My Journey within the art and community of Jiu Jitsu
In July 2012 and at 330 pounds, I walked into my first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class and started on an amazing journey of weight loss and transformation. I never imagined how much losing over 140 lbs would change my life and help me become the person that I am today.
At around the 8-month mark, I had lost close to 80lbs. I had not seen anything less than 230lbs on my scale since I was a freshman in high school.
I was down 80lbs, swimming in my 3XL shirts and punching new holes in my belt to keep up my size 44 pants, but I still did not feel confident enough to buy new clothes. I had a goal to lose 100lbs before I went shopping, but Russ, my coach at Clockwork saw me swimming in excess fabric one day and commented: “Those clothes are way too big on you! Its time you go clothes shopping.”.
I took his words to heart. The next day, before class, I stopped by Old Navy to find clothes that fit my new body. I walked in and guessed that I was probably a size 40 in pants and 2XL in shirts. I was wrong! I now fit very comfortably-and loosely--into a size 38 pants and XL shirt.
I decided to try on a large shirt and a size 36 pants. The pants went up and I cinched at the waist and put the shirt on and I started to cry. Not because I was sad but because for the first time since I was about 13 or so I was now in a large t-shirt and size 36 pants. It all had worked. My diet which i had modified to keep my energy levels for my new found love of jiu jitsu and the art itself had changed my life and had saved my life.
I was overcome with emotion. I was also scared at the thought of ever being size 44 and 3XL again. It was one of the happiest, and healthiest, days of my life.
Several months later, almost a year to the date that I had first stepped on the mats, I was rewarded with another great piece of fabric, my blue belt. The 2nd happiest day of my life up til then. Fast forward to 2019, after 7 years of training, I am now a coach and a brown belt.
I will say it's still a challenge day to day. I still definitely have a hard time with what I see in the mirror, but it continues to get better. And it's thanks to jiu jitsu and the community I have found with it, I am where I am today. They have given me the motivation and determination to keep going every day. and Even the times that I wanted to give up they kept me going. And so, my jiu jitsu journey continues... For the last year as a brown belt I have been giving private lessons as a way to extend my knowledge and give back, Several months ago I got the exciting opportunity to be a coach for the PCC where I continue to grow and spread the love for Jiu jitsu.
-Coach Mike Pinero, DiamondHeart Jiu Jitsu