Reece Hawkins - Black Belt Profile
Name: Reece Hawkins
Age: 37
When you started: trial class June 2016
How did you first get interested in BJJ?
Watching the UFC. I wanted to know what the hell the commentators were talking about?
Darce. Half guard. Kneebar. Twister. Huh!?
And what led you to start training at GSW.
I googled nearby MMA/BJJ gyms and was met with countless photos of people doing stomach crunches and throwing medicine balls at each other. GSW's website (and overall vibe) seemed more.. grounded.. than the rest.
Can you share a memorable experience or achievement from your time training at the school?
During my first year at GSW, we were practicing what we call the "forklift" escape from somebody squashing you. I tried it a few times on my training partner and was then tapped on the shoulder by the main coach, Geoff. My heart sank because this usually meant I was about to be told everything I was doing wrong with the technique.
Instead, Geoff gave me a thumbs up and said "Good", then walked away.
I've been chasing that dragon ever since.
How has BJJ impacted your life outside the gym?
I arrived at GSW knowing absolutely no one. I now step into black belt having gained some of the most valued and lasting friendships of my entire life. The deep knowledge base and safety-first environment are key reasons to try GSW. The people are what will make you a lifer.
What advice would you give to someone new to BJJ or to our school?
Some students start sparring or "rolling" on their very first week of training. I completed forty ( 4 0 ) classes before trying my first ever "roll".
Everyone learns and gains confidence at their own pace. At no point was I pressured into live sparring or made to feel "less than" because I was new to martial arts. If you come to class with a positive attitude and willingness to feel a little silly (along with everyone else!), then your first steps into jiu jitsu will be fun and rewarding.
Age: 37
When you started: trial class June 2016
How did you first get interested in BJJ?
Watching the UFC. I wanted to know what the hell the commentators were talking about?
Darce. Half guard. Kneebar. Twister. Huh!?
And what led you to start training at GSW.
I googled nearby MMA/BJJ gyms and was met with countless photos of people doing stomach crunches and throwing medicine balls at each other. GSW's website (and overall vibe) seemed more.. grounded.. than the rest.
Can you share a memorable experience or achievement from your time training at the school?
During my first year at GSW, we were practicing what we call the "forklift" escape from somebody squashing you. I tried it a few times on my training partner and was then tapped on the shoulder by the main coach, Geoff. My heart sank because this usually meant I was about to be told everything I was doing wrong with the technique.
Instead, Geoff gave me a thumbs up and said "Good", then walked away.
I've been chasing that dragon ever since.
How has BJJ impacted your life outside the gym?
I arrived at GSW knowing absolutely no one. I now step into black belt having gained some of the most valued and lasting friendships of my entire life. The deep knowledge base and safety-first environment are key reasons to try GSW. The people are what will make you a lifer.
What advice would you give to someone new to BJJ or to our school?
Some students start sparring or "rolling" on their very first week of training. I completed forty ( 4 0 ) classes before trying my first ever "roll".
Everyone learns and gains confidence at their own pace. At no point was I pressured into live sparring or made to feel "less than" because I was new to martial arts. If you come to class with a positive attitude and willingness to feel a little silly (along with everyone else!), then your first steps into jiu jitsu will be fun and rewarding.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to improve their BJJ?
Just show up. Mat time is mat time - even if you're simply watching from the sidelines. I've never left a class regretting that I showed up. Once or twice a week is enough to see real progress over time. No mystery. No secret. You've just got to step through that door (and please take off your shoes before stepping onto the mats).
How do you balance your training and your daily life.
Jiu jitsu can be a great workout - so I treat it as such. For me, a hard jiu jitsu session at night means one less trip I need to make to the gym during the week. When I show up for some fun rounds on a Saturday morning, that's my exercise done for the weekend! Everyone's schedules are different, and GSW can cater to casual/social training, competition training, and everything in between.
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