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“Saved By The Bell” Actor Mario Lopez Talks BJJ: “It’s Like Physical Chess”

“Saved By The Bell” Actor Mario Lopez Talks BJJ: “It’s Like Physical Chess”

If you are in your thirties and over, you may remember the cult TV show from the 90’s’ Saved by the Bell’ and the A.C Slater character; played by Mario Lopez. Well, Lopez has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for around 4 years and is a blue belt with a strong wrestling background!
He’s known to be a fitness and health enthusiast. For instance, this is what he claimed for bodybuilding.com:

You know, staying healthy is a top-of-mind thing for me. It’s woven into my DNA, I guess you could say. I just feel I’m at my best at work and at play when I’m taking care of myself physically. And I’m never satisfied, I think that helps. I always want to improve and get better. Whether I’m boxing, running or lifting weights, each day I look for a challenge and get after it.

Lopez initially wanted to teach his kids discipline through Jiu-Jitsu, but – like so many other parents do – went into Arte Suave himself as well.
In a guest appearance on “The View”, he spoke about his passion for Jiu-Jitsu:

I’ve always loved martial arts. I always grew up wrestling and boxing. When I had my first son, he was very hyper and I wanted to teach him discipline, respect and self defense – all great attributes in life. Once I got him into it, I wanted to get into it too. It’s like physical chess. I work out more for the sanity rather than the vanity, it helps with stress.