Gareth Lewis

Name : Gareth Lewis

Age: 43

When you started: 2007

How did you first get interested in BJJ, and what led you to start training at GSW?
Was kickboxing at the time (2007). A guy from GSW started training Kickboxing for MMA. I started training with him and found out pretty quick some ground work would come in handy.

Can you share a memorable experience or achievement from your time training at the school?
One of my first classes at GSW we were doing rear naked chokes. There was a 60kg girl setting up to choke me. I was thinking there is no way you are getting me with that. 3 seconds latter I am tapping urgently.

How has BJJ impacted your life outside of the gym?
Getting rolled up and submitted on a regular basis keeps you humble. There is nothing else you are thinking when someone has a good position and attacking you are, as buddah says 'in the moment'. This really helps putting life's up's and downs in perspective. In short, staying humble and keeping mentally level are two very good side effects of training.

What advice would you give to someone new to BJJ or to our school?
Relax, don't go in with the attitude you are going to win. Rather go to learn ask questions of the people who beat you (which will be everyone for starters). A lot of people spend their first 6 months just learning to relax, save time and do it at the start.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to improve their BJJ?
Look at a higher level belt who has a game that is similar to yours. Ask questions, copy what they do. Look at concepts over techniques and ASK QUESTIONS. There is so much knowledge on the mat, roll with best people and ask questions (just in case you didn't get that the first two times).

How do you balance your training and your daily life?
Without training I go a little nuts. So in effect training adds balance to my life.