I was so tired of going to the gym and lifting weights and running on that Stairmaster to keep in shape, I was not always looking forward to working out.  With BJJ it is so much different.  I really enjoy coming to class, as a guy I guess I just love the sparring and that it is a contact sport but past that it really is an unbelievable workout.  

I lost 25 pounds in 3-4 months and it is still gone as I keep trimming down.  Additionally I have made so many new friends it really is awesome and fun.  Working out in a gym is only fun if you have a workout partner, with BJJ you have like 20 sparring partners or more!

For about twice as much as a good gym membership you can work out with instructors 7 days a week.  You would pay thousands for personal training at any gym.  It does not replace going to the gym but complements it is a huge way.

he first thing that comes to mind is Professor Flavio - We have a world champion, a world class fighter for our head instructor unlike probably many other schools. When I started we had Coach Felipe, Coach Charles and Coach Kanai who were all unbelievably encouraging as well as knowledgeable instructors that cared for our personal development as a student and a person. Now we also have Professor Marcelo, Coaches Scott, Chris, Frankie, Dave, Vivi, Angie wow we have so many talented coaches. Sorry if I missed anyone.

When I started in July 2009 I was 49 years old and still suffering from a skull fracture years prior.  Let’s say I had my doubts.  Am I too old for this?  What about my head injury?  Remembering things was pretty much nonexistent with me unless I write everything down and study it a hundred times.  Well BJJ training has helped me gain much confidence that my brain actually is working and that you can do anything you desire if you try hard enough and do not give up.  Sometimes I ask the coaches why didn’t you show me that technique and he tells me “I did jeff it was in the fundamentals class” oh well, I will keep pressing on. 

My journey to Blue Belt was rougher than most I would say. I had to overcome a few injuries but at the same I received so much encouragement and support from the instructors and senior students, even the kids, that I just kept moving.  So while I could not train I came to class anyways with my bandages and just watched and then soon I would come and help out with the kids classes or fundamentals in any way I could, then gradually back into training and I am about 80% there now training as much as I can.   

With all that said I want to encourage anyone who feels they cannot do something or someone who was training and got hurt and is now not training to push on and not give up!  Many including my friends, family and doctor have told me to give up BJJ and that my shoulder would never be the same.  Well, I am proving them wrong. I do not take the credit myself, I give credit to my Lord Jesus Christ as He is the who has given me the strength and has used GB San Clemente to help me in ways I am so thankful for to reach goals I would never think possible.

Training Jiujitsu has given me a big dream, I really love helping others reach their potential. Remember, small dreams have small struggles and small victories, but big dreams have big struggles but BIG victories!  Someday I will quit my consulting job and have my own school!  Yes a big dream! How sweet it will be.

If you want to get healthier, live not only longer but better, enjoy life to its fullest, gain self-confidence, make new friends, reach goals you never dreamed possible, and help others along the way and have a great time while doing it, I would say why are you not signed up already?

Nothing gives you a sense of pride or confidence like exercise. You can have a nice house, car, money or fame. Those things are desirable for all of us but they don't give you the natural high that exercise can. In fact, it's rolling on the mats and finally feeling like I understand a particular move or technique that translates to confidence off the mat. For reasons that I can't quite explain, taking an hour out of my day to train helps me deal with day to day stress more easily. It helps me put things in perspective.

I love San Clemente and I hate leaving it. I love the fact that I can train less than 2 miles from my house. I think the people I train with everyday leave an imprint on my technique. They flavor how I roll. They also know my moves so it makes it more important for me to be better technically. Also, my professors and coaches know me, and they have seen me grow. Sometimes it feels uncomfortable to try a new game, but not when they are around, because they were there when I didn't know what an arm bar was. There's no place like home.

BJJ has helped me in other areas of my life but I can't really give an example. It doesn't make you smarter, faster, taller or better looking (as if.....). BJJ doesn't change who you are, but it changes your attitude and your perspective. It makes you take new stock in what your assets are, whether that be on the mats or on the job, and helps you go forward with more focus and confidence.

My suggestion to someone who is considering training at Gracie Barra San Clemente is just get on the mats. You can't explain what the mats have to offer; you can only feel it. It is an experience like no other, and I suspect it's a different experience for different people. Just get on the mats and see for yourself. It's easy to come up with reasons not to join. But you didn't walk in the door looking for easy, did you?