Filipe matos
At the age of 29, in an effort to get back into sports and after developing an enthusiasm for combat sports I decided to try my first BJJ class.
At the time, I had no idea what to expect I enrolled into some sessions and before I knew it, the mats became my new home.
I was hooked and totally amazed with the efficiency of ground fighting techniques.
Its definitely not something you are automatically good at, but something you have to consistently work at and earn.
Starting off as a curious white belt, I dedicated myself to the sport. Constantly researching and training as often as I could.
At the time I worked full time as a stock control and inventory, therefore my schedule was quite demanding, but I still trained every single night and Saturdays.
The amazing thing about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu you never stop learning and people who you train with through the ranks and who come up behind you always have something to offer. The scene is always changing and people are always getting better so anything can happen.
My goal was learn more about the holes in my game and know where I had to improve on.
At the time I was encouraged by my mentor Nas Alganga, who made me believe in BJJ as a lifestyle, supporting me a lot during a really important part of my life..
I have had many great opportunities from this sport including training at great facilities to opening the doors to my very own academy was beyond anything I thought life had planned for me.
It allows me to repeat the process and offer what I was offered as a student, to my students.
Teaching them everything I know, so they can be the best they can be was my goal – every single session.
2022 was a huge turning point for me.
I had to make a tough decision to walk away from my team and everything I have built and moved back to my hometown.
Where to go from here, I had no clue...