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Introduce yourself - PART 3
6 year(s) ago • 180024 views • 532 replies
BMPurple beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
Hi I’m Bri. I have been training for five years now and am a two stripe blue belt. I do submission challenge tournaments and love training. I train at 712 Training Center under DeVall MMA and BJJ Association.
Edited 5 year(s) ago
SVBlue beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
My name is Shane Van Meer, I wrestled in high school and at Iowa Central Community College, now I enjoy collecting elbows. Training at Iowa martial Arts and Wellness in Des Moines Iowa.
BJBlue beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
My name is Shane Van Meer, I wrestled in high school and at Iowa Central Community College, now I enjoy collecting elbows. Training at Iowa martial Arts and Wellness in Des Moines Iowa.
My first husband was from Iowa (Sioux City), I can't resist.
Also, welcome!
Also, welcome!
ECPurple beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
Hello, only officially been training for about a year and a half. The mat has become a home away from home for me, I usually am in the gym 6-7 days a week sometimes twice a day. At 47 it is hard on the body but it's a place to keep my mind right. Many days I am tired and sore struggle to go but being on the mat learning something new or helping someone else makes it worth it. Everyday I just try to be a little better then yesterday and hopefully motivate someone around me to do the same!
VDPurple beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
Greetings Everyone! My name is Vince Domingcil and I received my purple belt under Sensei Raynato Charuto Varissimo in November of 2018. I began my martial arts training in 1991 in Hawaiian Kempo and later in the Filipino Arts. I began teaching and opened up my branch in 2003 in WA State. Brazilian jiu jitsu was already integrated into our system to defend and escape from being on the ground but it wasn't until 2010 that I began my journey in Jiu-jitsu. I loved Bjj so much that I affiliated with a couple of BJJ organizations in WA State. I didn't enjoy the politics side so in 2018 we decided to affiliate with Nova Unioa USA under Sensei Charuto and Sensei Danilo Goltsman and since then our team has been much happier. My journey in jits has brought joy and balance to my life. It's made me much healthier and and it has challenged me to go beyond my limits. Unfortunately I should have started earlier but better late than never! If you happen to visit the greater Seattle area, please look us up and come train with our ohana! With Aloha....
AHBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Hello Everyone,
Al Hemmingsen here. I train at Hurricane Jiu Jitsu in Cleveland, Ohio USA. https://www.hurricanejj.com/
I recently was given by black belt.
Carlson Gracie Jr --> Pedro Vianna --> John Lawrence --> Me
I don't see a huge number of people I know on this platform yet. If you have some time, and could verify me that would be great.
A few links to help with that.
A few pictures on my profile
https://www.beltchecker.c[...]p?id=18381
My BB ceremony, which is posted on Hurricane's youtube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/w[...]&t=53s
Also posted on Hurricane's instagram channel
https://www.instagram.com[...]nzJBMJTER/
My last tournament as a brown belt in Feb 2020 (heavyweight, master, Gold) Video is on my personal channel
https://www.youtube.com/w[...]JGMQFyhxCA
Thanks so much!
-Al
Al Hemmingsen here. I train at Hurricane Jiu Jitsu in Cleveland, Ohio USA. https://www.hurricanejj.com/
I recently was given by black belt.
Carlson Gracie Jr --> Pedro Vianna --> John Lawrence --> Me
I don't see a huge number of people I know on this platform yet. If you have some time, and could verify me that would be great.
A few links to help with that.
A few pictures on my profile
https://www.beltchecker.c[...]p?id=18381
My BB ceremony, which is posted on Hurricane's youtube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/w[...]&t=53s
Also posted on Hurricane's instagram channel
https://www.instagram.com[...]nzJBMJTER/
My last tournament as a brown belt in Feb 2020 (heavyweight, master, Gold) Video is on my personal channel
https://www.youtube.com/w[...]JGMQFyhxCA
Thanks so much!
-Al
TJBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
Hey Guys, My name is Stephen Curtiss, I am a brown belt under Joshua Bowlin from Gracie Barra Columbus, Georgia, as well as a Marine Corps Veteran. I bounced around to different gyms for the first 3 years of my Jiu Jitsu journey before finding my home at Gracie Barra. I have stayed loyal to my Professor since I got there in 2015 and it has been the home for me and my family. Through Jiu Jitsu I met my wife when I was a blue belt and we have both trained together ever since. She is now a blue belt and my 4 year old daughter will start her training soon. I am a bit of a Nomad for most of the year, I work as a contractor in UXO industry so I have the ability to train all over the country, spending months in one location allowing me to dabble so many different training styles and teachings. I love this concept of the community approving your verification through votes and not by the IBJJF process. I look forward to this growing and see where Belt Checker leads! Id appreciate if I can get verified with some votes! Thanks guys!
my brother!!!!!
TMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Hi all from Ottawa Canada.
Coached suggested I jump on here.
I started "MMA" in 2006/2007. Fell in love with the grappling aspect of it. Tried a couple BJJ schools in the area before finding the right fit in 2012 and I've been there since. Currently a Brown belt.
I like the idea behind this site. It's like blockchain for BJJ. Good concept, I hope it catches on
Coached suggested I jump on here.
I started "MMA" in 2006/2007. Fell in love with the grappling aspect of it. Tried a couple BJJ schools in the area before finding the right fit in 2012 and I've been there since. Currently a Brown belt.
I like the idea behind this site. It's like blockchain for BJJ. Good concept, I hope it catches on
SBrown beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
Hi there!
I’m Alessandro, been training for almost 3 years always out of Masterskya in Brooklyn, NY.
Unfortunately this year has been a big bummer with our classes stopping in March and our school locations closing down in June, with no set date or new spot to reopen.
So I’ve been a bit of a ronin, training where I can, when I can. With no regularity.
Like a year long open mat. Weird way to spend most of one’s time in a belt rank. Especially at a lower belt like mine.
Anyway, still glad to be able to be able to train in any capacity anytime I get a chance.
Looking forward to some competition in the future, and actually being in a class learning environment.
Finger crossed this whole mess clears up soon..
Need to find a more pertinent photo...
I’m Alessandro, been training for almost 3 years always out of Masterskya in Brooklyn, NY.
Unfortunately this year has been a big bummer with our classes stopping in March and our school locations closing down in June, with no set date or new spot to reopen.
So I’ve been a bit of a ronin, training where I can, when I can. With no regularity.
Like a year long open mat. Weird way to spend most of one’s time in a belt rank. Especially at a lower belt like mine.
Anyway, still glad to be able to be able to train in any capacity anytime I get a chance.
Looking forward to some competition in the future, and actually being in a class learning environment.
Finger crossed this whole mess clears up soon..
Need to find a more pertinent photo...
Edited 5 year(s) ago
JPBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Hello, I am Joshua Peters. I am a lifelong martial artist starting with Shaolin Kung fu in 1988 under Dennis Brown, then transitioning to Taekwondo in the early to mid 90s. I began BJJ under Roberto "Maguilla" DeSilva in 2002. I trained with Maguilla until my purple belt at which time I switched to Carlos "David" Oliveira until my 1st degree BB. I am now under the Chute Boxe association via Randy Malacas.
I love competition. I have competed in BJJ, nogi, mma, sanda, muay thai, kickboxing, etc. I've lost more then I've won, but I cherish the journey. I am a ref for Fight 2 Win, Grappling Industries, Newbreed, Good Fight, and a few other circuits.
I am a former school teacher, having worked k-6th grade as well as teaching 13-20 year olds in a level 4 locked facility. About 5 years ago (I can't believe it was that long ago!) I stopped teaching to run my academy; College Park Mixed Martial Arts, full time. At 42, my competition days are winding down, although I plan to try to do 10 competitions a year, most of my energy is now devoted towards improving my students.
A random bit of trivia, I believe I am the lightest male black belt at least in North America at 117 lbs (walking weight).
Here are 2 students who recently got stripes
I love competition. I have competed in BJJ, nogi, mma, sanda, muay thai, kickboxing, etc. I've lost more then I've won, but I cherish the journey. I am a ref for Fight 2 Win, Grappling Industries, Newbreed, Good Fight, and a few other circuits.
I am a former school teacher, having worked k-6th grade as well as teaching 13-20 year olds in a level 4 locked facility. About 5 years ago (I can't believe it was that long ago!) I stopped teaching to run my academy; College Park Mixed Martial Arts, full time. At 42, my competition days are winding down, although I plan to try to do 10 competitions a year, most of my energy is now devoted towards improving my students.
A random bit of trivia, I believe I am the lightest male black belt at least in North America at 117 lbs (walking weight).
Here are 2 students who recently got stripes
VLBrown beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
Hi guys! I’m Valérie, a third stripe blue belt from Ottawa, Ontario. I’ve been training martial arts for almost 6 years now and am also a Can-Ryu blackbelt. I thank my dad and brother who convinced me to hop on the mats with them! Hopefully, one day, I’ll have a dojo of my own so I can share with as many people as possible! Oss!
NBBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Hello everyone I'm Nayjo. I started BJJ back in 2009 as a way to get back in shape due gaining a huge amount of weight from being laid up from a car accident. I'm usually only motivated to exercise when I'm learning a martial art since I have been training in some form or other of martial arts since I was three years old (my father being my first teacher in Aikido) and since everything I trained in was basically stand up I figured I'd give BJJ a shot.
I instantly fell in love with the art/sport after having found a place to train. I trained with Andre Glodzinski for a few years and competed in a few IBJJF events since he is a Ref for them, but had a falling out of sorts with him and was forced to find a new place to train. I ended up landing at Cassio Werneck's and never looked back. Training BJJ has had added benefits for me that I hadn't foreseen. I used to have anxiety issues and took meds for it. I haven't needed the meds for years. Training in something that actually challenges my mind as well as my body has taken the place of pills. I also love helping others learn and enjoy that my instructors allow me to help in teaching lower belts. I recently on the ninth of this month was promoted to Black Belt by Cassio Werneck something that completely caught me off guard and I'm still trying to get used to lol. So anyways that's pretty much me in a nutshell nice to meet all of you.
I instantly fell in love with the art/sport after having found a place to train. I trained with Andre Glodzinski for a few years and competed in a few IBJJF events since he is a Ref for them, but had a falling out of sorts with him and was forced to find a new place to train. I ended up landing at Cassio Werneck's and never looked back. Training BJJ has had added benefits for me that I hadn't foreseen. I used to have anxiety issues and took meds for it. I haven't needed the meds for years. Training in something that actually challenges my mind as well as my body has taken the place of pills. I also love helping others learn and enjoy that my instructors allow me to help in teaching lower belts. I recently on the ninth of this month was promoted to Black Belt by Cassio Werneck something that completely caught me off guard and I'm still trying to get used to lol. So anyways that's pretty much me in a nutshell nice to meet all of you.
TJBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
hello all, I’m terrence.
I’m a purple belt at gracie barra columbus under professor joshua bowlin. honestly i can’t remember when i started jiu jitsu because i started my martial arts tenure with muay thai kickboxing, but after a little hiatus and searching i found my jiu jitsu family at gracie barra. i’ve been competing in jiu jitsu since blue belt at least once a year, but in 2020 i’ve competed 4 times with my most proud one being my first IBJJF.
I’m a purple belt at gracie barra columbus under professor joshua bowlin. honestly i can’t remember when i started jiu jitsu because i started my martial arts tenure with muay thai kickboxing, but after a little hiatus and searching i found my jiu jitsu family at gracie barra. i’ve been competing in jiu jitsu since blue belt at least once a year, but in 2020 i’ve competed 4 times with my most proud one being my first IBJJF.
TSBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
Hi!
Thijs here from Belgium. I'm the coach/owner of Gracie Jiu Jitsu Brugge (bjjbrugge.be).
Brown belt under Antonio Cornelis/Robin Gracie.
Some of my students directed me to this forum so happy to explore it and see what I can do with it!
If someone is ever (in a non corona time) in Belgium, happy to have you at the academy :)
Thijs here from Belgium. I'm the coach/owner of Gracie Jiu Jitsu Brugge (bjjbrugge.be).
Brown belt under Antonio Cornelis/Robin Gracie.
Some of my students directed me to this forum so happy to explore it and see what I can do with it!
If someone is ever (in a non corona time) in Belgium, happy to have you at the academy :)
CWBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
Good Afternoon All,
My name is Charlie and I am a purple belt under Professors Rafael "Gordinho" Correa de Lima and Master Toti "Pitoco" Jordan in Pembroke Pines, Florida (START BJJ). I have been involved in different martial arts since I was about 10 years old (boxing, Cuong Nhu) but it wasn't until I read the book Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink, that I decided to pursue BJJ. My life has not been the same since. I was in the US Army for 8 years and have been in Law Enforcement for the past 22. I do everything I can to motivate other law enforcement officers to train in BJJ for their safety and health. My daughter recently starting training Jiu Jitsu at my school, which has been amazing for me. I was also blessed to find a school for my son who has autism; The First Order of Jiu Jitsu with Professor Michael "Tarzan" Fernandez in Miami, FL. There he has a program that pairs parents with their children with special needs called "Just Us Two". It is taught by using ABA teaching structures and real Jiu Jitsu; not babysitting. This obviously means the world to me! If anyone has any questions, about this program I will be more than happy to answer them.
I really like the concept of Beltchecker and I hope to be a resource to someone. God bless and happy rolling!
My name is Charlie and I am a purple belt under Professors Rafael "Gordinho" Correa de Lima and Master Toti "Pitoco" Jordan in Pembroke Pines, Florida (START BJJ). I have been involved in different martial arts since I was about 10 years old (boxing, Cuong Nhu) but it wasn't until I read the book Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink, that I decided to pursue BJJ. My life has not been the same since. I was in the US Army for 8 years and have been in Law Enforcement for the past 22. I do everything I can to motivate other law enforcement officers to train in BJJ for their safety and health. My daughter recently starting training Jiu Jitsu at my school, which has been amazing for me. I was also blessed to find a school for my son who has autism; The First Order of Jiu Jitsu with Professor Michael "Tarzan" Fernandez in Miami, FL. There he has a program that pairs parents with their children with special needs called "Just Us Two". It is taught by using ABA teaching structures and real Jiu Jitsu; not babysitting. This obviously means the world to me! If anyone has any questions, about this program I will be more than happy to answer them.
I really like the concept of Beltchecker and I hope to be a resource to someone. God bless and happy rolling!
ELBlack belt 1st degreePending
5 year(s) ago
Good day everyone!
Please be forgiving, i am French Canadian!
I am a long time martial artist, been hooked since i saw Bloodsport as a kid. I practiced many different styles, earning some black belts along the way and becoming an instructor in 2 of them.
As a teenager, me and a friend rented the ufc 1 to 4 vhs tapes . I was in awe, watching Royce do his thing and i wanted to learn it.
Coming from a small ski town, 1h away from Montreal, there was nowhere close to train and learn BJJ. Eventually, a friend started a little over en hour away from here so i gave it a try. Driving 2.5 hours for everyclass, i did it for a couple years. I was training under Lee Villeneuve and Fabio Holanda.
Eventually, i opened my own school in my hometown with a higher ranked friend and it lasted around 3 years. Having fundamental differences, i decided to leave and to join a newly open Gracie Barra school 10 minutes from my house.
Since then, i have been training under coach Kiril Goussev ( student of prof. Rodrigo Lima) and teaching BJJ and self defense.
I have competed 4 times in BJJ, 2x IBJJF and 2x at UAEJJF National pro, but teaching is what i love. I used to be a basketball coach, a ski instructor, a guitar teacher and at work, i am a trainer in the quality department for aircraft engines. It s what i do.
I am happy to join this group, i am a very open minded person so i love to chat and train with everyone, regardless of their level , affiliation or background. I am a blogger, world traveller and i like to share my experiences and perspectives. I give free motivationnal speaches to kids in community centers on bullying, intimidation and self confidence.
I have way too many instructionnals, i study BJJ over 15h a week outside of classes, learning everyday preparing for privates, classes and building endless flow charts for every position.
Check out my profile : https://www.beltchecker.c[...]riclaporte
I am on the right, white gi !
Cheers !
Please be forgiving, i am French Canadian!
I am a long time martial artist, been hooked since i saw Bloodsport as a kid. I practiced many different styles, earning some black belts along the way and becoming an instructor in 2 of them.
As a teenager, me and a friend rented the ufc 1 to 4 vhs tapes . I was in awe, watching Royce do his thing and i wanted to learn it.
Coming from a small ski town, 1h away from Montreal, there was nowhere close to train and learn BJJ. Eventually, a friend started a little over en hour away from here so i gave it a try. Driving 2.5 hours for everyclass, i did it for a couple years. I was training under Lee Villeneuve and Fabio Holanda.
Eventually, i opened my own school in my hometown with a higher ranked friend and it lasted around 3 years. Having fundamental differences, i decided to leave and to join a newly open Gracie Barra school 10 minutes from my house.
Since then, i have been training under coach Kiril Goussev ( student of prof. Rodrigo Lima) and teaching BJJ and self defense.
I have competed 4 times in BJJ, 2x IBJJF and 2x at UAEJJF National pro, but teaching is what i love. I used to be a basketball coach, a ski instructor, a guitar teacher and at work, i am a trainer in the quality department for aircraft engines. It s what i do.
I am happy to join this group, i am a very open minded person so i love to chat and train with everyone, regardless of their level , affiliation or background. I am a blogger, world traveller and i like to share my experiences and perspectives. I give free motivationnal speaches to kids in community centers on bullying, intimidation and self confidence.
I have way too many instructionnals, i study BJJ over 15h a week outside of classes, learning everyday preparing for privates, classes and building endless flow charts for every position.
Check out my profile : https://www.beltchecker.c[...]riclaporte
I am on the right, white gi !
Cheers !
Edited 5 year(s) ago
NKBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Started training BJJ under a Kurt Pellegrino owned gym in NJ when I was a chubby 16 or 17 year old. Eventually was introduced to Bill Scott (my instructor) by my good friend and fellow training partner Tim Nafey. I feel in love with the room and never left, now I run the kids program at BJJ Shore Academy in Point Pleasant, NJ. Haven't had the most successful competitive career. Been working hard to change that, either way I love what BJJ has done for me and want to spread it to everyone. I'll never again be the fat kid with low self esteem. I can never thank those around me enough for pushing me!
CHBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Hey everyone!
I started BJJ in 2011. I was actually excited to compete in MMA and the first class I attended was a No Gi class. I did some classes here and there but didn’t really take to BJJ until I was slammed on my dome piece in a MMA fight attempting an arm bar. I started my own small team of fighters in my garage in 2012. No real trainers for BJJ then we just all helped each other get better with mat time and trial and error.
In 2015 I met a brown belt named Aaron Martinez and started training in the Gi under him. We now both run our own seperate schools. He is a black belt and I’m a brown belt. When we decided to split I approached John DeVall about getting with him and his affiliation. Now John is my current professor. He has promoted me to brown belt one stripe. John is a black belt affiliated with Tom DeBlass.
I have a small school named Iowa Martial Arts in Des Moines Iowa. I currently have around 35 students. I’m 44 years young and have only competed a handful of times. But I’m eager for more!
I started BJJ in 2011. I was actually excited to compete in MMA and the first class I attended was a No Gi class. I did some classes here and there but didn’t really take to BJJ until I was slammed on my dome piece in a MMA fight attempting an arm bar. I started my own small team of fighters in my garage in 2012. No real trainers for BJJ then we just all helped each other get better with mat time and trial and error.
In 2015 I met a brown belt named Aaron Martinez and started training in the Gi under him. We now both run our own seperate schools. He is a black belt and I’m a brown belt. When we decided to split I approached John DeVall about getting with him and his affiliation. Now John is my current professor. He has promoted me to brown belt one stripe. John is a black belt affiliated with Tom DeBlass.
I have a small school named Iowa Martial Arts in Des Moines Iowa. I currently have around 35 students. I’m 44 years young and have only competed a handful of times. But I’m eager for more!
BHBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Hello all,
I began training BJJ in June of 2008. I had been into martial arts off and on my whole life, starting with Judo as a kid. Once I found jiu jitsu though, I was immediately addicted! My Professor is Tim Mannon. He is a 3rd degree black belt under Renzo Gracie. We are based out of Blacksburg, Va. but I myself live in Roanoke, Va. I was promoted to black belt in August 2019. It easily is the accomplishment I am most proud of in my life although I know I still have a lifetime of learning left to do. I couldn’t imagine life without jiu jitsu. I love competing but I haven’t been able to since COVID hit.
It is great to meet everyone. Happy training!
I began training BJJ in June of 2008. I had been into martial arts off and on my whole life, starting with Judo as a kid. Once I found jiu jitsu though, I was immediately addicted! My Professor is Tim Mannon. He is a 3rd degree black belt under Renzo Gracie. We are based out of Blacksburg, Va. but I myself live in Roanoke, Va. I was promoted to black belt in August 2019. It easily is the accomplishment I am most proud of in my life although I know I still have a lifetime of learning left to do. I couldn’t imagine life without jiu jitsu. I love competing but I haven’t been able to since COVID hit.
It is great to meet everyone. Happy training!
DLBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Hi,
I Started training in late 2007 at Colorado Springs BJJ. It is a Rigan Machado affiliate school. I competed in numerous tournaments from 2007-2011 from white to brown belt, then moved back to upstate NY. I currently train at a Guerrilla JJ affiliate in Rochester NY. As a black belt I try to to train as much as I can, mostly 2-3 times a week. I am a full time overhead electrical lineman for a utility. I work between 50-80 hours most weeks, and still try to get beat up as much as I can. Hopefully this pandemic ends soon so we can all hit the mats as much as we want.
I Started training in late 2007 at Colorado Springs BJJ. It is a Rigan Machado affiliate school. I competed in numerous tournaments from 2007-2011 from white to brown belt, then moved back to upstate NY. I currently train at a Guerrilla JJ affiliate in Rochester NY. As a black belt I try to to train as much as I can, mostly 2-3 times a week. I am a full time overhead electrical lineman for a utility. I work between 50-80 hours most weeks, and still try to get beat up as much as I can. Hopefully this pandemic ends soon so we can all hit the mats as much as we want.
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Welcome to Beltchecker folks!
DSBlue beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
hi Guy's,
I started training BJJ at "Roy Neeman- Team Pitbull-Tel Aviv" in early 2016,. changed my life for the better and made many new cool friends.
turned 50 last June and still are able to keep up with the younger guy's ;-)
cheers,
Daniel
I started training BJJ at "Roy Neeman- Team Pitbull-Tel Aviv" in early 2016,. changed my life for the better and made many new cool friends.
turned 50 last June and still are able to keep up with the younger guy's ;-)
cheers,
Daniel
WFBrown beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
Hey all! Just joined beltchecker last week. Such a great idea and way for the BJJ community to communicate. Ive been training little over 8.5 years in Bergen County, New Jersey. My favorite competition I had the opportunity to compete in was the first NAGA to take place in Ireland which was back in 2016. I was in Dublin with my siblings and they had the opportunity to watch me compete for the first time. Being we were on the vacation at the time made it that much cooler an experience in addition to getting to meet fellow BJJ competitors from other countries at that event. I Received my brown belt December 2019 . Was looking forward to 2020 being a year of more progress and many hard and enjoyable rolls. Then of course Covid came and the last quarter of the year I was working my way back from a lower back injury. Was finally able to return to the gym last week and hoping 2021 is much better year and looking forward to seeing the beltchecker community grow as well! Happy rolling to all! OSS!!!
Edited 5 year(s) ago
JLBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
As an athletic guy who sweats a lot and has ugly ears I had always longed for a place to fit in... Along came Jiu Jitsu.
I began my journey in May of 2016, I came in to Great Grappling Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after having only trained striking arts (JKD, and Muay Thai). I came in with an open mind but with the mindset of "but wait, there's NO striking??". I left with a new found appreciation for what grappling really was. I found myself training quite often, and when I wasn't on the mats I was watching videos. I got beat up frequently as a white belt (and as a blue belt), but in a safe and respectable manner. A good training environment allowed me to grow quickly.
Jiu Jitsu has done a lot for me in the last few years. I replaced my alcohol addiction with an addiction to the mats. When Covid came around, I bought mats and hosted a small cluster of safe training buddies on a regular basis to continue training. When Covid almost closed down our school I helped in raising funds to keep it going, with the help of some other dedicated students, we put together a couple of BBQ drive through events, selling custom shirts, car washes, etc. I realized in 2020 just how much I need Jiu Jitsu, and I would be damned if Covid was taking that away.
My competition history consists of mostly local events, a few superfights, but none more important to me than Tap Cancer Out events. I was brought on board as an ambassador for their cause, and now compete in open competitions and superfights in an effort to help fund cancer research grants.
I look forward to networking within this site, and reading about how Jiu Jitsu has improved the lives of others.
p.s. please verify me if you can - I think I've posted more than enough evidence of who I am and where I train. :) Thanks!
I began my journey in May of 2016, I came in to Great Grappling Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after having only trained striking arts (JKD, and Muay Thai). I came in with an open mind but with the mindset of "but wait, there's NO striking??". I left with a new found appreciation for what grappling really was. I found myself training quite often, and when I wasn't on the mats I was watching videos. I got beat up frequently as a white belt (and as a blue belt), but in a safe and respectable manner. A good training environment allowed me to grow quickly.
Jiu Jitsu has done a lot for me in the last few years. I replaced my alcohol addiction with an addiction to the mats. When Covid came around, I bought mats and hosted a small cluster of safe training buddies on a regular basis to continue training. When Covid almost closed down our school I helped in raising funds to keep it going, with the help of some other dedicated students, we put together a couple of BBQ drive through events, selling custom shirts, car washes, etc. I realized in 2020 just how much I need Jiu Jitsu, and I would be damned if Covid was taking that away.
My competition history consists of mostly local events, a few superfights, but none more important to me than Tap Cancer Out events. I was brought on board as an ambassador for their cause, and now compete in open competitions and superfights in an effort to help fund cancer research grants.
I look forward to networking within this site, and reading about how Jiu Jitsu has improved the lives of others.
p.s. please verify me if you can - I think I've posted more than enough evidence of who I am and where I train. :) Thanks!
AMBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
I'm a black belt under TJ Grant and Jake Mackenzie from GFTeam. I own my own club with TJ, who is my cousin. I just got promoted today! Check out my profile and verify me!
VCBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I'm a black belt under TJ Grant and Jake Mackenzie from GFTeam. I own my own club with TJ, who is my cousin. I just got promoted today! Check out my profile and verify me!
Congrats on the shiny new belt. Welcome to the grind :)
YBrown beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
Hello from New Zealand :)
I am a brown belt from Auckland New Zealand, and this April will mark my 10 year anniversary of starting BJJ! I started from watching MMA, a key moment was watching Nick Diaz armbar Cyborg from guard in Strikeforce- wow!
I am very grateful to be living here in NZ and being able to train in a COVID-free country.
This year I am working towards opening a standalone gym with one of my best friends Clinton 'The Blind Grappler' Terry (IG: @blindgrappler) which is going to be called Daredevil Jiu Jitsu- please keep an eye out!
My fiancé and I really wanted to make a BJJ globetrotters camp for our honeymoon this year... unfortunately not possible , but I hope to meet you guys sometime in the future!
I am a brown belt from Auckland New Zealand, and this April will mark my 10 year anniversary of starting BJJ! I started from watching MMA, a key moment was watching Nick Diaz armbar Cyborg from guard in Strikeforce- wow!
I am very grateful to be living here in NZ and being able to train in a COVID-free country.
This year I am working towards opening a standalone gym with one of my best friends Clinton 'The Blind Grappler' Terry (IG: @blindgrappler) which is going to be called Daredevil Jiu Jitsu- please keep an eye out!
My fiancé and I really wanted to make a BJJ globetrotters camp for our honeymoon this year... unfortunately not possible , but I hope to meet you guys sometime in the future!
![Slideyfoot [jun]](userimg/5e25cf311adfd.jpg){kind=small}
SJBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I used to be an active online forum addict that posted under a few names on various martial arts forums, but usually 'Mikey Triangles'.
Cool, I remember seeing Mikey Triangles on Sherdog! Various other places too. Good to see you on here. :D
DSPurple beltVerifiedSerbia
5 year(s) ago
Hello!
Greets from (currently cold) Serbia, I am 30yrs old, been training for almost 7 years holding the rank of purple belt. I am part of Constrictor Jiu Jitsu Team Serbia under Leo Neves BJJ academy.
So, like almost everyone, stumbled upon BJJ by pure luck, 7 years after, still going strong, competed a bit, but on the local scene active as a referee, and also have been official on four continental (European) competitions under the organization of United World Wrestling (they have non-Olympic discipline called Grappling Gi and Grappling No Gi).
Greets from (currently cold) Serbia, I am 30yrs old, been training for almost 7 years holding the rank of purple belt. I am part of Constrictor Jiu Jitsu Team Serbia under Leo Neves BJJ academy.
So, like almost everyone, stumbled upon BJJ by pure luck, 7 years after, still going strong, competed a bit, but on the local scene active as a referee, and also have been official on four continental (European) competitions under the organization of United World Wrestling (they have non-Olympic discipline called Grappling Gi and Grappling No Gi).
BJBlue beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
Hello! Greets from (currently cold) Serbia, I am 30yrs old, been training for almost 7 years holding the rank of purple belt. I am part of Constrictor Jiu Jitsu Team Serbia under Leo Neves BJJ academy. So, like almost everyone, stumbled upon BJJ by pure luck, 7 years after, still going strong, competed a bit, but on the local scene active as a referee, and also have been official on four continental (European) competitions under the organization of United World Wrestling (they have non-Olympic discipline called Grappling Gi and Grappling No Gi).
Welcome! My coach is actually Serbian American (Tony Lainovic). You don't see a ton of Serbian guys in BJJ.
Glad you are here!
Glad you are here!
