Merv

 

Hi guys! I’m Merv, one of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) coaches here at Ground Hammer.

I’ve been training BJJ since 2007, and it’s something I know I’ll never be able to live without. I love the sport for three main reasons: 1) its supremely positive impact on both my physical and mental health, 2) I get to share the joy of being on the mats with like-minded people and make a difference in the community, and 3) it’s a truly effective martial art, but one that few individuals (if anyone) can ever truly master – anyone can be beaten by anyone on a given day.

As a kid, I boxed and did aikido, so I’ve always had a love of martial arts. But when I watched Royce Gracie on a blagged VHS copy of UFC 1 in the mid-90s, my interest was piqued. Unfortunately, life and work got in the way, and it took me a while to get going, but when I did, I was instantly hooked. 

My 17 years in the sport means a couple of things: 1) I’m old, and 2) I have a lot of experience – training, teaching, and competing. I love watching how the sport has evolved over the years and how it has the power to change people’s lives. 

It’s also great to see the amazing amount of content now available and how accessible it has become – not quite mainstream, but getting there. It certainly beats learning from books like we did in the good-old days! I’m passionate about keeping up-to-date with the latest approaches, techniques, and top fighters and love nothing more than studying them and passing the knowledge on to our students – a rolling stone gathers no moss; evolve or get left behind! 

I can’t offer you an easy ride – its tough – but I can certainly offer you the chance to make a positive impact on your health and wellbeing.

Jiu-Jitsu saved my life; let it change yours too.