Assistant Instructor - Purple Belt

"I started bjj in 2008.  When my oldest son started training, I was there all the time, so I was encouraged to get onto the mat. 

There are too many reasons why I love bjj: the GREAT WORKOUT (it's an awesome core and cardio workout while learning how to defend yourself), the MENTAL GAME (it's more than physical, like chess, you're trying to think 2-3 moves ahead), the GOOD ENERGY of the coaches and teammates (always encouraging, always helping each other improve), MY KIDS (it's something positive and healthy we can do together).

Also, I believe it saved my life. I thought I was in good shape and tried to eat right but about a year after starting bjj, I had a heart attack on the mat during Jiu Jitsu practice. I had a 100% blockage in one of the main arteries in my heart. I was lucky enough that I didn't need open heart surgery (or die), but my heart attack made me realize at age 38, I had to take EVEN BETTER CARE of myself. Because of Jiu Jitsu, I am in better shape physically and mentally, than I was all those years ago."