BJJ can be both incredibly frustrating and also the most rewarding enriching experience ever.
Throughout this journey many get lost. Whether its injuries, life getting in the way, simply losing interest ,or anything else the world has to offer, there are many reasons why people drop off. We’ve seen them come and go in training rooms all over Texas and beyond. Many partners on the mat one year are often entirely different that those from years past. It’s nothing against anyone, it just happens that way.
In that sense, BJJ is sort of a microcosm for life itself.
Some people progress and become the 1% that makes it to the end and others don’t.
The most recognizable sign of that 1% is the faixa preta, that black belt with the white or red bar that signifies a practitioner of esteemed status in our sport.
Here at TXMMA.com we ‘d like to recognize the latest member of that rare club who received his black belt in early 2012, Spenser Gilliam.
We recently spoke to Spenser to get some insight on his BJJ journey from beginning to now along with where he goes from here. Congratulations, Spenser!
Interview – Spenser Gilliam
I began training in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu with Alvis Solis in October of 2004 when I was 16.
What originally got you into the sport? Did you do any other sport? Did you do any other martial arts when you were younger?
I ran cross country in middle school and my freshman year of high school. I also wrestled my freshman year of high school before moving to Houston, Texas from Fairfield, California. At this time I had decided that I wanted to continue with wrestling but at the time I was attending Kingwood High School and they did not have a team. Soon after I heard about Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Solis Martial Arts Academy from a classmate and went to try out a class that evening. I immediately signed up and have been consistently training ever since.
How’s this journey been at Solis M.A. on the way to black belt? Any ups-and-downs?
The journey has been awesome in so many ways. I am extremely grateful to have such a knowledgeable and generous instructor as well as having the opportunity to belong to such an incredible team that continues to grow together. Training jiu-jitsu has always been a lot of fun to me but there are always times where it’s easy to get frustrated when you’re on the mat and nothing seems to be going your way. I just remember that it’s a game and it’s meant to be fun; I definitely want the taps and victories just as much as the next competitor but not at the cost of taking out all of the enjoyment I receive from the sport.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome to get to this point?
I would have to say my biggest challenge has been staying focused and motivated in my training during the times which I have been injured. As an athlete you have to expect to receive some injuries from time to time, it’s just the nature of being physically active. That being said it can be very discouraging when you really want to get on the mat and train hard but you can’t because your back, neck, shoulder, etc. is giving you problems. I just try to keep myself healthy and maintain a positive attitude; my goal is to be able to do jiu-jitsu for a very long time.
Not very many who start BJJ end up as a faixa preta. How have you managed to stay motivated enough to become a 1%’er, so to speak?
From the time I first began training in jiu-jitsu I very much enjoyed it and made it a personal goal of mine to become skilled in the sport. At first my main goal was to just get good enough so as not to get my butt kicked up and down the mat every day, haha. At the time the skill level of the upper belts at the school baffled me; I can remember rolling with Robert Soliz and Anthony Bernabeo and thinking ‘Wow I can’t do anything against these guys;. I always aspired to catch up to those ahead of me and I can always remember thinking ‘Man I can’t believe I’ve gotten this far with my technique, how much more can I improve myself?’. With that mindset I have just continued to set higher goals for myself which I am constantly striving to reach.
Who has helped you the most in your jiu-jitsu journey? Anybody specific you’d like to credit?
I would definitely have to say my instructor Alvis Solis. I am so grateful to have him not just as a coach but as a mentor and a friend. He has taught me everything I know about jiu-jitsu and has always been there for me with advice and words of encouragement. I also have to thank my parents for always supporting me in my love of training and competing. My Dad wrestled through high school and college and understands how important the sport is to me. My Mom is kind of funny because though she’s never understood why people play sports and still has a pretty vague understanding of what Brazilian Jiu-jitsu even is she is usually the first one to give me a hug and congratulate me after a competition.
Now that you’re a black belt… what’s next? Can we expect to see you on the mats in 2012?
Oh definitely. I am ecstatic to get out there and compete. I already plan to jump in the Houston Open and couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to compete in such a skilled division at the Pan Ams this year at featherweight. I have never competed at the Worlds before but that is something I hope to change soon.
What advice would give others that have been on the path, blue belts, etc. as far as what they need to do to get to black belt?
Really just to persevere through all the ups and downs of training by maintaining a positive attitude and a close bond with their instructor and teammates. Finding a teammate that you can always count on to be there as a consistent drilling partner really helps as well. Free rolling is a blast and a great way to test out our progress but drilling is key when it comes to tightening up those transitions and perfecting that timing.
What about somebody who may be considering BJJ but haven’t started yet? Any advice for them?
Yes, I would say jiu-jitsu can bring so many great things to your life if you let it and the best part is that people with different goals as to what they want to get out of their training can all help each other to achieve these goals. For example we have some people that just train as a hobby, maybe it helps them to relieve stress and stay in shape. They very much enjoy their time on the mat and earn their rank through training and show of skill just like everyone else. We also have students like myself that enjoy competition and want to train a bit more intensely at times. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu can be whatever you make of it, the whole idea behind the sport is about flowing freely after all.
Any last words for now regarding your accomplishment or anything else to say to the Texas BJJ Community at large who may be reading this?
I just want to say thank you to everyone who has helped to shape me as a player of the sport. Not only my coach, teammates, and family but all of the other schools and competitors out there as well. Competition and rivalries can be very healthy and provide us with a way to gauge ourselves as well as motivate us to continue to hone our technique.
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