Wade Hollis - Black Belt Profile

Name: Wade Hollis

Age: 44

When you started: August 2010 -

How did you first get interested in BJJ, and what led you to start training at GSW?

Several years before I started training, a friend was training BJJ and kept telling me to come along, and how the Gracies were tearing up the MMA world with BJJ. After a short stint in Aussie, I found myself back in wellington lifting nothing but weights and subconsciously searching for something else. My friend knew a guy who was a black belt, and he came to lift weights with us. I ended up doing private lessons, and that’s how it all started. A few of my friends had trained at GSW and told me how great it was, so I messaged Geoff and he was most welcoming.

Can you share a memorable experience or achievement from your time training at the school?

Receiving my black belt was an something I never thought I would ever experience. I knew the commitment and time involved and the percentage of people who got there. I just kept showing up, and what seemed like the distant future, eventually became my reality.

How has BJJ impacted your life outside the gym?

BJJ helps with your ability to problem solve under pressure and makes life easier. It also helps with mental health, anxiety, and confidence building.

What advice would you give to someone new to BJJ or to our school?

Leave your ego at the door.
Come to learn, not to challenge.
Understand that we all start at the same place.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to improve their BJJ?

Do not always focus on hard training. Slow things down and look for new opportunities.
You need to perfect the techniques before you apply speed.
Smooth is fast.

How do you balance your training and your daily life.

When I enjoy something, I make it a part of my routine. It becomes as regular as work for me.
I also use BJJ as my cardio workout which I think is important for health and overall wellbeing.

Thanks for reading.