We have many amazing people with interesting stories that walk into all our gyms! The member spotlight turns to James Walters a BJJ student at Melbourne’s CBD his an insight to the reasons he trains!
Thiago Student CBD
Name: James Walters
Sport: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Occupation: Waste and Recycling Infrastructure Planning for Victoria
How did you get into the sport?
I grew up my whole life playing football, and was heavily into the gym and fitness. I was overseas on a holiday and thought I would try an MMA class. Turned out I accidentally did a BJJ class instead, I got absolutely destroyed by everyone for 2 hours straight, no matter what I did, how much strength or effort I used, everything worked against me. I must have been submitted at least 30 times. I was fascinated and hooked immediately. From that point on I knew straight away that BJJ is something I needed in my life.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Training Jiu Jitsu every day and competing on the world stage, living a healthy lifestyle with a strong mind and body. Inspiring and motivating people to be the best they can be in all aspects of life, open to offering any assistance or guidance to anyone who asks for it whatever it may be. As well as working with the developing world to improve their waste systems.
Why do you love training at Absolute MMA?
The fact that at any point in time you can walk in there and be surrounded by world class coaches and athletes working hard towards their goals, and passing on knowledge to anyone who asks for it. The people I have met at Absolute are like family to me now, and you don’t have to go very far to find someone to get advice about Jiu Jitsu, weight training, conditioning, holistic health, or any other aspect of life – we are diversified and unified. Plus the facilities are incredible, and the quality of BJJ practitioners in the gym on any given day is insane. The lunch classes will make you and break you.
What advice would you give to people to take up your sport?
You’re going to feel uncomfortable, you are going to feel compromised, you are going to sweat a lot, tap a lot, and feel like you are being swallowed alive. You just have to keep showing up, work hard, listen with an open mind, and you will grow every day, and get fitter, stronger, more flexible, mobile and motivated, and all those things you thought were impossible from day one will become second nature. You will also be surrounded by a whole bunch of people who inspire you and believe in you, even when you might not. Oh and care for your cauliflowers early.
#iamabsolutemma