One of the best parts about running a company serving jiu-jitsu players is the incredible stories we hear from our customers.

We love Gerardo's story because of his inclination to pursue his journey in BJJ and overcome his injuries to dominate his competitions.

Gerardo Martinez

Yucca Valley, CA. White Belt.

Why did you first get into jiu-jitsu?

I first got into Jiu Jitsu as a form of cardio to lose weight.

After getting that very first roll with my older brother who had been training for 6+ years and I was instantly hooked!

Now I'm a full time practitioner & worked my way up to Asst Coach for beginners & every class we offer. 

What has been the biggest obstacle in your journey and how have you overcome it?

My biggest obstacle Would definitely be dealing with past/present injuries.

I was a reckless teenager growing up and as a result of that Ive had a lot of broken bones haha.

I've overcome being reckless about my injuries by actually listening to my body which leaves me out of commission from the mats but doesn't stop me from going in and lending a hand between classes.

Tell us about your best (or worst) submission story.

My Worst submission story would have to be my very first competition , me and the other guy had been shooting for take downs the whole 6 mins with no luck. Finally I hit a low shot and used it to get into a very nice tight side control which lead to a Kimura.

Bad part about it was I was so sure I had it that I didn't switch my hips or throw my leg over His head for leverage I was getting rolled around while still holding onto the kimura ha!

Finally I got the Tao & took 2nd .

My best Submission would have to be at an open weight tournament me and my brother both signed up for.

We were going back to back submission attempts with no luck, finally get got with with a Gogo for the first win (best 2-3)

The 2nd round I took it by way of a super tight precise Armbar. (1-1)

Final round we went to war holding nothing back ! At the very last min I took back control lost it but still had a double wrist lock control and used that to attack a inverted triangle which lead my brother to roll but the control of the wrist and ended with a crazy transition from triangle/double wrist lock into a solid armbar.

Share one piece of advice you have for our community.

Two pieces of advice I can give anyone is the same my Coach Micheal gives me everyday "Repetition Is The Mother Of All Skill"

And his all time favorite line as a competitor "My favorite Jiu Jitsu move is Tapping" lol

Which really means if it hurts two don't risk an injury that will leave you out for months & always have fun.

You can find Gerardo on Instagram at @Gerardobjj93.