Why did you start BJJ?

I wanted to do a combat sport/martial art that had realistic feedback.

How long ago?

2004

What are the 3 most important things BJJ has taught you?

  • To be more self-aware – what you project may be differently received by different people.
  • Different parts of a person’s personality may have unintended consequences.
  • To be true to your passions.

What do you enjoy about teaching?

As I age, it’s nice to see that what I have fought hard to learn will not be lost just because I cannot physically perform at the same level.

What is your outside profession?

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) teacher and coach. I train public school teachers on proper implementation of state standards in each of the STEM areas at the K-5 level, and I show teachers how to use new educational technology at the K-12 level.

Goals for the future?

To keep enjoying jiu-jitsu

Finish this sentence: If I knew then what I know now about BJJ, I would…

…have taken up any sort of grappling sport at a younger age.

If you could meet anyone in the world/history, who would it be and what would you ask them?

I wouldn’t. Rarely do heroes live up to expectations. I would prefer to keep my own idea of what they symbolize.

Favorite candy/bar and why?

Lion Bars. I have fond memories of travel and friends associated with them.