Name: Glen Tarrant

Age: 50

When you started:

First seminar with John Will was in July 2001

How did you first get interested in BJJ, and what led you to start training?

Was teaching Karate in the late 90’s, at the time and they had a grappling component, was instantly hooked to this aspect as a I prefer the practical side of martial arts more so than theory. At the time the options were limited with a few NZ coloured belts floating around and a few Black Belts that had come out of Brazil. I knew Geoff Grant from a previous life, had been stalking him and knew he was tied up with John Will and we started hosting him in Auckland, the rest is history.

Can you share a memorable experience or achievement from your time training BJJ?

It’s a little cliché but being awarded my blue belt in November 2004. Within the space of a few weeks, I was awarded my BJJ Blue Belt and my 6th degree in Karate. I was mentally grappling for some time that the BJJ blue belt meant more, over time I taught less karate and focussed on BJJ.

How has BJJ impacted your life outside of the gym?

Easy answer, analytical problem-solving skills (The art of human chess) and more importantly the lasting friendships you make.

What advice would you give to someone new to BJJ or to your school?

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable, ask lots of questions – people love helping.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to improve their BJJ?

Constant review and tweaking of what you know, sure chase the shiny stuff, but you can never be too good at the basics.

How do you balance your training and your daily life?

Its in my DNA, so I just make it happen, but the advice I give my students is do your absolute best to get to class.