How did you get started?

When I was 10 years old, my Dad brought home a VHS tape of a recording of UFC 1.  We simply couldn't comprehend how the smallest guy in this tournament was not only beating every opponent he faced but how easily he dominated all of them by using Jiu-Jitsu. Unfortunately, there weren't any Jiu-Jitsu gyms in my area at the time so I didn't think much about the sport again until a life-changing event occurred where I needed to learn self defense as I was about to become a father. As fate would have it, I looked up 'BJJ gyms near me' the next day and one was opening. I called right away and scheduled my 'intro class'. The instructor showed me an Americana arm lock and I was hooked immediately. I remember looking up at the ceiling in the gym as he was cranking on my shoulder and simply smiling as I had found exactly what I was looking for. I have been training consistently for over 10 years now and honestly cannot imagine a life without Jiu-Jitsu. 

What's the biggest challenge you've encountered in your training and how did you overcome it?

This is an easy answer for years, I trained the wrong way as I would spend a lot of time falling back on what attacks/sweeps worked well for me when I would get caught in a bad spot. This was my ego and not wanting to accept a 'defeat'. I don't worry so much about winning every round, instead since letting go of the ego and having fun with other parts of my game my Jiu-Jitsu has significantly improved. 

What's your favorite thing about training or teaching and why? 

As I mentioned earlier, I started Jiu-Jitsu for the self defense aspect of the sport but that is a very small portion of what I enjoy about Jiu-Jitsu today. Jiu-Jitsu is a fun, stress-reliever for me as you are only thinking about Jiu-Jitsu while on the mat. There is no room or time for thinking about the other aspects of your life while rolling. My absolute favorite thing about Jiu-Jitsu is teaching Jiu-Jitsu. There is no greater feeling for me on the mats than seeing someone pull off a submission, sweep, escape, etc. that I had taught them or worked with them on.  I love helping the team out as it makes everyone better which in turn makes the training tougher for me.

What are your personal goals on and off the mat?

I am always looking to improve all aspects of my game with a greater focus on the weaker areas. A more specific goal would be to compete at my current brown belt level and win. 

What's something people might be surprised to learn about you? 

I graduated from Purdue with a degree in Information Systems Computer Technology and I was going to be a SQL Database Admin and hated sitting in a cubicle all day and became a Senior Account Sales Executive with my outgoing personality suits me much better.