Page 40 - Issue 3

GRAPPLER Summer 2019

JR: It was a grind. There was nothing easy about it. I didn’t on the surface. He banked to my right and I place a great
speak Portuguese for at least six months, so I had to pay holding shot. He took off and I grab and hold of my float line
attention at class and on the street. I came in as a white attached to my float and started to get pulled by the Marlin
belt with an open mind, wanting to learn from the source. at a pretty good pace. It was hard to hang on. Once the fish
I treated my training like someone pursuing a degree in found deeper water he ripped the float out of my hand and
university would treat their studies. I was disciplined in then it disappeared into the deep.
my consistency to training. The depth of talent on the mats
everyday was encouraging and discouraging at the same It came up minutes later, 500-600 meters away. I had to
time. The team at GB pushed you every roll, those rolls swim to it (tournament rules), then once I got to my float
demanded you give your best. I had to fight the fish up to surface. Once I pulled him up to
the surface, I was just in awe. Every edible ounce of that fish
GM: Where do you train now? was sold which raised money for a local school and other
local charities that the event organizers set up.
JR: I train with my students at JR Academy in Calgary AB
Canada where I’m owner and lead instructor. GM: What stands out specifically?

GM: How does the outdoorsman lifestyle relate to the JR: The size and power of the Marlin.
martial arts lifestyle?
GM: Most dangerous animal you’ve tracked/hunted?
JR: I don’t think it would for everyone, but if you can see
how hard work and dedication to learning something and JR: Sailfish. They have a reputation of turning on the hunter.
then being able to apply what you learned on your own, it is I shot one in the Blue water World Cup 2018. It was a great
very rewarding and that process is involved in both of these shot but he turned and swam away, so I was happy about
lifestyles. that but absolutely gutted when the fish of a lifetime got off
because of an equipment malfunction.
GM: Does one help the other?
GM: Favorite meal you’ve cooked using something you’ve
JR: One thing comes to mind, patience. Without it in both of hunted?
these lifestyles you’ll find a lot of disappointment.
JR: No one favourite. I love sushi, sashimi, fish tacos, fried
GM: What kind of outdoor activities do you do? fish, deer and moose tenderloin on the BBQ.

JR: Free diving, Spearfishing, fly fishing, camping, big game GM: Thoughts on conservation?
hunting, bow and rifle for elk, deer, moose, Bighorn sheep.
Short and long range target shooting. I love snowboarding, JR: It’s an important part to ensure nature is preserved. We
both at the resort or in backcountry. all have to do our part as people who hunt and fish in the
outdoors to make sure we are following all local laws and
GM: Proudest moment as an outdoorsman? catch/bag limits to be sure there are plenty for others to
enjoy this way of life in the future.
JR: Spearfishing a 286-lb. Black Marlin at the 2017 Blue
Water World Cup. GM: Any advice for someone looking to become an
outdoorsman such as yourself?
GM: Proudest moment as a martial artist?
JR: Get outside, do things that make you happy. Do your
JR: BJJ Black Belt from Carlos Gracie, Jr., Dec. 18, 2004. research. There are lots of resources for info on any outdoor
activity that interests you. Be smart, be safe and enjoy.
GM: What’s the story behind your favorite hunt? When you’re outdoors, clean up after yourself, do not litter.
That one seems simple, but people still struggle with that
JR: It was the first day of the Blue water World Cup in Baja, one. Most of all enjoy the outdoors, we’ve got one life to live
Mexico. Almost noon, this Marlin came right in on me on this planet, just do it responsibly.

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