Full Name:

James Gibson

Belt/Degree:

Nickname:

Jimmy... I don't have a cool nickname

Main Achievements/Successes:

When I received my black belt from André Terencio and Hannette Staack in September 2014

Favorite Position/Technique:

Closed guard, Z guard, De LA Riva 

Biography:

I originally got into BJJ for my kids; I have 5 kids and was looking for a martial art for them to do. I began to assist with teaching the kids but I still wasn't 100% sold that BJJ was effective...until I participated in my first adult class. I was over 6 foot tall and weighed almost 300 pounds and I got destroyed by a 135 pound green belt. I then decided that BJJ was the most amazing art I had ever seen. I was willing to pay whatever I needed to learn this amazing techniques. I quickly began to train all the time. I lost weight and felt I was in the best shape of my life. I competed in the pan ams in 2007 weighing in at 165 pounds.

I believe BJJ saved my life and gave my family something that we loved and could train and talk about together, It is definitely an amazing bond to have. I spread the art and philosophies of jiu-jitsu in hopes to help someone else improve their life, lifestyle and the lives of all that they come in contact with.

BJJ is a big part of who I am. I believe it has taught me not only the physical aspects of jiu-jitsu, but it's philosophical teachings has overflowed into my everyday life.