CURRENT RANK
BJJ: Blue Belt
WHICH STYLES DO YOU DO?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Bjj)
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE FROM THIS STLYE OF MARTIAL ARTS?
Since starting at Chikara I have gained confidence, fitness and camaraderie, when I started Bjj the main goal I wanted to achieve was fitness. Since then it has become a considerably larger goal, the goal is now to one-day get my Black Belt in Bjj.
INTERESTS?
My main interests outside of Bjj are photography, cars, MMA and spending time with friend’s family and good food…
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Easy going, relaxed, hard working with the will to always help others.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING FOR?
I started training at Chikara Martial Arts in March 2011.
WHAT DO YOU GAIN FROM TRAINING WITH CHIKARA MARTIAL ARTS?
The first thing I gained was a sense of belonging. From day one everyone makes you feel like you’ve been there for years, you don’t only gain teammates but you gain friendship and family. I gained great coaches who are there to help and not hinder. I gained fitness and a new healthy lifestyle that is ever improving.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO MARTIAL ARTS?
Before I walked into Chikara I was grossly overweight at 125kgs and a smoker. Needless to say my first lesson was truly an eye opener for me, making me realise how unfit and unhealthy I was. Before I started my journey with Chikara I had a strong interest in the sport of Mixed Martial arts (MMA). In doing so I decided to do some research into Bjj and found it to be very technical and intriguing. After expressing my interest to a friend (Tim) he then suggested that I come train with him at Chikara Martial Arts with his brother and Kyl. Since that first day I have not looked back and continue to train and teach at Chikara, proud to say that without the help of this family I would not be the person I am now… 30kgs lighter and feeling a lot healthier then I ever have.
BEST ADVICE GIVEN TO YOU AND BY WHOM?
‘ALL THAT WE ARE IS THE RESULT OF WHAT WE HAVE THOUGHT.
THE MIND IS EVERYTHING.
WHAT WE THINK WE BECOME.’
– BUDDHA
I take this saying to heart because personally I find this very true. When I set out on my journey I found some very hard times whether it be about my training, my studies or personal. This is until I came across this saying, so even if you think you can’t do mething think again, keep positive and always give it ago, you may surprise yourself.
ANY ADVICE TO NEW STUDENTS OR ANYONE INTERESTED IN JOINING?
Keep an open mind, leave your ego at the door and don’t be shy to ask plenty of questions (there’s not such thing as silly questions). Just because it may seem hard at first don’t give up, keep at it and I guarantee you that you will pick it up, but most importantly have fun and enjoy the new learning experience and journey.
