, became a mantra, a reminder of the perseverance and tenacity required not just in wrestling but in every challenge life presents.

This word, and the spirit it encapsulates, followed me from my early days in youth wrestling through the rigorous competitions of high school and college, and into the arena of MMA where I compete today. Through every match, every victory, and every defeat, the echoes of “Duro” have been a constant companion, a voice rising above the crowd, urging me to push harder, fight stronger, and never give up. It was the voice of my mother, and later, my father too, infusing me with the strength to persevere.

Thus, when the time came to name our gym, the choice was clear. Duro Martial Arts and Performance Training is more than a name; it’s a tribute to the unwavering support of my parents, a testament to the journey of a young athlete who found his strength in their words, and a symbol of the resilience we aim to instill in every individual who walks through our doors.

Here, Duro embodies the essence of our mission: to build not just physical strength, but the enduring spirit of perseverance, resilience, and excellence. It’s a promise to our community—to challenge, nurture, and exceed limits, inspired by a simple word that carries a lifetime of motivation and memories.

Why Duro? Because here, we’re not just training athletes. We’re cultivating champions in sport and in life, grounded in the values of hard work, faith, and community. We invite you to join us on this journey, to find your “Duro,” your strength, amidst the challenges and to carry it with you, just as I have, through every walk of life.

Welcome to Duro Martial Arts and Performance Training. Welcome to our family, where every shout of “Duro!” is a step towards achieving your greatest potential.

Founder & Head Wrestling Coach

Josh Ugalde

Josh Ugalde is a lifelong martial artist, NCAA Division I wrestler, professional MMA fighter, and the founder of Duro, a training facility built to develop athletes and individuals alike—body, mind, and spirit.

From his early days on the mat to his transition into coaching and opening his own gym, Josh’s journey has always been guided by two powerful forces: wrestling and faith. With deep roots in the sport and an unwavering commitment to helping others, Josh has dedicated his life to building champions both on and off the mat.

Josh’s Journey

Early Start in Wrestling

Josh began wrestling as a young child, though his love for the sport wasn’t immediate. After briefly quitting in frustration, he returned with renewed fire—thanks in large part to the encouragement of his father. That persistence would define his path forward.

As a youth competitor, Josh stood out quickly. By middle school, he was already wrestling for elite club teams like Scorpions, traveling the country and making a name for himself. By 7th grade, he found a home with Bound Brook Wrestling, a powerhouse program that embraced his potential and honed his skills.

High School Highlights

Under the leadership of Coach Marty Gleason, Josh thrived.

Bound Brook became a national force—four-time Group 1 State Champions, ranked top ten in the country, and consistent contenders against programs like South Plainfield and Bergen Catholic.

Individually, Josh’s record speaks for itself:

• 4x NJ State Tournament Qualifier
• 3x State Medalist
• 2x State Finalist
• 2x Fargo All-American
• Ranked in the national top 10 as a junior and fifth as a senior
• Super 32 Bronze Medalist
• FloNationals Silver Medalist
• Multi-time Freestyle & Greco-Roman State Champion

Josh developed a deep understanding of discipline, resilience, and the value of having a coach who believes in you year-round.

Division I College Career

Josh earned a full scholarship to the University of Maryland, where he wrestled at the Division I level.

Competing against the nation’s best, he learned that raw talent would only take you so far—it’s lifestyle, commitment, and integrity outside the room that set champions apart.

Expanding into Jiu-Jitsu & MMA

After college, Josh pursued Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, quickly finding success. Despite being relatively new to the art, he won Gold at the Pan American Championships in the Blue Belt division.

Fueled by momentum and a hunger to grow, Josh transitioned into mixed martial arts, training under elite mentors like David Adiv at Gracie NJ and working closely with UFC fighter Mickey Gall.

Now a brown belt in BJJ and an undefeated professional MMA fighter, Josh has developed a well-rounded skill set that includes wrestling, BJJ, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and boxing.

The Birth of Duro

“Duro” is more than a gym—it’s a family, a calling, and a legacy built on faith. The name comes from Josh’s childhood. His Colombian mother, unable to contain her excitement in the stands, would shout “¡Duro, Joshua!” (meaning “Push! Fight Hard!”). That love and energy still fills the heart of the facility today.

Duro is a place where athletes come to grow—physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Coaching Philosophy

Josh’s coaching isn’t one-size-fits-all. He meets each athlete where they are, connecting with what drives them and helping them overcome mental blocks—not just technical ones.

He emphasizes:

• A willingness to learn
• Being a student of the game
• Developing toughness and grit
• Respect—for the art, your opponents, and yourself

Faith & Foundation

Duro proudly stands on a foundation of faith. You’ll see Bible verses on the walls, hear positive messages from coaches, and feel the presence of something deeper in every session.

Josh’s favorite verses include:

• • Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
  • Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
  • Ephesians 6:10–11 – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”