Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just a martial art… For many, it’s also a way of life. And for some, it’s even more than that – such as for Carlos Alvarez.
Carlos Alvarez is the first blind Hispanic BJJ black belt. He shared his story on a recent Mat Made Show episode:
I used to get bullied in high school like nobody’s business.
They [bullies] used to make my life very miserable when I was in high school, because I was like a big target for bullying. I always wanted to learn how to defend myself…
And one day, one friend in high school introduced me to Jiu-Jitsu. I fell in love immediately of Jiu-Jitsu. So, I started to train and I never stopped.
Alvarez praises Jiu-Jitsu for giving him a sense of direction in his life:
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a gift that God gave me to add purpose in my life.
Because, when I used to live in my country, it was almost impossible for me to go to college or to get a job. So, I didn’t have anything to do. And the only activity that I was able to do as a blind person in my country was Jiu-Jitsu.Jiu-Jitsu has helped me to improve in everything in my life. It has made me more strong, more positive…
And also, I had gained so much confidence. It has repaired my life in a big way.I encourage other people to go try a Jiu-Jitsu class, because it’s going to change your life forever. Like it did in mine.
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