BJJ Athlete, Former UFC Fighter and Men’s Health Writer: Bobby Maximus
Motivation through other’s experiences can be a driving force for many looking for inspiration. Whether you are a BJJ practitioner, MMA fighter, or even someone just wanting to get fit and healthy, this is the article for you. Bobby Maximus is an expert in his field and his content and coaching can transform your life if you are willing to truly try your best. As a martial artist, you will also gain great benefits from learning more about his jiu jitsu story and what influenced him to begin training in this art form.
Submission Shark Community | Instagram: @bobbymaximus
Full Name: Bobby Maximus aka Robert Maximus MacDonald
Age: 41
Belt Colour: Brown
Professor: Carlaos Santos & Suyan Quieroz
Short Term Goals: Win Worlds At Every Belt Level
Interview with BJJ Athlete, Former UFC Fighter and Men’s Health Writer: Bobby Maximus
In this article, we have the opportunity to dive deeper into Bobby Maximus AKA Robert Macdonald’s MMA career as well as his experiences from BJJ benefits gained through this martial art. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge when it comes to fitness and health. Here is a brief interview with one of the pioneers of Mixed Martial Arts.
How long have you been training jiu jitsu for?
For 20 years now in some form. Whether that be classical BJJ or submission grappling.
Where do you train BJJ out of?
Salt Lake City, Utah.
Do you prefer training in the BJJ gi or no-gi?
A few years ago I would have said No-Gi but recently I am enjoying and more focused on the gi.
Have your instructors helped you in other aspects of life other than jiu jitsu?
I have had the pleasure of working with some incredible people in my life. Shah Franco, Sylvio Behring, Suyan Quieroz, Carlaos Santos, and many more. They have taught me about discipline, respect, pride, and those things that have built the foundation for everything I have achieved.
What are some lessons you learned from jiu-jitsu that apply to everyday life?
The most important one is to be good at something you need to do it every day. Nothing is given or comes easily. Everything is earned.
How often do you train?
Every. Damn. Day.
What made you want to start training BJJ?
For me, there was a hole in my MMA game and to progress in the UFC, I needed to develop a ground game.
Do you plan on training your whole life?
Until the day I die.
What’s it about jiu-jitsu that makes it so addicting?
There’s always more to learn. You are never finished progressing and never truly an expert.
What has jiu-jitsu done for your physical health?
I was always in shape before BJJ and am extremely dedicated to training. So BJJ hasn’t helped me with that but it has helped me with body awareness and flexibility.
Has jiu-jitsu benefited your mental health?
Immensely. I spend so much time teaching others it’s nice to just be a student.
I’ve won in my life but I’ve also lost. A lot. In fact there were years I lost repeatedly, over and over and over again. I learned to be okay with it. Why? Losing taught me a lot more than winning ever did. It taught me how to persevere, it forced me to grow outside my comfort zone, and it taught me how to appreciate success when I finally achieved it.
There’s a saying that goes around that “failure is not an option”. In my opinion it’s not only an option but the most important prerequisite to long term success that there is.
So when failure comes to your door, don’t run, don’t be scared, don’t hide. Invite it in and talk to it. Have a fucking lunch with it. Embrace it and learn from it. Grow and evolve. If you can do that you never truly lose. Remember that failure is nothing more than a lesson learned. And that lesson is the secret to long term success.
If you could restart your jiu-jitsu journey, would you do anything differently?
I would focus on traditional BJJ in the gi more. Early on in my career I only trained no-gi to help support my career in the UFC. I wish I would have been drilling fundamentals and focusing on gi work more.
What’s your advice for someone that’s never tried jiu-jitsu before but is interested in trying it?
Find a good instructor. They make all the difference.
Do you have any aspirations in jiu-jitsu?
My goal is to win World Masters at every belt level. I won at Blue, Purple, and now am among for Brown
What are your favourite BJJ moves?
Armbar or Kimura. It is a toss-up.
If you didn’t discover jiu-jitsu, where do you think you’d be now?
You know, I am not really sure. It had such a positive effect on my fight career it's hard to say. It has been an elemental part of my success.
Would you like to see the sport become more mainstream?
Of course. I wish more people were exposed to the sport. It’s a beautiful thing.
Have any of your training partners pushed you to reach your full potential?
Yes. Throughout the years I have been fortunate to work with some incredible people. Mark Hominick, Sammy Stout, Richie Nancoo, Marco Costa, Misha Cirkunov, Antonio Carvalho, are just a few…
When you were first starting, what was the most difficult concept of Jiu Jitsu that you had trouble getting?
To go to my back. As a lifelong wrestler that was a cardinal sin.
If you could roll with any practitioner, dead or alive, who would it be?
I think Helio. What an honour it would be to roll with the originator and the master
If you had to describe Jiu Jitsu to someone that's never heard of it before in under 5 words, what would those words be?
The way.
What has been the most memorable moment you've had on the mats so far?
Defeating Kareem Byron in the Ontario Submissional. He was an ADCC competitor so it was a great honour.
What makes you want to inspire and motivate others?
I have always wanted to lead by example. That makes it easy to motivate.
Was there a difficult moment in your life where jiu-jitsu helped you get through it? If so, please explain.
Honestly no. Fighting for me has always just been there since I was 15 years old. Its been through all of the good and all of the bad.
How was your experience winning IBJJF worlds?
It was an amazing experience. The way I honour my teachers is by competing and proving I have learned what they have taught.
How were your experiences fighting in the UFC and what's it like being a pioneer in mixed martial arts?
I used to not think very much of it. It was just something I did. As I have gotten older though and seen the sport progress I take great pride in being in the show early on and having had the opportunity to share the same stage with some real legends in the fight game.
As a former police officer, do you see any value in law enforcement learning martial arts such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu?
I think the confidence it provides is invaluable. Knowing how to defend yourself is the key to being self-confident and aware of dangerous situations.
This is a plea to all good police officers out there. I know there are so many of you. Read what the side of the police car says: “To serve and protect” and “A safer community”. That doesn’t mean for some. That means for ALL. I’m speaking from the heart here and I’m speaking from experience. I am a former police officer. A former police officer who arrested a cop I worked with. A former police officer that had multiple confrontations with bad police officers.
I didn’t have time for bullying, racism, power trips, or unethical behaviour. You shouldn’t either. 99 percent of police officers are incredible people. Only 1 out of 100 are bad. That’s 1 too many though. We can’t afford to have these people on the street. It’s an honour to protect and serve and those who don’t respect that need to be eradicated.
Submission Shark: Over the past few months there have been a few interview submissions from both police officers and civilians regarding this subject. View the links below to learn more after you are finished reading this article:
What makes you passionate about health and fitness and why is it important to take care of your wellbeing?
Having a base of health & Wellness sets the table for mental health. Sick body equals a sick mind.
Where is your gym located and why should people come to try out your services?
It’s in Salt Lake City but it’s small and private. Most of my work online and I am available to help you if you need me. Just be serious about a life change. I don’t work with half-hearted people.
What would you like to say to someone that wants to get in shape but feels like they are too old to start?
You are never too old. I had a gentleman come into the gym a few months ago who had never trained a day in his life and he’s 65. He is thriving. You can too.
What is the name of your best selling book and how can people pick up a copy?
It is called Maximus Body and it is available everywhere books are sold including online.
What would you like to say to everyone that has supported you on your journey?
A genuine thank you and an acknowledgement that I could not have done this without you.
When the journey is over, how would you like to be remembered?
As a kind and caring person. That’s more important than anything.
If you enjoyed this BJJ interview with Bobby Maximus, feel free to check out this article from Nattie Boss, she goes into helpful details on how to structure your lifestyle as a BJJ athlete and the benefits of having a routine in your training schedule. For more MMA and jiu jitsu stories, read: My First Jiu-Jitsu Sensei Died of Cancer and Since Then…
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