Tony has been part of the Rothwell MMA family since April 2018. He began in Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a beginner. Tony quickly picked up the techniques and is currently a blue belt in BJJ and in Kickboxing! Even though Tony has many other commitments and a full time job, he makes time to regularly attend class. He also attends and supports other fighters at their competitions. His dedication and enthusiasm for martial arts are contagious to the other members. Below, learn what obstacles Tony has overcome to begin his life-long journey of martial arts. . .

Tony says: I considered joining a martial arts gym for a long time. The traditional incentives self defense (or even what I call ‘self offense’) weren’t quite the motivations for me. Initially, I think what held me back from becoming a student was fear. I didn’t have a good enough reason to overcome the fear and anxiety that comes with diving into a new endeavor – martial arts especially. One day, I heard UFC announcer Joe Rogan describe the lasting value of martial arts. His testimony inspired and prepared me to begin the long road of martial arts.

I knew I was going to have to win the battle within my own mind before I started classes. I had to fight the temptation of quitting when techniques got hard, I became busy, or was tired. When things got hard, I knew I would try to rationalize quitting – and that wasn’t an option for me.

Rothwell MMA is a place I felt welcome. The instructors are enthusiastic and kind. The fellow members are welcoming as well. I think this is a great bunch of people. The character it takes to stick with martial arts is a great testament to that.

I welcome the challenge of martial arts and hope to make lasting connections with good people along the way. I don’t know how long I’ll be on this road. Maybe a lifetime, maybe not. I’m grateful to be traveling on it nonetheless. The only thing that separates me from my black belt is myself and hard work. I like hard work.

Want to learn more about our family?  Check out previous Rothwell MMA Member Spotlights HERE.