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

We love Patrick's story because of his service to his country through the Marine Corps, and the respect for others that he shows through Jiu Jitsu.

Patrick Kaiser

 Blue Belt

Why did you first get into jiu-jitsu?

In late 2004 I began Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as a means of being able to defend myself should a situation arise with me being on the ground, I was on Active Duty while serving as a United States Marine. It has transitioned from a means of self defense to a stress relief, in a sense that everyone has their own demons they deal with, but in Jiu Jitsu you have the ability to step away from your worries, your faults, your stressors and step into a world of mutual respect, regardless of age, race, sex, religon, politics any of the daily chaos just disappears, because in Jiu Jitsu "Everybody gets got" -Kurt Osiander.

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

At this point my largest obstacle for my journey has been myself, I have allowed for externals (work, family, schedules etc) to alter my training and alter my mat time which has in turn led me to becoming less and less inclined to get back on the mats. from 2011-2014 I did not step foot in an academy. The way I overcame this is having an incredible wife who supports what I do, in conjunction with the most cohesive team at my academy (Warrior Jiu Jitsu, in Tehachapi, CA) and our affiliate academy (Camarillo Jiu Jitsu, in Bakersfield, CA). The Professors and Coaches I have pushing me to get better everyday are some of the best in the World. Training regularly with Professors Daniel Camarillo, Vinny Morias, and Coach Andrew Rios has been the key to my advancement of technique, and the long lonely stretch of doubt and fear has shriveled away.

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

I was around 215-220lbs, My first class off of a lengthy break I had taken off the mats due to a deployment overseas, I remember walking in like I was a blood thirsty crazed animal, very cocky, very big headed thinking "I just survived another tour overseas, I'm going to destroy everyone on the mats" Warm ups were a breeze, drilling was a nice simple guard pass combo, and then it was time for everyone's favorite part of class... sparring, I'm looking around the room, and I was called out to roll with a petite MAYBE 130lbs female Purple belt, I laughed, gave a nod and accepted a brutal slaying of chokes, and armbars for the next 5 minutes. Instantly the Professor walked over laughing and asked "how'd that humble pie taste brother?" From that point on, I have not stepped on a mat and underestimated anyone at any belt level.

Share one piece of advice you have for our community.

The old saying that I hear on a regular basis from Professor Vinny Morais, and Coach Andrew Rios is "The color of your belt doesn't matter, because at the end of the day, it only covers 5" of your ass, you have to cover the rest".

You can find Patrick on Instagram at @PKai53r.