I don't know if I've ever worked so hard to accomplish anything in my life. I just got my blue belt after 12 months, 1 YEAR, of hard work. I honestly feel on top of the world. It's like I just got a gold medal at the olympics or something.

The fact that going from white belt to blue belt takes such practice and determination makes it so much more special when you finally get there. And when you show up to class in your blue belt, all the white belts know what's up :-)

After just a couple months I'm stronger, and I look stronger too. My muscles are toned and bigger.

Back where I used to live I took some BJJ classes. I always loved the style but I was never too crazy about my instructors. They seemed really unprofessional and kind of sloppy. I don't know, just something didn't feel right about them.

But because I love the style so much I decided to give it another shot. I am GLAD that I did. This place is nothing like anywhere else I've studied BJJ at before. The guys here are total pros, and they act like pros too.

I immediately noticed something about this place - there are people here at all levels and everyone gets just as effective training.

Okay, let me start by saying I don't want to be a pro fighter or anything. I just say that because there are some guys here who do - and I know they'll get there too. The instructors are just too good. If you want to go pro, they'll help you get there.

I just wanted to have fun, get an awesome workout, and learn some of the kick ass moves I see on TV. Okay, so I'm half-joking, but seriously, I wanted to learn self-defense, and after seeing so many UFC guys use BJJ so effectively, I knew this is what I needed.

When I first signed up, I honestly didn't even think about weight loss or anything. I just wanted something I could work hard at, and learn self-defense. I didn't even have a lot of extra weight or anything, but within a few months it's all come right off.

My muscles now show through my shirt, and I can tell that people notice. My abs look good, my arms look bigger and have lines where they used to be just straight, and I feel better too.