Dan Schon is a BJJ black belt under Rodrigo Medeiros (BJJ Revolution Team) and a Freestyle Wrestling champion. He has achieved the amazing feat of having won the IBJJF worlds at every belt level except black and also is ADCC 2011 vet. He is also the current world champion in ne-waza, tournament held in Austria in 2012 where he represented Mexico. In this interview with BJJ Eastern Europe he talks about his school in Mexico, his time spent training in the US and the Mexican BJJ scene:
1. Hi Dan, can you please introduce yourself to the BJJ Community of Eastern Europe?
Whats up Eastern Europe, my name is Dan Schon I’m 31 but I usually tell people I’m 24, because I feel 24. I am from Mexico actually from Mexico City, a small little city here in Mexico. I am a builder and financial guy when I’m not doing Jiujitsu. But when I am training I work out in my school, Bujutsu its the best academy in Mexico. I got my Bjj black belt from my Profesor and friend Rodrigo Medeiros from Bjj revolution team. I have won the Bjj worlds in every belt except black belt, as well as the US and Mexico nationals. But my biggest accomplishment is rolling with my brother. He is a brown belt world champ as well from Cobrinhas.
2. Please tell us about your Jiu-Jitsu story.
It all stared with my dad he was a good judo player in Mexico, so when my brother and I where kids we got in to judo. But then we found wrestling. And we did wrestling all through university. Then we followed our team mate Urijah Faber in to the Mma world, but my mom put a stop to that in a hurry. So we jumped in to the Bjj world, there I have been very lucky because I’ve been surrounded by great people.
3. Since your name isn’t typically Mexican (Spanish name), many people don’t know that you are actually Mexican and not American. How do you view the BJJ scene in Mexico compared to Southern California for ex? Will local talents make it to world class levels?
I am Mexican Mexico is my home, I was in the US for school but I’m Mexican all the way, I have even auto called my self the father of Mexican Jiujitsu, jajajaja. I think that we are about 5 years behind the US when it comes to Jiu-jitsu but eventually we will be in the top just like we are in boxing and other martial arts.
4. Please tell us about your BJJ academy and team in mexico.
We are Bujutsu, a relatively new team here but with the biggest hart, and open mind. Everybody is welcomed to our home. We are unique because there are no students we are all teachers, we all learn from each other. I’m just one of the guys.
5. How would describe your bjj style and game? Who are BJJ players that you admire?
I’m a top player with a very aggressive style, that is what we call Mexican Jiujitsu. I admire all of my team mates, and everybody who loves Jiujitsu.
6. What are challenges and advantages of teaching BJJ in Mexico?
Experience and knowledge from all pars of the world help everybody, I like learning from everybody and everywhere.
Dan with Clark Gracie and Rodrigo Medeiros
7. What’s next for you and your team in 2013?
I will go to the Miami int open IBJJF and then the world combat games in St. Pittsburg. Hope to win both.
8. If you want to thank somebody or sponsors, feel free
My family, they are everything to me. My team Bujutsu. And all my sponsors. Koral, skullkandy, RoshaFightWear, and the Mexican Jiujitsu federation.
Thank you all. Hope to be there soon.
