I’m a longtime fitness enthusiast, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, and advocate for training smart after 40.
BudoBelly is where I share practical, experience-based insights on fitness, nutrition, and combat sports for older athletes—with a focus on staying strong, lean, and injury-free for the long run.
My journey started in 2012, when I committed to improving my health through kettlebell training and better nutrition, ultimately losing over 50 pounds. In 2015, I began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Vitor Shaolin’s Jiu Jitsu Academy, fulfilling a lifelong goal of studying a martial art.
Now in my mid-50s, I train as a Purple Belt under Andre “Tim” Monteiro at A-Force Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and have competed in the Masters division.
Along the way, I’ve also navigated the realities of training later in life—including multiple hernia surgeries and the challenges of recovery. After a recurrence and repair in 2025, I’ve shifted my focus toward building a stronger, more resilient body, using boxing, core training, and intelligent strength work to prepare for a long-term return to BJJ.
This site reflects that evolution.
Here, you’ll find content on:
- Boxing training for beginners over 40
- BJJ training, recovery, and longevity
- Core strength and injury prevention
- Simple, effective gear and training tools
Fitness and combat sports have had a profound impact on my life. I created BudoBelly to document the journey—not just for myself, but for anyone looking to train hard, stay healthy, and keep improving well past 40.