Student of the Month: Monty Martin

Hi Monty, please tell us a little bit about yourself

I am married and have children. The city I grew up in is Hacienda Heights but I currently live in Whittier. I am in sales. I love motorcycles, motocross, and driving ATVs.

When did you start Jiu-Jitsu and what is your reason for training Jiu-Jitsu?

I began training in February 2015. I have always been a fan of martial arts, so when I was choosing which style I would begin to practice; I chose Jiu-Jitsu because of its overwhelming effectiveness when used in self-defense.

How long have you been training now and what is your belt color?

Currently, I have been training Jiu-Jitsu for 3 Years and I am a Blue Belt.

You compete in Jiu-Jitsu competitions at least once a year. How do you prepare yourself for it?

I prepare myself in two separate ways. Physically leading up the tournament, and Mentally as the tournament approaches. I feel each of these aspects are equally important. I increase my training, nutrition, and conditioning regimens initially, and focus on putting myself into a mindset for competition in the days leading up to the tournament.

How much does Jiu-Jitsu impact your life?

Jiu-Jitsu has impacted my life in ways I was not expecting. Of course, you will get into the best shape of your life, but the mental toughness you develop is by far the most surprising. It bleeds into all aspects of life. More patience with family, children, and friends, and at work for instance; there is no angry client, associate, or situation I will face that is more mentally uncomfortable than being in a bad position fighting off a submission from your back. Jiu-Jitsu builds a mental fortitude in its practitioners that most people just won’t ever achieve without it.

Have you ever had to use Jiu-Jitsu outside of the gym/competition? If so, can you please tell us about it?

Yes, unfortunately. However, I was able to stop an ongoing situation with an out of control party goer without inflicting additional damage to myself or the other person. I was able to safely and confidently bring the person down to the ground, control them until they tired out, and hold them until more help arrived.

Do you have any advice or tips for anyone that is unsure if Jiu-Jitsu is for them?

My advice would be to just go for it. It may or may not be for you, but you’ll never know unless you give yourself the opportunity to find out if it is or isn’t.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us?

First of all, thanks to my dear wife Allyson for understanding my passion for Jiu-Jitsu. Without her amazing support, it would impossible to train regularly and compete.
I would also like to mention that I truly appreciate our Professor Gino Silanoe for all of the knowledge, patience, and willingness to help myself and everyone on our team develop into some seriously dangerous Jiu-Jitsu players. Thank you Professor Silanoe. OSS!

If you would like to join our Jiu-Jitsu adult program with Monty and his teammates check out our schedule. Want to see if Jiu-Jitsu is something you would like? Request your free trial here. Read more about our students such as Emma here or Allison here.