Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Martinez.
Hi Eric, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I was a kid, I was never good at any sports. I wasn’t coordinated enough and overweight. It wasn’t until I found mixed martial arts that I started to establish a strong connection to my body that streamlined the trajectory of my life to follow.
Not everyone has this access to life-changing martial arts training.
Here at Divine Grace Church, the Jiu Jitsu with Jesus program is meant to provide an opportunity for everyone, regardless of any limitations. It is important that every life has the chance to enjoy self-defense, and we’re here to provide that.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In a total of 16 years of training in Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, and Muay Thai, there are many different variables that can affect your progress. The first 6 years of training were spent balancing grade school, extracurriculars, working, and any social activities as well as going to practice. As a result, I spent about half my time training as a white belt in Jiu-Jitsu from a lack of consistency… Embarrassing! Over the last 10 years, the setbacks have been less environmental and more physical in terms of overcoming injuries. Nothing worth having comes easy!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an Instructor, I began teaching kids jiu jitsu classes for the gym I was training at. The combination of the age group and complexity of the training was a challenge to say the least! For the last 8 years, I’ve grown year after year in teaching from kids to adults, white to black belts, and in different forms of martial arts.
To the point where last year, this allowed me to teach the art of taekwondo without ever having practiced the art myself.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Opening my own martial arts program in a low-income neighborhood was the scariest commitment I’ve ever made.
I quit a very stable job as an instructor for another gym to pursue this dream that is currently in fruition.
In the beginning, my Pastor saw a vision in me that I hadn’t yet seen for myself, but with his support and guidance, a small dream became a reality that is now a year into its development. A risk that so worth taking!
Pricing:
- Kids Classes $29/month
- Boxing & BJJ 1x/week $40/month
- Boxing & BJJ 2x/week $60/month
- Boxing & BJJ 3x/week $80/month
- Personal Training $1/min
Contact Info:
- Website: https://JJWJesus.com
- Instagram: @jiujitsuwithjesus
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Jiujitsuwithjesus
