When I was 105 pounds, battling for my life after a severe Crohn’s disease flare-up and bowel surgery, I never imagined I’d one day be stepping onto the podium at jiu-jitsu tournaments. Fast forward to 2024, and not only am I competing, but I’ve also earned four podium finishes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) tournaments this year. It hasn’t been easy, and the challenges of Crohn’s still weigh heavily on me, but these victories mean so much more because of what I’ve overcome.
Let me walk you through this incredible journey, tournament by tournament.
JJ World League Dallas X Gi – September 2024
My competitive season started strong in September at the JJ World League Dallas X Gi tournament. I competed in the 154-pound and under division with a seven-man bracket—larger than many I’ve seen at this level. I won two matches back-to-back, both in under a minute, to take gold.
In the semi-finals, I faced Angel Mota and secured a submission victory with an armbar from a triangle position. In the finals, I went up against Jourdon Gintzler, finishing the match with a triangle choke. The thrill of stepping onto the top of the podium in such a competitive bracket was exhilarating. Moments like these remind me how far I’ve come since my surgery.
AGF Texas State Championships – October 2024
The next month, I entered the American Grappling Federation (AGF) Texas State Jiu-Jitsu Championships. Competing in both gi and no-gi divisions on the same day was an enormous test of endurance. For someone with Crohn’s, where energy is already a scarce resource, this was a mental and physical battle.
In the nine-man no-gi bracket, I earned a bronze medal—an achievement I’m particularly proud of because I primarily train gi. Competing against Ramiro Castillo, I lost via submission in one match but bounced back with a solid win against Jojo Wankombe. The no-gi competition pushed me to my limits and proved that my training and guard game could hold up, even outside my comfort zone.
In the five-man gi bracket, I claimed silver. I had a strong start with a submission win against Angel Mota (our second matchup after JJWL). However, the finals were tough. My opponent, Ramiro Castillo, secured a lapel choke after a scramble, a loss I attribute to Crohn’s-related fatigue. I didn’t weigh in at the maximum limit for my division, and my opponent was physically larger, which added to the challenge. Still, I was proud of my performance and the lessons I took away from the day.
JJ World League IV Texas Gi Finals – November 2024
In November, I returned to the JJ World League for the IV Texas Gi Finals. This time, I competed in a six-man bracket and walked away with silver after three intense matches.
The semi-finals were a grueling test against Ryan Bao, one of the toughest opponents I’ve faced to date. Bao, fresh off an impressive ADCC showing earlier in the year, forced me to dig deep. I won by referee decision after a tightly contested match.
In the finals, I faced Brave Mays, an extremely technical opponent. He controlled much of the match, keeping me in side control and half guard. Down in points, I focused on defending submissions and looking for a gap to counter. Unfortunately, the opportunity never came, and I lost by points. Mays entered the match fresh after a bye, while I had just battled Bao, which added to the challenge. Still, earning second place in this competitive bracket was another milestone for me.
The Challenges of Competing with Crohn’s
Crohn’s disease isn’t just a condition; it’s a constant reminder that my body operates differently from most people’s. Competing in jiu-jitsu is about more than just strength or technique for me—it’s about managing energy, maintaining a clean diet, and adapting my game to suit my physical limitations.
Because of chronic fatigue, I’ve developed a guard-based style that conserves energy. Playing from the bottom lets me minimize physical exertion while looking for opportunities to sweep or submit. But even with this strategy, competing in multiple divisions (gi and no-gi) on the same day is incredibly demanding.
My diet also plays a critical role in my preparation. Unlike most athletes who can load up on carbs or eat freely after weigh-ins, I have to stick to foods I know my body can tolerate. Even minor slip-ups can drain my energy or cause severe discomfort during competition.
What’s Next?
This season has taught me so much, not just as an athlete but as someone living with Crohn’s. From my first tournament win at JJWL to the intense matches at AGF and my battles at the Texas Finals, every step of this journey has been a reminder of what’s possible when you refuse to give up.
I owe so much to my coaches, Isaac Fox and Blas Carrasco, and my team at Sloth BJJ in Euless, Texas. Starting jiu-jitsu in July 2023 was one of the best decisions of my life. It’s not just about the medals or the podium finishes—it’s about proving to myself that Crohn’s doesn’t define me.
If you want to follow my journey, check out my YouTube channel, Conquer Crohn’s, or my Instagram, where I share more about my training, competitions, and life with Crohn’s.
Let’s keep pushing boundaries, one match at a time.