1. How did you get involved in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ)?

I grew up watching mma with my father, I'll never forget seeing Royce Gracie, a small guy in a kimono in the first few UFCs completely destroying huge street fighter and kick boxers. My passion began then, but I didn't begin until years later when I met my professor, who was very good friends with my wife.

 

2. What advice would you give to someone considering taking up BJJ? 

Jiujitsu is an extremely complex sport, it takes a long while before you start to truly feel the beauty of the martial art. My advice would be to know and understand that the first 6 months of your jiujitsu journey can be miserable if you don't embrace the suck, just hang in there and things will piece together slowly.

 

3. Who are you sporting role model?

I could easily say 6x world champion Lucas Lepri who is my idol, however, I'd have to say my coach Aaron, he runs his own gym, cares deeply for his team, trains hard day in and day out, competes at the highest level despite many set back, and still finds time to help stay animals the best he can. He is truly living the life style and persevering.

 

4. Best BJJ achievement so far?

Double gold ADCC Singapore

 

5. Aspirations in BJJ for 2019 and beyond?

Take double gold at Pan pacs 2019, but my true aspiration is to be world masters champion 2020

 

6. How do you balance training and competition life with life outside of the sport?

I have very little life/training balance, everything o do is for athletic performance. Luckily, I have a very understanding wife.

 

7. How do you keep mentally focused when recovering from a sporting injury?

Injuries can be very depressing, I have found the key to staying focused is keeping busy. Put the effort into keeping your diet clean, and take the time to work on your mental game, don't just throw in the towel because you can't train. Start back at the beginning and work your way in slowly. Muscle memory is a wonderful thing.

 

8. What motivates you to train and compete harder?

I have a very deep source of intrinsic motivation that comes from a place I don't completely understand. Discipline is a key factor.

 

9. What are your top three sport nutrition tips?

1. Stay consistent

2. Factor in refeeds (cheat meals)

3. Do your research and experiment what works best for you

 

10. What are your top three training tips?

1. Discipline

2. Consistency

3. Effort

 

11. Why has Beet It Sport helped your BJJ performance?

When consistent with beet juice, I found my cardio and endurance improved considerably, and my ability to recover during training is fantastic, which is a huge help when you can have up to 8 fights in a single BJJ completion.

 

12. Anything additional you would like to say about Beet It Sport?

Stay consistent with your beet juice consumption, just drinking one every once in awhile is not going to give you the results you're looking for. The key is to use it regularly, and allow the body to adjust to having large amounts of nitrates available regularly, and within a few weeks the benefits become fat more apparent.