My Journey
Early Days
As a kid, I was always on the move, competing in various sports like squad swimming, football (soccer), and baseball. Baseball was my passion—I dreamed of making it to the MLB playing for the New York Yankees. But at the age of 12, my path took an unexpected turn when my father, a huge Bruce Lee fan, introduced me to jiu-jitsu. Initially intended for self-defense, little did we both know it would become my chosen path.
Through the Ranks
Embarking on my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at Southern Cross Jiu Jitsu. From 2012 to 2018, I immersed myself in the art, progressing from a curious white belt to the esteemed rank of brown belt. Throughout this time, what began as a hobby turned into a profound passion. Competing in local tournaments fueled my desire to excel, and each victory became a milestone in my personal growth and technical development.
Meetining idols
Competing at the world championships in both the blue and purple belt divisions provided me with invaluable experiences, including the opportunity to meet and learn from esteemed figures in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community. Among them, one individual stood out as more than just an idol—eventually becoming my coach.
The Spark
In 2018, upon graduating from high school, I embarked on a transformative journey. Venturing overseas alone, I sought to immerse myself in the highest echelons of Jiu-Jitsu training at ATOS under the legendary Andre Galvao. This pivotal trip not only enhanced my technical skills but also ignited a profound passion for the athlete's lifestyle. Experiencing the rigorous training regimen and camaraderie at ATOS inspired me deeply, solidifying my commitment to pursuing Jiu-Jitsu not just as a hobby but as a way of life.
HIGHS AND LOWS
In the years following my initial training at ATOS, I made frequent journeys back and forth, preparing for and competing in the World Championships. Despite my dedication, victory always seemed just out of reach.
It wasn't until 2022, at the Pan Americans, that I faced a particularly crushing defeat in the finals for my weight division. Discouraged and on the verge of quitting, it was my professor, Andre Galvao, who urged me to compete in the open class. With his encouragement ringing in my ears, I decided to give it one last shot. Remarkably, I went on to win gold with a 100% submission rate. Standing victorious with the medal around my neck, I realized that this moment taught me never to give up.
Last Rookie years
In 2023, success became my constant companion as I achieved double gold at the Pan American Championships. The pinnacle of my achievements that year came on June 5th, when following my triumph at the IBJJF World Championship, Coach André Galvão honoured me with my prestigious black belt.
Since stepping into the realm of professionals in my first year as a black belt, I've come to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with it. With a deep-seated determination to compete and carve out my legacy in the sport.
