Having moved from CA and not knowing anything about Overland Park, all I knew was I wanted to get back into shape. So I looked up the closest gym with the best schedule for me.
I started at E3 August 2022 with the intent to just do personal strength training for the accountability. But out of pure curiosity about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), I signed up for an athletes challenge that included both strength training and once a week private BJJ lessons. The athletes challenge got me down over 15 pounds which I have kept off to this day. More importantly I gained more confidence and a sense of control over my body again.
It surprised me how much I began enjoying the challenges of jiu jitsu and decided at the start of 2023 to commit to coming almost everyday to do both gi and Nogi classes. (Both those terms, amongst many others will start making sense when you start training). I started with the small group essentials BJJ foundation class, which helped build my confidence to do the regular classes. My concerns with starting a very physical sport in my 30s and coming from no previous martial arts experience quickly went away after adjusting over the course of a couple weeks.
Everyone here at E3, from the techniques learned from my coaches to those I had the opportunity to roll with, all prepared me to compete in my first BJJ competition in May this year.
The opportunity to train with top athletes from Brazil, to meet and grow with other members of the gym, and to really be part of a community that empowers individuals to feel more in tune with their body - I feel fortunate to have come across this gym. With the support of everyone at E3, you get a chance to see what you can be capable of. I truly cannot recommend it enough for anyone to try BJJ, especially with everyone here. I think the change you will see in yourself both physically and mentally will speak for itself.
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