Evan has been training for 23 years. He started wrestling at the age of 5 and continued through college. After finishing his college career, he started training in jiu-jitsu in 2019 and currently holds his purple belt. Evan currently has a 27-4 jiu-jitsu record. Wrestling and jiu-jitsu career accomplishments are:

·        3x OHSAA State Qualifier

·        2x OHSAA State Placer

·        Finished high school career ranked no. 12 in the nation

·        Flo Nationals All-American

·        3x D2 National Qualifier

·        2014 D2 All-American

·        2015/2016 D2 National Pins leader

·        3x College Team Captain

·        4x Grappling industries champion

·        2023 AJP South American International Champion – Blue Belt

·        4th place ADCC Open – Costa Mesa – Advanced -100kg

·        2023 Upgraded Industries Absolute Tournament – 2nd place

For anyone curious about training Jiu Jitsu, Evan shares some of his top reasons for staying committed to his own training in the sport:

Physical fitness: BJJ provides an excellent full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and coordination. The intense training sessions help practitioners build endurance and burn calories.

Mental discipline: BJJ requires focus, patience, and problem-solving skills. Practitioners must stay composed and think strategically during sparring sessions, which helps enhance mental discipline and resilience.

Stress relief: Engaging in physical activity and learning new skills can help reduce stress and anxiety. BJJ provides an outlet for releasing tension and promoting mental well-being.

Community and social interaction: Joining a BJJ gym creates an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who share a passion for the sport. The BJJ community is often known for its camaraderie and support.

Increased confidence: As practitioners progress and achieve new belts, they gain confidence in their abilities and themselves. The sense of accomplishment from overcoming challenges in training can positively impact various aspects of life outside of the gym.

Humility and respect: BJJ fosters a culture of respect and humility. Practitioners learn to acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses and to treat training partners with respect and dignity.

Goal setting and achievement: Setting and accomplishing goals are integral parts of BJJ progression. The structured belt system provides a clear path for advancement, giving practitioners a sense of purpose and motivation to improve.

Lifelong learning: BJJ is a complex martial art with an infinite depth of techniques and strategies. Practitioners constantly learn and refine their skills, making it a lifelong journey of self-improvement.

Competitive outlet: For those who enjoy competition, BJJ offers opportunities to test their skills in tournaments and competitions at various levels of intensity.