I have been training in Brazilian jiu jitsu for approximately 5 years now and have progressed to the level of blue belt with 4 stripes.  I currently train on a regular basis, typically three to five times a week as a hobby and a way to upkeep my desired level of fitness.  At 48 years old with my work and family commitments to keep up this kind of training intensity does not come without sacrifice however my passion for the art somehow does keep me going.  I do consider it a luxury and a privilege to be a jiu jitsu practitioner at my age and to be able roll often with people less than half may age and far more athletic without total embarrassment.

 

The challenge for me, given the aforementioned, is how to continue to improve my game and get to the next level.  I attend a reasonably large BJJ class on a consistent basis where the majority of the students in the class are white belts and often find myself at the far left during the line up at the beginning of the class.  In other words I am often one of the higher ranking belt in the class currently and started to feel an absence of experiential influence from higher belts hampering my personal growth.  

 

My current instructor in the larger class is a very high caliber black belt and is also a great teacher but would be very challenged to give me enough personal time and attention in the class that I would ideally want to have given the size of the class and overall needs of the other students. For months I knew I needed private instruction to achieve my growth objective and to perform better in the larger class during the sparring sessions. My plan started to come together when I met Arther.

 

Arther’s passion and commitment to the art has been defined by his personal achievements.  After many medals in local competitions, Arther has gained some serious ‘world class’ credentials having recently won a silver medal in the European Jiu Jitsu Championships held in Lisbon in January 2015 and competing at the Pan Ams in California against the world’s best.  I consider it a privilege to be one of Arther’s students.  

 

His technical expertise and instruction has helped me gain better form in my jiu jitsu game and more importantly helped me develop the confidence that I can continue to improve. He teaches me enhanced techniques that are suited to my skill level, body type, and ambition which I guess is the point of private instruction.  

 

Arther, is highly dedicated jiu jitsu practitioner and an outstanding teacher.  As a person, he very conscientious and operates with high levels of integrity. He is just an overall great guy!  I would, without hesitation, recommend to anyone who is considering private instruction for themselves or their family members to consider Arther as a private instructor as they will not be disappointed.

 

Conrad Santos

Profession: Banker, Father & BJJ Enthusiast

Age: 48 years old