I’m an older fitness enthusiast and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner. This site is dedicated to sharing information about healthy living, fitness, and the many benefits of practicing BJJ over the age of 40 and beyond.
I began a weight loss and fitness journey in 2012 by adopting a kettlebell training program along with attention to my nutrition. After losing a little over 50 pounds, I fulfilled a longtime dream of pursuing study of a martial art by commencing study of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Vitor Shaolin’s Jiu Jitsu academy in New York City in 2015. I’m now in my mid 50’s and training as a Purple Belt under Andre “Tim” Monteiro at A-Force Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Great Neck, NY. I’ve also begun competing in BJJ in the Masters division.
In December of 2023, I underwent robotic inguinal hernia surgery for two hernias in addition to an umbilical hernia. Due to having been advised by my my surgeon to return to BJJ prematurely, I acquired a recurrence which was repaired robotically in June 2025. In this blog, I also post about recovery from hernia surgery, core strengthening, and other things I’ve learned along this journey. While I’m currently taking a break from BJJ to rehab my body, I’m planning a return to combat sports by starting with boxing as a way to prepare my body further for the demands of BJJ.
Fitness, nutrition, and combat sports are now a major part of my life and have had a profound effect on me. I maintain this blog as a motivational aid for myself, and hopefully it can serve in a similar capacity for others who walk down the same path.