When my wife told me she was pregnant I decided it was time to quit smoking and get fit. I was 102kg at the time which meant at 5 feet 4 inches tall, I was clinically obese. I researched all the BJJ schools in Adelaide and decided SA BJJ was the school for me in the first 5 minutes of watching Michael Toyama teach techniques to the class. Michael was clear, precise and explained in minute details when he broke down techniques, be it sweeps, submissions, guard or guard passing. It was clear Michael was speaking as an accomplished and experienced competitor himself.My first 3 months in SA BJJ was particularly hard as I was extremely unfit and overweight, but not once did Michael or my fellow students ever hinted that I couldn't do it. Everyone in the Academy encouraged me to continue. One year and three months later I was 76KG, competing at PAN PACS in Melbourne & awarded my Blue Belt not long after. Michael has not only helped me get years back in my life, he has built a club of like minded people from all walks of life that I now consider close friends.
Robert Greig, Blue Belt
