Jeremy has improved his life through training Jiu-Jitsu. Photo: Personal Archive

Weight loss is just one of the benefits of training Jiu-Jitsu but often times a person will start for that goal and gain many other benefits along the way. A perfect example is a GMA Art of Jiu-Jitsu member, Jeremy who has been training under the Mendes bros for three months.

Here is his story:

“I started to get serious about my health in February of this year, and since that date I have lost a total of 84 lbs and still dropping.

Jiu-JItsu is one of the greatest parts of my life, I look forward to my training every day. I have been training at Art of Jiu-Jitsu under the Mendes Bros supervision and the direction of Coach Ryan, Coach Gustavo and Coach Ian since mid-March. I have always been a huge fan of MMA and would have lengthy discussions about it with friends that train; such as Lou. Lou introduced me to AOJ and I recall a time when he actually invited me to try it out at a seminar the Mendes Brothers were putting on and I actually drove into the parking lot and had a panic attack and had to leave before I even parked my truck. I was so nervous and insecure due to my all around health and weight that I couldn’t muster up the courage or strength to walk into the school. I was in fear of judgment, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to hang, I was afraid of a lot of things. I was wrong about it all! Once I walked into AOJ I was immediately comfortable, there was no ego there. Everyone was friendly and the beginners program was not intimidating at all. The direction and instruction I have received is truly second to none. The attention to detail and the skill in which we are taught is a refreshing part of my day to day activities. I show up and I am greeted by new friends, I am accepted into a group of like-minded individuals and taught a skill that has not only improved my life physically but it has drastically improved my emotional and spiritual life as well. It is one of the greatest workouts I have ever had.

Jiu-Jitsu thus far has given me increased determination and accountability and the principles that lay behind have begun to take hold in my daily life. Jiu Jitsu really is more of a mental game than a physical game and I learn that more and more each time I train.

Prior to this most recent attempt I had tried everything you could possibly think of starting at the age of 13 up until now at the age of 34. Fad diets, starvation, gym workouts, running, swimming, over the counter weight loss supplements, you name it and I had probably given it a shot at one time or another. Always with the same results, a temporary reprieve from my weight problem always followed by a larger weight gain and a big sense of failure. Through AOJ I have been able to see real life results on a regular basis, couple that with my regular gym routines and today I am well on my way to being the healthiest and happiest that I have ever been. The most recent milestone was receiving my first stripe, it was a symbol of the hard work and determination that I have put forth, it was a real life goal that I was able to achieve through the eyes of not only myself but my peers, my coaches and my professors. I plan to continue working hard at AOJ, hopefully I will be able to participate in a competition soon; if professors Gui and Rafa think I am ready, and I am also training for the Surf City marathon in February.”

To see about training at a Jiu-Jitsu academy in your area visit our directory here.

As seen in issue No. 195 of GRACIEMAG, Munoz said he was depressed and turned to food as comfort for his low emotional state. Thanks to support from those close to him, the fighter decided to get back on track and slim down again.

Look below at the before-and-after photos of Munoz. From 261 pounds down to 199 in five months.

Via MarkMunozMMA.com

Via MarkMunozMMA.com

A leader in producing up-to-date curriculums for their schools, Gracie Barra has once again created a program catering to specific needs. This time, the women are gaining another opportunity to learn self-defense but this time, while getting in shape during the process. Many GB schools are offering the program so you can indulge in it to be run three times a week for four weeks.

At the Gracie Barra Headquarters, in Irvine, California, the schedule is already set.

Beginning Wednesday, May 1 the classes will run every Monday and Wednesday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. for the whole month of May. Make sure you sign up before April 30!

You can call the Irvine location for more information at: 949-795-5257.

For other locations, go to http://graciebarra.com/barrafitbootcamp

Watch the video below for what’s in store:

Nivaldo against Serginho Moraes in final of Brazilian Nationals in Rio / Photo: Gustavo Aragão

One of the top-tier black belts confirmed for the 2012 European Championship, set to begin tomorrow in Lisbon, Portugal, team CheckMat’s Nivaldo Oliveira is ready for war. A favorite to take gold at medium heavyweight—alongside team Bonsai’s Marcos Souza—, the current champion of the South American continent put in some frenetic prep work with Rodrigo Cavaca to kick off the fledgling season on the right foot.

“It was some tough training, with a major focus on physical conditioning and specific training, headed by Professor Cavaca, who oversaw the technical and positional work we did. I swam and did physical conditioning every morning three times a week. Twice a week I’d do functional training,” said Oliveira, who won the heavyweight division at last year’s Rio Open, as well.

In his new division, Nivaldo looks set to make things hard on his counterparts. He took the opportunity to share with GRACIEMAG.com readers five tips for losing weight and staying at full throttle.

1. DIETARY DISCIPLINE IS PURE JIU-JITSU

This is the main hint: keep your diet controlled and balanced, with your carb intake low, the whole time.

2. WANT TO GET FAT? DRINK MILK

Cut out calorie-packed beverages, like soft drinks (even diet ones) and milk, entirely.

3. ALWAYS STAY HYDRATED

Drink water throughout the day. As far as eating goes, eat no less than four meals per day.

4. SUPPLEMENTS

Professional athletes should research supplements that aid in training and help lose weight.

5. AEROBIC EXERCISE

Do aerobic exercise and workouts meant specifically to burn as many calories as possible.