RE: How I got started in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

You know, I honestly took years to start bjj. When I was about 18 or 19 years old I was in the marines and I ran across a bjj school where I was stationed. Back then, I was a whopping 145 lbs, and I remember looking in the window on multiple occasions, and seeing these big strong brutes, many marines, and thinking I can't do this. They were legit rag dolling anyone who they had a size advantage on.

It sucked because this was 1997 and I had watched the first UFC's in awe. As confident as I was in myself as a marine and a young 19 year old man, I just wouldn't take the leap.

Fast forward, 2010, and my gym has a Royce school upstairs. I see the black belts walking in and out, and they were normal looking guys, but always a stern look on their face. One day in the locker room and in walks Royce. I'm like wtf, this is actually Royce Gracie changing in the locker room. Nobody said a word to him, yet most knew exactly who he was. He had a weird smirk on his face, and gave me a nod as he walked past me.

A few weeks later I was introduced to a black belt from this school. He was a neighbor to a girl I was dating. After a few conversations, he invited me to come up for a free intro class. He then sold me an A4 Century gi, which he thought was hilarious, and I'm still pissed about. I wear an A2/A3 and weigh between 170-190 most of the time.

Since then it's off to the races. I'm now 39, pushing 40. I still train constantly, and I love it. My body has def slowed down some, and I have to take some recovery days more often. But I truly plan to train until I'm dead.

You're right. If old, fat, white guys can do it, anyone can. You just have to want it more than anything. You have to love it. Cuz there will be days you question what the hell you are doing on the mats, day in and day out.

If you even think you want to try it. Go for it. You'll love it and stick to it, or be gone before or around blue belt like so many others. Either way you'll learn a lot about yourself!