Jul 23, 2018

How This Jiu-Jitsu Practitioner Helped The Cape Town Water Crisis | Heinke's BJJ Story

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Submission Shark BJJ Interview:

Heinke is an interesting individual that found a new passion for jiu-jitsu. Like many of us, he has aspirations to teach and share his knowledge with others. From being a bodybuilder to a jiu-jitsu competitor, he has competed in SABJJF competitions and hopes to continue his jiu-jitsu journey by being a part of the sport his whole life. We touch on a very controversial subject in this article and discussion is always welcomed in the comments section. Please welcome Heinke and get to know his generous donations and his point of view on a very hot topic right now.

Submission Shark Community | Instagram: @heinkebjj

How Jiu Jitsu cured my boredom of body building | Heinke's Story

Full Name: Heinke Hartdegen

Age: 28

Belt Colour: Blue

Professor: Rodney Swanepoel

Short Term Goals: To win the upcoming SABJJF competitions

How long have you been doing jiu-jitsu for?

Since 20th of March 2017, but also did no-gi for 2 years before that

Where do you train BJJ out of?

Gracie Barra BJJ Gi

Gracie Barra Little Falls

Do you prefer BJJ in the gi or no-gi?

I enjoy Gi more but also compete in no-gi

Have your instructors helped you in other aspects of life other than jiu-jitsu?

Yes he has helped me a lot overcome past injuries and have motivated me into living a healthy fit lifestyle

Black and White BJJ Gi

Not sure where to begin but last night was a great honour receiving my blue belt from professor @yronkaironbjj after a lot of blood, sweat, and tears spent on the matt. Thanks, everyone that made this possible, my team @graciebarralittlefalls my coach @rodster101 and everyone that has been part of my journey. My awesome fiance @admusique for always being by my side and supporting me 100%.

What are some lessons you learned from jiu-jitsu that apply to everyday life?

Never giving up! The world we live in today can break you, drain you and consume every minute of your day leaving you with no time to just sit back and enjoy life.

How often do you train Brazilian jiu-jitsu?

4-5 times a week

What made you want to start training BJJ?

After having a professional rugby career and stopped playing I needed something else to do, I started bodybuilding but found it to be too tedious doing the same thing day in and day out. So I started fighting and fell in love with the art of BJJ

Do you plan on training BJJ your whole life?

Yes for as long as possible

What’s it about jiu-jitsu that makes it so addicting?

Heinke's n the BJJ podium at SABJJF

It is something that you will never fully master, doing BJJ you learn every single day and that creates the addiction

What has jiu-jitsu done for your physical health?

Keeps me healthy, agile and fit.

Has jiu-jitsu benefited your mental health?

Most definitely, after a long day at work or the stresses of life gets to you getting on the matt and letting everything go is the most satisfying feeling.

If you could restart your jiu-jitsu journey, would you do anything differently?

Yes would have started earlier/younger

What’s your advice for someone that’s never tried jiu-jitsu before but is interested in trying it?

Jiu-jitsu is for everyone but it takes a lot of dedication and consistency, you have to get past the first few weeks to decide if jits are for you or not.

Do you have any aspirations in jiu-jitsu?

I would like to learn as much as possible and also teach the art of jiu-jitsu one day.

Heinke teaching BJJ

It’s these moments that makes BJJ so great! Sharing knowledge and learning the art! Well done @jvvsafaris_hunting_africa for placing 2nd this weekend

What’s your favourite BJJ move?

Bow and arrow

If you didn’t discover jiu-jitsu, where do you think you’d be now?

Would have still been doing bodybuilding

Would you like to see the sport become more mainstream?

I believe that jiu-jitsu will one day become an Olympic sport

Has any of your BJJ training partners pushed you to reach your full potential?

BJJ Training Partners in white, blue and black gis

Yes I train with Richard Zoutendyk and he always pushes me to the limit, he also helps me a lot with technique as he is a higher belt with much more experience

When you were first starting, what was the most difficult concept of jiu-jitsu that you had trouble getting?

Controlling my power as I am a strong guy I used way more power than I should. I now use no power just weight and technique unless I'm in a bad spot and have to power my way out.

What makes you want to inspire and motivate others?

Helping kids against bullying and seeing others advance

As someone that enjoys going to the gun range, what's it about shooting guns that interest you?

Shooting Range

The country we stay in and the world we live in today you need to learn to defend yourself and your family. I firmly believe every gun owner should get as much training as possible. The gun range is also a method of relaxing and spending time with friends and family.

What is your current stance on gun control?

I fully support gun owners

For those that are anti-gun, are there any similarities between shooting guns as a hobby and jiu-jitsu?

Yes, it teaches you discipline and to defend yourselves only when you should and not to be a hero.

I see you donated 50 litres of water to Cape Town. What inspired you to help out and could you please explain more about the water crisis there and where people can donate?

Cape town went through a severe water crisis at the beginning of this year, so far so that the people of cape town was restricted to shower time and could only use up to a few litres of water in total per day. I enjoy helping others and even if it sometimes takes the bread off of my own table I cannot sit back and see others suffer.

Donated 50 litres of water today to help our people down in Cape Town, I challenge you to do the same even if it’s 1 litre. Not only for the people but the animals as well.

Click this link to donate today! http://water4capetown.org/donations/

Submission Shark BJJ Interviewer:

Thanks for sharing Heinke! It was a pleasure getting to know you better. Good luck with your future SABJJF competitions. Keep training hard and I'm sure you will reach your goal of teaching one day. Thank you for leading by example and donating water to the crisis in Cape Town. That type of action is much appreciated in the Submission Shark Community. Your actions of kindness and your message of never giving up will inspire many! Welcome to the community :)