Living in the south west means I have unprecedented access to a number of black belts, which is why I’m so lucky to be able to interview so many! Today we’re talking to Exeter BJJ’s head coach James Hodges. I was lucky enough to watch James receive his black belt from Raphael Dos Santos, and to witness someone’s years of hard work finally be rewarded in one simple moment is something that I want to strive too.
Anyway, on with the interview.
How long have you been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
9.5 years.
When were you promoted to black belt and who promoted you?
8th December 2013 by Raphael Dos Santos of Gracie Barra.
Why did you decide to take up the sport?
I was training in Thai Boxing and Submission Wrestling, and at the time the BJJ guys were dominating UFC at the time so I decided to visit my local BJJ club (Exeter BJJ) to give it a try. I then found I was using the techniques I learnt from BJJ on the guys at the Submission Wrestling club!
When you first started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the sport was relatively unknown in the UK, how do you feel about it’s recent explosion?
I think its great, our club has tripled in size over the last 2 years and seeing more professional events happening is brilliant for the sport.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jH6wwDqGQ00
Can you name you top 3 fighters that you love to watch?
There are too many to name so I will name the ones I liked to watch when I first started training BJJ;
- Fernando Terere
- Jacare Souza
- Leo Vieira
What are your BJJ goals for 2014?
I have been busy with my new young family over the last couple of years so I am hoping to compete more this year.
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone wanting to start the sport, what would that be?
Do your research on the club and Instructor. There are no secret techniques, mat time is the key to build solid foundations. Enjoy it and stay humble no matter how good you get – there is always someone better than you!
Dont give up when you get your blue belt!
Would you like to promote yourself?
I teach and train at Exeter BJJ, we are a affiliated club of Raphael Dos Santos of Gracie Barra Cornwall. Alongside this I teach No Gi at Mad Dogs Combat, Exeter.