I’m Zack, founder and main author of HeavyBJJ.
I have been training bjj for over 6 years and currently hold a brown belt under Richie “Boogeyman” Martinez out of 10th Planet San Diego. I have a life long passion for martial arts, fitness, and learning.
My Dad first introduced me to fitness through his own passion for bodybuilding and weight training.
I remember, distinctly at the age of 12, working out in my friend’s dusty basement using plastic weights and a 10lb barbell.
From then I began taking boxing lessons at my local PAL to gain some confidence and some self defense knowledge. As a tall, gangly teenager, I likely needed all the help I could get.
In my late teens, I began seeking out a martial art to try.
After taking several months of Aikido classes with my younger brother, I decided it wasn’t for me and was looking for a new martial art to try.
A friend who trained Brazilian jiu jitsu insisted that it is the best martial art so I decided it was time to give a shot.
I joined a gym near my hometown in New Jersey that was ran by a black belt under Renzo Gracie who was also a prominent wrestler in NJ.
Needless to say, I got smashed, very frequently, and I ended up quitting at about 4 months in.
Later after moving to San Diego, my younger brother decided to join bjj so I figured I might as well give it another shot, but this time I saw it in a whole different light.
After spending years trying to learn how to paint and draw in the classical styles, I approached bjj as more of an art form or similarly to learning a new language.
I tried to use the same principles, passion, and discipline I had for learning art with Brazilian jiu jitsu, and I haven’t looked back since.
I can’t imagine my life without BJJ.
After every class it feels like you are re-born.
Your brain has a reset from all the daily anxieties thanks impart to that 230 lb wrestler who somehow moves like a goddamn cheetah.
I’m a big fan of bjj instructionals, goal setting, and self learning. Hopefully, I can impart some of my basic knowledge, guidance, and passion to those interested in Brazilian jiu jitsu.
To connect, I’m available via:
LinkedIn
Facebook
For business or professional inquiries Zack can be reached at his LinkedIn.
To read more check out our entire story shared on Starter Story here
Heavy BJJ Goals:
We intend to provide detailed, researched, and structured information and resources to those seeking bjj knowledge and growth.
Thanks for reading and see you on the mats!
Zack