Paul has been a dedicated student with Gracie Sydney since last decade. We have seen him come all the way up through the ranks to Brown Belt. Here he tells us about what that journey with Gracie Jiu Jitsu means and entailed for him!
I jumped from Rugby into Gracie Jiu Jitsu in my later 30’s with the realisation that I needed to quit Rugby while I could still walk. I thought Jiu Jitsu may give me the competition and physicality of Rugby without the collisions. It gave me that, but so much more as well.
(Paul at Blue Belt)
I tried my first competition after training for about four months and entered the 91 kg division. As I continued training and working towards each new belt, I found myself slowly dropping down the competition weight classes. By Blue Belt I was in the 85 kg division and then made it down to 79 kg as a Purple Belt. I received my Brown Belt in October 2012 and since that time I’ve been at 73kg. It’s sounds cliched, but at 45 years old, I really am in the best shape of my life.
(Paul at Purple Belt)
I didn’t take up Jiu Jitsu to get fit or lose weight, but the fact I’ve had this benefit to my health has turned out to be a fantastic bonus. I work with a bunch of people who moan about going to the gym to workout. I think it’s sad they don’t enjoy their method of fitness. I got hooked on the very deep, physical puzzle that is Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Getting to the gym is a highlight of the day. If you’re not already training, give it a go and see where it takes you.
– Paul Henningham, Gracie Sydney Brown Belt Pictured with Prof. Bruno Panno
To begin your own Jiu Jitsu Journey, click here.