After being in the Marines for 8 years I learned some ground combat fighting. However, they were basic moves compared to Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I like to call them “baby steps”. Since I was 5 years old my dad decided to get me into boxing. Boxing has always been one of my passions, but that has limited my skills to only one type of combat style. I currently work as a Detention Officer in a municipal jail and have been able to implement my skills while working. I have always been fascinated with Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai and other Mix Martial Arts. I truly learned that I needed to become more efficient and expand my skills after an incident that occurred while working in the jail. During an incident at the jail an inmate, who also happened to be a semi-pro MMA fighter, applied a knee bar and placed me into a very vulnerable position when we had to go hands on that full on fight. From that moment on, I realized that I never wanted to be placed in that position again, so I decided to start looking into martial arts, specifically ground fighting.
I became even more interested in Jiu Jitsu after watching a YouTube video of a Las Vegas Police Officer using Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to control and subdue a subject that was trying to get away from him by using a take down and close guard to keep the subject in control until back up arrived. After watching the “Gracie Breakdown” of the video, it made me realize how important it is to know ground fighting/defense. The Gracie breakdown made it look so simple, yet so efficient, it went in detail on how to use your feet, hands, hips and your opponent’s body moves in your advantage.
I spoke with some fellow Officers and found out that some of them train at Gracie Gym Plano. I was hesitant at the beginning due to the price and scheduling of the classes, but I decided to give it a try after my gym membership contract expired. From the very first class I fell in love with it. B.J and Professor Alex were extremely helpful, and made sure I understood every move that was being taught during class. They weren’t pushy or demanding but made it perfectly clear that it was my life journey and however much passion and dedication I put into it, is how much I was going to get out of it.
Practicing and learning Jiu Jitsu has taught me a lot about myself. I’ve learned to be more confident in my skills, not only in the Dojo, but in my job as well. I’ve learned to respect people and my opponents even more. It’s humbled me. It also made me realized how out of shape I was. I thought I was in shape before, but after fighting for just 2 minutes I realized that I need to step up my conditioning training and control my breathing. Having to fight from your back with someone on top of you trying to tap you out, it makes you stronger, not just physically but also mentally. It helps you to think under pressure and be able to capitalize on your opponents mistakes. It teaches you to remain calm and think about your next move even when your opponent has an advantage. Overall, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has bettered me as a person in life.
It is worth EVERY single penny. Another great thing about finding and joining the Gracie Gym is meeting all the new people who push me to be better, work harder, be tougher, and guide me in a successful path towards becoming a better fighter. The comradery and family environment makes you feel even more welcome. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to become a better person for themselves and the community. Overall, you’ll learn so much whether you are doing just 2 fundamental classes a week or 2 classes a day every single day (your joints might not appreciate it). Professor Alex, Professor Ighor and the sponsored athletes Gui, Henrique and Edmaicon are the very best at what they do and will always take the time to share their knowledge with you.
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