Nicolas U
A great place to start, I joined in November 2024, where I weighed 228 the heaviest I had been in my life. I had never done any combat sports, aside from wrestling in high school where I suffered a neck injury putting me off for 6 months, so I was weary of doing anything with physical contact, but realized that I couldn't let my own fears hold me back. I am pretty good at de-escalation, but have run into situations where that wasn't an option. I joined to be able to stand my ground if I ever needed to do so in the future, and/or protect anyone if needed, and to get into the shape needed for it. I started with Muay Thai. It was brutal on my body, but was able to get used to it. The coaching is very tough love, but it helped harden myself which is needed. In the next months I branched out to the MMA classes introducing some grappling where I was introduced to BJJ. I ended really enjoying it and forced my body to do Muay Thai, BJJ, and MMA. I also enjoyed the Saturday fight classes where you put everything you learn throughout the week into a live setting, and see if your body is able to execute under pressure. I was able to go from 228 to 185 really strengthening my core to be in the shape needed to proficient. I challenged myself to enter a competition to gauge where I was at, where I learned the biggest lesson. The courage needed to face adversity, and the physical and mental preparation that came with it. Although, I have been only training for a year I have a new sense of confidence not just physically, but has influenced me professionally to make better decisions under pressure in the work place. It is mentally challenging as a beginner to constantly fail for weeks if not months, but with the right determination you will surprise yourself. I am very happy to have signed up when I did, as it has changed my life drastically. All the coaches, make it a welcoming place to learn, challenge, and grow.
