Frontline Bergen Youth Program

In high school, BJJ taught me way more than just techniques. It helped me understand others better—both emotionally and socially. I realized how different we all are, and yet how we can push forward together to become better. At first, it was hard to put my ego aside. I wanted to roll hard and prove myself. But over time, I learned what it really means to be a good practitioner. It’s not just about always being on a roll or submitting everyone. Sometimes, it’s about showing humility—giving confidence to those who might be struggling. Because that’s the only way I’ll grow. I can only improve if I’m testing myself against people at their best, not when they’re at their worst. Learning to read when a training partner is in a different mental space, and knowing how to adjust, is something BJJ has taught me with time.

Another thing is trust. The trust you build with your partners is something you just don’t find in everyday life. When I train hard, especially if prepping for competition, I give someone that “green light” to go all in on me. To push me to my limit, maybe even break me—because that’s how I’ll get better. That kind of trust, to let someone challenge you so hard but still feel safe and supported, is rare. It’s a big part of what makes BJJ more than just a sport for me.

The gym has also become a safe space for me. It’s a place where I’m allowed to feel frustrated, to feel disappointed or as i am currently feeling due to an injury pretty useless. But the best part is, people show support regardless. Because it’s something we all go through. Together. Just at different times.

Lately, I’ve found a whole new inspiration through coaching. Teaching the kids has taught me so much—its like learning how to communicate on a whole new level. And when I see my students compete, when they’re on the mats, nervous and feeling the pressure, but then they look over at me with that expression—like yeah, I’m scared, but I trust you—it’s indescribable. It’s a feeling I can’t imagine living without.

BJJ has given me so much. It’s been my motivation to work out, even when the motivation wasn’t always “constant.” It’s given the unspoken bonds you build with others on the mats. That feeling of pushing myself, of feeling accomplished when I finally pull off a difficult move. All of these things have shaped who I am and the values I live by today.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has shaped my character and mindset from a very early age.

It was through BJJ that I first began to understand the direct correlation between hard work and results. The sport taught me personal accountability—if I wanted to improve, I had to put in the effort. As I started to see tangible progress on the mats, I also noticed a shift in other areas of my life. My school performance improved, and my grades went up—clear evidence that the discipline and work ethic I was developing in training were transferable beyond the gym.

While many sports can offer valuable lessons to a 13-year-old, what truly sets BJJ apart is the environment it fosters. I was fortunate to be surrounded by incredible role models—individuals who embodied where dedication and discipline can lead. Their example gave me a genuine sense of inspiration at a formative age, something I believe many kids don’t always get the chance to experience.

In the end, it wasn’t just the sport itself, but the people and the culture around it that had the greatest impact on me. They opened doors, instilled values, and provided opportunities that I still consider a great privilege—and continue to benefit from to this day.