Matt Monopoli- My First Year

This is a part of a guest blogger series that we will be doing in 2011 and beyond. We will be featuring stories and entries from some of the students here at Simmler BJJ. This is the first of what we hope will be many.

Thank you to Matt for stepping up when we put out the call for guest contributors. Here is what Matt had to say about is his first year training BJJ and Simmler BJJ.

" 2010 was a great year for me at Simmler BJJ. It was my first year doing BJJ and I absolutely fell in love with it. When I first started training at the academy I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with it. I signed up because I needed to get into shape and was looking for a different alternative than going to the gym and doing the same mindless exercises over and over again. When I started I was 274lbs, at year’s end I was 211. That’s a pretty big change in a year, considering I went to the gym twice in the last year all of that weight loss came from BJJ. I never expected to fall in love with the sport, but I did. I like the fact that while your still getting an incredible work out it’s something that makes you think and something that you need to stay focused with in order to get better. I’m happy I decided to go and sign up because I’d probably go crazy if I couldn’t train now. I look forward to what 2011 has in store for me at the academy. Lots of hard work I’m sure. "


Thanks for sharing Matt. It has been great to watch you shed the pounds and your progress on the mats.


For other SBJJ students reading this, we want to hear your stories of success at the academy. Whether your goal is to get in shape, to compete, to be a champion, we want to hear it. Feel free to reach out to Dale Kline or me if you are interested in contributing to the team blog.



-- Dan Fontaine

Great Story about 2 Serra New England/Team Simmler BJJ Students

Aired Thursday 4/29/2010 on NECN and Worcester Charter 3

Video 

(NECN: Katie Daly, Worcester, Mass.) - Jeremiah Monge is at the top of his class at the Serra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy in Worcester. He trains everyday and even helps with instructing a few classes a week. But Jeremiah faces a unique challenge when taking on opponents. He is also deaf. 

Jeremiah's friend L.P. is also climbing the ranks at the academy. He started taking lessons about a year ago, but can take on opponents with more experience and skill level without a problem. Watching him on the mats you may not be able to tell that he is blind.



Dan Simmler is their instructor. He says it's the challenges these two students face that gives them an advantage in the sport.

The combat sport focuses on ground fighting which includes throws, holds and take downs.

Simmler says to be successful at these maneuvers students must sharpen their sense of touch... Which L.P and Jeremiah already have.

When Simmler first started training Jeremiah three years ago communicating was difficult. But Simmler immediately noticed Jeremiah's other strengths..

L.P. admits he does get frustrated not being able to see his opponent approach him. But he's not willing to let his disability get in his way. Like Jeremiah it only means he needs to work a little harder.

The pair compete on a regional level and someday would like to have a career in martial arts. It's a goal that is important for both of them and may not be very far away