Over the next few months, we're going to be introducing you to many of the faces within the Grand Union BJJ Family, telling you their story of what Jiu-Jitsu means to them and what they have learned since picking up the art. 

We kick off the first of our interviews with our Head Instructor of Grand Union BJJ HQ & Grand Union BJJ Brighton, Cesar Lima.

Name: Cesar Lima

Belt: Black belt Second Stripe

Nationality: Brazilian

When did you start Jiu-Jitsu? I started BJJ in 1999 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Why did you start Jiu-Jitsu? I always liked martial arts, I started fighting since I was 4 years old, but I only met BJJ when I was 20 years old when my cousin invited me to watch the BJJ class. The funny story was that his BJJ instructor challenged me to fight, I accepted, I was a Kung Fu champion at that time, I thought I was Bruce Lee, but it wasn't as I planned, the Bjj Instructor submitted me about 3 times in less than a minute, I was fascinated by how easily he did it, so I decided to train with them, I’ve never stopped since.

Favourite Submission & why? My favorite position with the Gi is cross collar choke from the back, I'm a small guy, so I think other submissions are easier to escape when I fight against bigger opponents. In Nogi is the heel hook, no doubt about it, once it is locked, there is no escape!

Preferred Guard? I like half guard in general, half guard lasso, knee shield, deep half guard.

Proudest Jiu-Jitsu Moment? It was definitely when I got my black belt from Roger Gracie. It meant a lot to me, I left everything behind in Brazil to come to London and train BJJ with Roger, it was a long way and with many difficulties. That day, when I got my black belt by coincidence, my grandfather also died, he was a person who supported me a lot to come to London, I wanted to make him proud. It was an unforgettable day for me.

What has Jiu-Jitsu taught you outside of the Dojo? BJJ gave me the confidence to deal with any kind of problem, and after a few years of practicing this art, I began to understand more about my body mechanism, learned better control of my mind, I became a stronger person inside and out.

You can check out more of Cesar's posts and follow him on instagram here