With the move to our new improved location, we decided it was a great time to expand on some of our services for our members, so we now have Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) on the schedule!
Introducing our new BJJ Coach, Mickey, he brings experience, high energy and a lot of passion for the martial art to his classes! Mickey joins STAR as part of a partnership with the Renzo Gracie affiliated BJJ school - Bonobu Jiu Jitsu, located in Dong Da, Hanoi.
Where are you from and what is your experience with BJJ?
I am originally from Spokane Washington in the United States. The state of Washington not the capital. I also spent 15 years living in the mountains of Northern Idaho
I started BJJ in 2008 after getting really fat recovering from shoulder surgery. When I started it was small group of people just trying to make it happen.
What is it that you love about BJJ?
I love the fact that it is always a challenge and things are always changing. Jiu Jitsu is a puzzle that has to be solved over and over in different ways.
What should people expect from your classes at STAR?
People should expect to have fun in the class. I believe we learn more when having fun. We will work hard to learn the fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu and develop practical skills for self defense or competition.
Tell us an interesting/surprising fact about yourself:
On the odd chance that I have spare time I like to paint tiny orcs!
Now let's go for a roll!
Mickey has over 12 years experience practicing and teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, through our partnership with Bonobu Jiu Jitsu he works under the guidance and supervision of one of the few black belts in Hanoi (we believe there are currently only two!) David Lapetina.
Currently we running two no-gi BJJ classes per week, but we hope through the partnership with Bonobu we will be able to grow this in 2023 to include opportunities for grading and maybe even some competitions!
Find out more about Bonobu Jiu Jitsu at here
Want to give BJJ a try, our classes are very beginner friendly! First class is free to try for existing members and non-members!
Click below to book a class with Coach Mickey!