Today we’d like to introduce you to Rodrigo Medeiros.
Rodrigo, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I first started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a child back in Brazil. But after a few months I came to the conclusion I didn’t enjoy it and stopped for a while. Once I turned 16 I decided to give another try and that’s when I fell in love with the sport. After several more months I had my first competition and like most new competitors I lost. I lost the next few tournaments as well until I turned a corner and finally started to win.
I became a world champion in 1996 and by that time I had decided that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I trained and competed while going to college for physical education and I was awarded my black belt in 1999. My first year at black belt I won the absolute world title with the fastest submission ever in the black belt final. A record still standing at 17 seconds. In 2007 I moved to the U.S. and started Comprido BJJ and helped in the development of a lot of good fighters and students.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s never a smooth road. To become a good fighter you have to invest a lot of time and avoid distractions. Eat well, train hard, and commit to your goals. To become a good teacher you have to study and understand all the aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Not to mention, learning how to deal with different kinds of people/styles and make sure you can get the better of them.
Learning how to deal with your feelings and how to face the disappointments that come with a life of competition are also tough things to do. But luckily, nothing that has been put before me I was incapable of overcoming so far.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Comprido BJJ – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I run a martial arts academy. Here we specialize in teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu of World Class quality. What brings me the most pride as a teacher is watching my students grow as practitioners and as people.
What makes us different than other places that offer the same service is that we do it better. If someone walks in the door and has the mindset to become a champion, then Comprido BJJ is the academy that can lift them to the height of their potential.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I like that we can have a quiet life afforded by the suburbs but at the same time the benefits of being near a big city like good restaurants, attractions, airports etc. My least favorite part is that there is no ocean and therefore, no real beaches.
Contact Info:
- Address: 222 Stratford Square Bloomingdale, IL 60108
- Website: www.compridobjj.com
- Phone: 630-307-3555
- Email: info@compridobjj.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BJJBloomingdale/?ref=bookmarks
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/comprido-bjj-brazilian-jiu-jitsu-academy-bloomingdale?osq=Comprido+BJJ
Image Credit:
Pakko Serrano
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