When did you start practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and what motivated you to begin your journey in this martial art?
I started doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2012, when I was 9 years old. As a kid, I loved food, maybe a little too much, and was pretty out of shape. My parents thought it could be a good outlet for me, which I needed, so I gave it a try. In the beginning, I wasn’t very motivated, but my parents continued to encourage and support me, which they still do, to this day. After a few weeks of training, I started to understand Jiu Jitsu a lot more, and it really helped motivate me to keep going!
Can you share your experience of starting to compete in BJJ and how you navigated your first competitions as a young practitioner?
My first competition was in 2014, when I was 11. It was a local competition in Beacon Hill, close to where I lived. I tried my best, but at that stage I wasn’t very confident in my abilities and lost by submission in both matches I had. I actually competed a lot after that, but in my first 10 competitions, I don’t think I won many matches at all! It wasn’t until after that point that I started to win competitions, and I think it shows how much training and sticking with something can really pay off over time.
From your perspective, what are the main benefits children can derive from participating in BJJ competitions and engaging in martial arts at a young age?
I think the main benefits for engaging in martial arts, especially Jiu Jitsu, are that kids can get fit, learn discipline and confidence, and be in a positive environment. Kids can learn to develop strength and technique, learn to focus to help with schoolwork, and get skills that can help them with their everyday life. For me as a full-time coach, it’s great to be able to help teach some of the lessons I’ve learned doing Jiu-Jitsu both in practice and in competition.
What are some benefitsAmong all your achievements, which titles or accomplishments in BJJ do you hold in highest regard, especially in relation to your journey as a practitioner since childhood? that Karate offers you, that perhaps BJJ doesn’t?
Winning the 2017 Abu Dhabi World Youth Championship has definitely been a highlight of my career so far. Being able to travel to multiple countries, compete and train, it really helps to see different places and how people live and train, I think it gives a really good perspective. I’m really proud of being able to do that. Competition in Australia is also really good, it’s really high level, and I’ve been able to win National Championships 6 times at different belts. I think those are undoubtedly some of my biggest achievements and the ones I’m the most proud of.
Is there anything else you’d like to addWho has been the most influential figure in your journey, both in life and in your pursuit of excellence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and what lessons have you learned from them??
To be completely honest, it’s hard to give any one person all the credit, as I’ve had so many good coaches and training partners in my career. But I would say that one of my biggest influences is Professor Bruno Alves, he’s been my coach for a long time and I’m really grateful to have him as my coach. One of the most important lessons that I’ve learned is to keep an open mind, because there’s always something to learn in Jiu-Jitsu!
