Benjamin “The Grizzly” Rothrock began his martial arts training at age 7 as a boxer in Atlanta, GA. He began pursuing eastern martial arts at age 10 under Sifu David Woolard, as a student of Sil Lum Kung Fu and Arnis accredited by the International Kung Fu Arnis Academy. He would remain under Sifu Woolard's tutelage until age 13. After a short stint with Kenpo Karate under Sensei Tim Spellman, The Grizzly devoted himself to pit fighting, participating in many of the under ground Vale Tudo clubs that popped up in the Winston Salem area at the time. This was due in large part to the fact that he was not permitted to compete with the high school wrestling team because of his propensity for small joint manipulation, and his use of open handed striking techniques.

Benjamin's first exposure to jujitsu came in 2001 through the Army's hand-to-hand combat system dubbed “Modern Army Combatives”. After completing basic training and Advanced Individual Training, The Grizzly began pursuing the American Combat Jujitsu system under Professor Tony Maynard, accredited by Jujitsu America, which incorporated aspects of judo, small circle & danzan ryu jujitsu, as well as isshinryu karate. Simultaneously he also worked under the aforementioned Sifu Woolard as an assistant instructor/lead student at the Triad Kung Fu Arnis Academy in Winston Salem, NC until Sifu Woolard left the school in 2004. The Grizzly would remain Professor Maynard's student until being deployed to Iraq in 2005.

While in Iraq, Benjamin Rothrock became the Army Combatives instructor at the fitness center on post where he was stationed, instructing members of all branches of the military for both the U.S. and other allied countries. Through this class he and his students garnered both submission grappling and vale tudo competition experience with competitors from all over the United States and the world. His efforts as the Army Combatives instructor were noted as one of the achievements that earned him the Army Commendation medal for his service overseas. After returning from Iraq, Benjamin resumed his jujitsu eduction at the American Martial Arts Academy, under Professor Kevin Pyles. There he studied Brazilian jiu jitsu, muay thai kickboxing, and wrestling style take-downs. It was Professor Pyles who christened Benjamin as “The Grizzly” while Benjamin prepared for his first competitive submission grappling matches in the Unites States since 2004. Benjamin studied at the American Martial Arts Academy until 2008.

While completing his education at Guilford Technical Community College for his Physical Therapy Technologies degree (Associates in Applied Science), The Grizzly joined the Greensboro Jujitsu Club under Sensei Joseph Franklin and Sensei John Bryant to study kodokan jujitsu. At the same time, he also began training under Professor Wayne Anthony Huss at Huss Hybrid Combat College to enhance his knowledge of submission grappling and shoot fighting. In 2009 Benjamin was approached by Octagon Gym owner David Stacy to be the submission grappling instructor, where The Grizzly continues to teach to this day.

Benjamin “The Grizzly” Rothrock continues his martial arts education in Judo through the Greensboro Judo Club under Sensei Roger Rodolphe. He also continues to study American Combat Jujitsu under Professor Tony Maynard and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Mario Aiello (Royler Gracie BJJ). He is currently a member in good standing of the Unites States Judo Association, Jujitsu America, the North American Grappling Association, the American Jujitsu Association, and the U.S. Army Reserves.