The People of JiuJitsu: Braulio Sebastian

Every school needs to have someone like Braulio. In person he is always laughing and cracking jokes, while behind the scenes he does a lot for his academy. When I temporarily relocated across the country to California I didn't know anyone and took me under his wing so to speak. He introduced me to everyone at the school and helped to make sure that I discovered all of the local food and must see spots. Like most JiuJitsu friendships tend to be, we had a friendly, but fierce rivalry. That meant that we both knew that every roll meant game time and viciously fought to beat the other. He caught me a couple times over those rolls and has yet allowed me to forget about it 😆

He graciously agreed to be the second participant in this people of JiuJitsu series and the interview is below.



Age, current rank and how long have you been training?
25, blue belt and I've been training for a little over 3 years now.

What was it that got you into JiuJitsu?
I had always wanted to be a well rounded fighter and I knew I was okay with my stand up, but I had no idea what happen if I was ever taken to the ground.



How many days on average would you say that you train a week?
4-5 days a week, if I was motivated to grapple no gi I would be out on the mat more often.

What do you like most about your academy?
I love how close knit we are and how we motivate and push ourselves on the mat and off the mat, it’s truly a JiuJitsu family.

Do you have a favorite technique?
kesa gatame, if I don’t like you. Heel hook if I give no mercy.

(Steve: As someone who has experienced the soul crushing pressure of that kesa gatame, it's not something you want to get caught in!)

Have you noticed any positive changes in your life since you'be been training?
I find myself respecting the art and being okay with a loss.





If you could go back in time, what's a piece of advice that you would give yourself when you first started?
I would’ve liked if I had attended class more often and had left my ego at the door.

Do you have any short term goals for 2018 in JiuJitsu?
😎 work more on my cardio and feel less out of breath after my 6th or 7th roll.

How about long term goals?
My long term goal would be to show; even if it’s just a couple people, how thrilling and exciting it is to be a part of something that has made such an incredible impact on me.

What would you say to someone that has always wanted to try JiuJitsu, but hasn't visited a school yet?
 I would tell them to do it, and to experience something that can help them.

Last question. If you could pick anyone in the world to train with, who would it be?
I’m happy with who I’m training with, Professor Charlie in my eyes is my best friend and the people who I surround myself and train with;  who are savages.

About the Author:

Steven McMahon earned his Kyuki-Do Black Belt in 2011 from Grand Master Kim at Kim's Black Belt Academy and his  BJJ Purple Belt in January 2017 under Professor Charles Nunley. He trains out of Cornerstone BJJ in Fayetteville, NC. He is an active competitor at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Army Combatives tournaments.