What Belt are you?
Blue
What Premier BJJ academy do you train at?
Harrow BJJ
When did you start Jiu Jitsu?
2016
Why did you start Jiu Jitsu?
I first got my little girl to try the Premier Little Dragons and she loved it. The guys at the Academy said I should try a class and I picked BJJ because I didn't know what it was and fancied giving something different a go. I fell in love from my first trial and have been obsessed ever since.
Gi or No Gi?
I practice enough gi to make sure I can defend against gi guys but my heart is nogi all the way. I really love the premier Catch Wrestling aspect too, gives us an edge over strict BJJ guys.
Favourite Submission & why?
gi - Armbar from the guard and nogi inside Heel Hook. Both these submissions are ones I worked for months and months trying to catch. Every round of every sparring session was spent trying to make them work for me and now that I put all that hard work in they are the best, highest percentage moves in my repertoire.
Preferred Guard?
Halfguard with a knee shield (z-guard). I used to find myself stuck in halfguard just to survive against bigger opponents but adding the knee shield has allowed me to turn it into my best offensive guard.
Proudest Jiu Jitsu Moment?
Competing at my very first competition. I never thought I'd have the confidence to compete in such a physical sport but being a part of this team gave me that drive to better myself. I didn't win a single match at that very first one but I went down with a bunch of friends from Premier and had the best time being part of the team. I went on to have my hand raised and won medals after but never would have gotten there without taking the plunge with my friends at that first one.
What has Jiu-Jitsu taught you outside of the Dojo?
I was never a confident guy. I was terrified of confrontation, unsure of myself and found it difficult in social situations. Premier BJJ has completely changed that side of me. Some people might even say I have to much confidence now hahaha. Jiu Jitsu is incredibly humbling inside of the gym but outside it gives you the power to know that you are in control of whatever situation you find yourself in.
Tell us something people at the club might not know about you!
I'm a musician in a punk rock band and a music journalist in my spare time. I even managed to find some like minded musical friends at the club and we've started a brand new band together.