Jiu-Jitsu is one of the best remedies to lose weight and regain self-esteem. Andrew Wooten, brown belt from GB, is a prime exmaple. Check out the following story, translated from Portuguese from GB site of this winner.

Andrew is American and currently lives in California. He always practiced sports and ate what he wanted. When he stopped physical activities, he began to gain weight, and gain more weight  … From a healthy teenager he turned into a young obese male. One day a friend invited him to try out Jiu-Jitsu:

Andrew fought the scales and lost 60 pounds (27 kilos) . The magic formula? Jiu-Jitsu + Healthy Eating + Willpower + Determination.

How long have you been training Jiu-Jitsu?

6 years. I started at Gracie Barra in Augusta, Georgia.

How did you start Jiu-Jitsu?

I was in college, it was a crazy time in my life. I was overweight, unhappy with studies and life. I had a friend who was doing Jiu-Jitsu, his name is Kelly and he was blue band at the time. One day Kelly asked me if I wanted to go, he knew I had already practiced combat sports in school, and I said, “Yes! why not. ” I went to school with him and it was the best experience I ever had in my life! I enrolled in GB and since then I have not missed more than a week.

Andrew taking the bronze medal in Keenan Cornelius’s division

What was your first step to begin this journey? 

My first step was to start training. Trained 2x per day and crossfit 1 x per day, 5 days a week. Exercising a lot and managed to lose 30 kilos. The jiu-jitsu was my escape. Then I started to do a strict diet and much healthier. I eat brown rice, vegetables, chicken, egg whites, oatmeal and fruit.No alcohol or soft drinks, drank only water. I was very determined and strict with the diet. Not even a day out of it.

Today you are able to maintain a healthy weight. What is the “recipe” for this?

Living the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle and feeding me in a healthy way. Training 5 x per week, which helps me to have mental balance and keep fit.

What is the biggest positive impact of Jiu-jitsu in your life?

There are many positive changes. But if I have to choose one …
Jiu-jitsu has made ​​me more determined and focused on all aspects of my life.

Future Plans?

Many. My biggest dream is to be an even black belt, open my own school and share my knowledge with all. Jiu-Jitsu has changed my life and I have the pleasure to teach and demonstrate how this art can change our lives for the better.