We recently got the opportunity to talk with Josef Mogh, the founder and CEO of martial arts clothing and gear company XMartial. As one of the biggest apparel and equipment brands in both BJJ and beyond, we wanted to find out how Josef Mogh first started the business. Along the way, we also found out that Josef Mogh has some big plans for the future of the brand as well.
Why don’t you introduce yourself for our fans who might not be aware?
I am Josef Hogh, a digital nomad and martial artist. I’ve lived in many countries over the past 20 years and now I am on a USA tour with my RV to train in different gyms and meet athletes.
Where have you been able to train so far?
I’ve trained in a lot of places! Ukraine, Belarus, Bali, and Playa del Carmen in Mexico. In the States I’ve been to Orlando, Decatur in Alabama, Austin in Texas, 10th Planet HQ in California, and many more.
That sounds like a great trip! How did you first get involved with Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts?
I was obsessed with traditional martial arts like Karate when I was a kid but my parents never put me in a martial arts school so I used to learn from videos and practice at home. I started weightlifting as a teen and forgot about martial arts. When I moved to Canada I visited a martial arts gym to see what they do, thinking they only do forms, but there was a sparring class and right away I was hooked. I sold my DJ set, dropped all my other hobbies, and started training 2 times per day. I still train most days of the week and have done for over 10 years now.
What martial arts do you currently do?
I have been training in Muay Thai for around 12 years and have done a lot of no gi BJJ during that time too.
What made you want to start XMartial in the first place?
I liked wearing funny and stylish gear when I train and when I realized I was not going to make money as a fighter, I knew I was going to be in the fight business somehow. So I started making apparel with the funky styles I liked and the martial arts community really liked it too.
Fast forward to today and Xmartial is a huge brand, so what has been the hardest part of that journey?
Definitely learning what the community wants, and adapting to dynamic demands.
Have you had any memorable moments during the growth of XMartial so far?
The most memorable moment for me is when I traveled to the US to do a short tour. I did challenges and giveaways in gyms, and that made me realize just how much of an impact the brand has had.
What plans do you have for the future of XMartial?
I want XMartial to be an umbrella company where we make the best gear, have a roster of fighters that compete, have a media outlet, and even put on events and retreats for our people.
Have you got any events in the works for 2024 yet?
We are involved in lots of events in 2024 already; PGF, Main Character Jiu-Jitsu, Combat Jiu-Jitsu, and more.
That’s great! We’re definitely looking forward to them too. Do you have anything else you want to say before we finish?
That’s all really, thanks for having me!
To see what equipment and clothing Xmartial have on offer, click here.
