| I consider myself to be a martial artist; I’ve been involved in some form of MMA since I was about 4 years old. My father, who is my best friend and coach, was the one who introduced me into the world of martial arts at 4 years old. He introduced me to boxing first, then Muay Thai, next came Kali, after that was Jiu-Jitsu, and then finally wrestling. |
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| I started wrestling when I was in 8th grade, at about 13 years old. Wrestling has always been a big part of my life, even before I actually started my journey as a wrestler. I knew I was going to be apart of the sport one way or another. My father’s reason for putting me in wrestling was so that I wouldn’t be afraid to compete with boys, and so that I could learn to assert myself in uncomfortable situations. |
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| Wrestling has done it’s job in teaching me exactly that. Not only has it done that, but it has helped me get better at Jiu-Jitsu which is something that I am really passionate about. The plan was to wrestle in high school, embrace everything wrestling has to offer, and then start my competitive journey in Jiu-Jitsu once I hit college. Plans changed and I decided to pursue my wrestling career further, and am now a collegiate athlete–wrestling for Baker University |
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| I”m now approaching my third season of college wrestling, and I am soaking up as much knowledge from my coaches as possible, so that I may be fully prepared to kick off my competitive journey in Jiu-Jitsu after I graduate. Wrestling has done so much for me in the short amount of time that I have been involved in it. It’s provided me with a chance to be coached by amazing people that have positively impacted my life such as Bill Sullivan and Cody Garcia. |
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| It has helped me create friendships that I know will last a lifetime. It’s provided me with an opportunity to go to a great school, and overall it has given me the skills I need to be a well-rounded human. I appreciate everything wrestling has given me, and I wouldn’t trade my experience with this sport for the world. |
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