What BJJ means to me: BJJ to me is about learning and mastery of oneself. It’s about overcoming perceived and imaginary boundaries. 

How long have you studied martial arts? I’ve been involved with martial arts off and on for about 15 years. I got started later in life like so many people are doing these days. I’ve had some extended periods where I stepped away for various reasons but I’ve managed to find a way to return to the mats. 

What other things besides martial arts do you enjoy? Sometimes I feel I enjoy too many things and that my house is a big storage unit for all my hobbies and equipment. Some of the things I enjoy most are hiking/camping, mountain biking, photography, scuba diving, kayaking, and recreational shooting. 

Do you have a day-job? When I’m not on the mats training or helping teach, my days are spent earning a living as a Nurse Practitioner. 

What is one thing you would say to someone thinking about starting martial arts? For anyone thinking about starting a martial art (or anything else for that matter), just create the inertia and GO! Many people feel that they aren’t flexible, enough, strong enough, young enough, smart enough, etc…to start something new to them. We’ve all been there and we’ve all felt that in one way or another. But you don’t get flexible enough, strong enough, smart enough, etc…by waiting. Don’t let the mental obstacle of not being “enough” keep you from learning that you are more than enough. 

What would you say to a parent thinking about signing their child up? What I would say to a parent or even a woman thinking about signing up is the wonderful thing about martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu is that it is very empowering. It teaches more than just self defense…it teaches  self confidence.