If I Didn't Discover Jiu-Jitsu, I'd Be Dead From A Heart Attack! | Daniel Gonzalez's Weight Loss Story
Submission Shark Community | Instagram: @sleevedpapi
Full Name: Daniel Gonzalez
Age: 28
Belt Colour: white
Professor: Collin Grayson (Caio Terra Irving, TX)
Short Term Goals: within the next 90 days I want to reach 200lbs of total weight loss, I started at a staggering 483lbs currently I’m 308lbs, along with taking Gold in my next tournament, and hopefully improve enough in my Jiujitsu where I can test for my Blue belt.
Submission Shark:
Losing weight and staying disciplined can be a difficult pursuit, but when you have support from others and an ambitious desire to improve your health, it can make it a little easier. Remember that we are all fighting different battles and it's important to help those in need. Daniel Gonzalez is someone that is sacrificing his comfort for the happiness of his family and his own health. He is willing to share his story in hopes it can help someone else going through similar experiences. Health is very important as there are loved ones that depend and care about you. I hope you all take the necessary steps to ensure your longevity. This is a great read for those that are struggling to find the motivation to continue with their fitness goals. Learn about how he uses jiu-jitsu as a tool to help him lose weight and save his life from a dangerous lifestyle made disease.
How long have you been doing jiu-jitsu for?
Constantly since January of 2018
Where do you train out of?
Caio Terra Academy, Irving, TX
Do you prefer gi or no-gi?
I enjoy both, but I love the Gi!
Have your instructors helped you in other aspects of life other than jiu-jitsu?
Collin my professor, has become a mentor, on the mats taking time to help me learn the techniques that work now and as the weight continues to come off, also round off a game that works for me. Off the mats, he has become a close friend and a mentor. Helping and encouraging me to start a podcast, balance work, Jiujitsu and marriage along with Goal setting, and follow through.
Time to brag about someone!! I’ve known since 2016 that’s #professorCollin, at the time I was in the process of getting married and through a huge transition. This man reignited the love for Jiujitsu. Since then I’ve trained at another academy and by the grace of God, I found my way back to this guy. And knowing him these last few years seeing his struggle and triumph I’m glad to call him friend, mentor and coach. He the kind of coach many aspire to be and very few are. He has seen me at my worst weight and encouraged me to train and get better with or without him. Now that I’m @ctairving I pray I continue to learn from a great man while wrestling in my pyjamas! Love you coach. Bring on 2019!
What are some lessons you learned from jiu-jitsu that applies to everyday life?
Patience and self-reflection
How often do you train?
4-5 days a week
What made you want to start training?
Stupid answer in 2008, I walked into my first academy to learn MMA, and the black belt said to get good at MMA learn Jiujitsu, looking back now what a great sales pitch!!
Do you plan on training your whole life?
Training isn’t an option, it’s a must do, the way I look at it, if I miss 1 class I risk putting weight back on!
What’s it about jiu-jitsu that makes it so addicting?
Everything. It's the hardest thing anyone can do, both physically and mentally. It’s like church, the feeling after rolling is like a revaluation of who you really are as a person, you can’t fake who you are when you roll, everything is exposed.
What has jiu-jitsu done for your physical health?
Other than mess up my shoulders... lol... I had helped me fix my nutrition and stay disciplined for my overall health.
Has jiu-jitsu benefited your mental health?
yes!!!!
If you could restart your jiu-jitsu journey, would you do anything differently?
Yes stuck to it the first time around!
What’s your advice for someone that’s never tried jiu-jitsu before but is interested in trying it?
Just try it!
Do you have any aspirations in jiu-jitsu?
I hope to teach and help others like myself who felt lost, find their way.
Check out this awesome article from another member of the Submission Shark Community and learn how he managed to use jiu-jitsu to help him through his problems!
What’s your favourite move?
I don’t have one, I enjoy playing guard, even though I suck at it.
If you didn’t discover jiu-jitsu, where do you think you’d be now?
Dead of a heart attack!
Would you like to see the sport become more mainstream?
yes and no, I love that most people don’t understand it! But I also want more training partners.
Have any of your training partners pushed you to reach your full potential?
Always, everyone is so patient and push me to keep going!
When you were first starting, what was the most difficult concept of jiu-jitsu that you had trouble getting?
Guard retention
If you could roll with any practitioner, dead or alive, who would it be?
What makes you want to inspire and motivate others?
I know what it feels like to lose all hope, and there is verse in the Bible that says:
“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 23:18 NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/pro.23.18.niv- That verse helped me have hope in not only myself but a higher power, and I pray that hope can enter the hearts of those who feel hopeless
Was there a difficult moment in your life where jiu-jitsu helped you get through it? If so, please explain.
(Click The Image) To Learn More About How Jiu-Jitsu Can Help Relieve Pain From Losing A Loved One!
Do you feel like you have grown as a person since you started BJJ and losing weight? If so, in what way?
Do you have any advice for others that are trying to lose weight but is struggling?
What motivated you to begin your weight loss journey?
Do you ever have doubts about your progress? And is there anything you do to mentally get yourself back into a positive place?
What kind of lifestyle were you living that lead to your weight gain in the first place?
What are some things you've learned about yourself from this journey?
Is there anything else you do other than jiu-jitsu that has helped you lose weight?
Well, my doctor, family. Having people to keep me accountable was the key.
What is the name of your podcasts? What are they about and how can people find them?
What would you like to say to all the people that have supported you through your journey?
When the journey is over, how would you like to be remembered?
Submission Shark:
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us Daniel, I hope you continue to pursue and crush your goals. You've made so much improvement already and I can't wait to see how much improvement you will make in both your jiu-jitsu and weight loss journey. It was interesting getting to know you better and I'm happy that you had the courage to change your lifestyle for the better. If anyone would like to share their thoughts or leave a message of motivation & love, feel free to do so by commenting below!
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