
Coach Joseph Formica
In late 2009 I was first introduced to Team Third Law through a co worker who was training there. Excited about the training at Third Law he invited me to come try it out. Not quite sure what to except I attended my first class. Up to that point all I knew about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was what I saw in the UFC.
My first class was a blast! Before doing any Jiu Jitsu I was working out every week. I felt in shape and that I could hold my own. After that first class I found out other wise. No matter how much strength I tried to use I always found my self in bad positions getting submitted. Seeing what someone who knows Jiu Jitsu can do I was hooked. After that first class little did I know what laid ahead for me.
Right away I found that in Jiu Jitsu you get out what you put in. Due to my work schedule I could only come and train about three days a week. I made the most of every class but I wanted more. I lived in Cape Coral and the drive each way was an hour. I knew I had to make some sacrifices. After training for a few months and seeing my teammates compete I knew I wanted to get out there and compete too. I signed up for the White Belt Competition Team Tryouts excited to join the competition team.
Soon after the completion of the White Belt Competition Team Tryouts I started competing. The first tournament I competed in was a Naga in Boca Raton Florida. Excited, nervous and not sure what to expect I stepped on the mats and came off hooked getting second place. I was happy that I stepped up and got the first competition out of the way but finishing second had hungry for more. I continued competing at local tournaments in Florida trying to gain as much experience as possible. My hard work and sacrifice payed off that same year when I won gold at my first international tournament the Miami International Open.
In late October 2010 I was promoted to Blue Belt by Master Robert Torralbas. Excited about the promotion I kept working hard knowing that I would be representing Team Lloyd Irvin and Team Third Law as a Blue Belt. After receiving my Blue Belt I continued to compete locally but soon after I began to compete internationally. Competing internationally was the next step I needed to take to gain the most experience possible. Now I’m flying all over the United States competing against the best guys out there.
Along with my love of competing I love to teach. I presently teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, No-Gi Grappling and assist with the kids classes. Seeing students going through want you went through and being able to helping them achieve the goals they have set for themselves is awesome. I wouldn’t trade teaching or competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for anything.
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