NAME: Gil Narvaez

AGE: 37

OCCUPATION: Law Enforcement Officer

RANK: Blue Belt

TIME TRAINING: About 3 1/2 Years

WHY YOU TRAIN JIU JITSU:
I first became involved in BJJ due to my background in law enforcement. Ground fighting is a growing topic and BJJ seemed to be the best suited martial art addressing the problems officers are likely to encounter when involved in a confrontation that goes to the ground. The impact of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been far reaching for me. The best influence, I believe being from a fitness standpoint. When I first started training in BJJ I was at an unhealthy 215 lbs. (5' 10" tall) and have dropped down to a low of 160 lbs. for my last two competitions. I walk around now at about 165 lbs. on average and my overall fitness (cardio, strength and muscular endurance) is better than what it was 10 years ago. From a mental health standpoint the benefits have been dramatic. Getting on the mat after a rough day, clearing my mind, focusing wholeheartedly on training has become an integral part of how I am able to cope with everyday stress and I don't know how I did without it all of these years. 

Steve is an incredibly detail oriented instructor who takes the time to not only teach the physical, but more importantly, the mental aspects of the art. It only took me sitting in on one class to realize that training with Steve would take my Jiu Jitsu to new heights. One thing that is very impressive about Steve (and very much appreciate by his students) is that he, unlike many other instructors at the Black Belt level, still continues to challenge himself through competition. He leads his students by example and is an instructor who not only talks the talk, but can also walk the walk.