Member Profile

Date
March 30, 2019
Author
Dilate

First name: Franck
Age: 37
Occupation: Patisserie Lecturer

Franck has been training at Legion 13  since 2016. His journey to the coloured belts has been longer that usual, due to family commitments and life. However, his love for training has never waned even though he couldn’t train as much as he would like. He received his blue belt late last year & his young son Logan has also, started training. Franck is best known around the academy, as the french/american guy who has some sweet take-downs due to his background in Judo.

 

What brought you too Legion 13 & why Brazilian Jiu – Jitsu?

I had trained Judo in the US in my early twenties for about 4 years and when my wife and I moved to Australia I decided to get back into Judo. My body had gotten pretty out of shape and I could not take the landings anymore. So I decided to try my hand at bjj instead. I had heard of Legion 13 (back then still Gracie Barra). About 3 months in I had an injury that would postpone my bjj journey for 4.5 more years. When I returned to the mats I returned to Legion 13 Perth Hills as I knew Mike and I knew the level of bjj and mentality for training for longevity & lifestyle balance were above and beyond what most other academies offered.

How was your first ever class?

I have to say my first ever class was a long time ago when I was doing Judo as my sensei was also a bjj black belt under Vinicius Draculino. I hated it! I found it so difficult and technical and confusing. My first class at Legion 13 Perth Hills, however, felt like I was walking into an academy I already belonged to. I still found bjj super technical, confusing and difficult but my love for grappling was stronger.

What has been the biggest benefit you have got from training?

The one biggest benefit would have to be the positive affect on my mental health. Through bjj I have developed a strong desire to better myself in all aspects of life.  My wife even recognised that when I train I am in a better place. But this benefit is only one of many for me.

How does it feel to be finally be in the coloured belts?

It’s neat. I used to get caught up in trying to get to the next belt when I did Judo and when I started bjj that reasoning was still there but through time, maturity and bjj constantly teaching me to temper my ego I learned that belts are a mile marker on a journey of a lifetime. I feel lucky to be learning and rolling alongside great people.

Any advice for people just getting started or new to Jiu Jitsu?

Persevere.  As complicated as perseverance may sometimes seem, all you need to do is focus on walking through the doors of the academy every time. Set your priorities, figure out how much time you can dedicate to bjj and honour your commitment to this education you are paying for. We are not all going to be world champions but we can all try to better ourselves. To me that is what bjj is about.

 

Address
Unit 1 14-16 Stanhope Gardens, Midvale,
WA 6056 Australia

Phone
0433 356 559

#aspire #learn #grow