I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, and at the age of 5, I started Shotokan Karate. It was lots of fun, and I really enjoyed the challenge of learning and improving. Advancing in karate, I started competing and bringing home medals.  I quickly learned that hard work and practice was the ingredient, and that if I didn’t do any extra work, I didn’t do as good. I enjoyed a good strong start into the world of martial arts.

A few years later, my family moved to Baraboo, Wisconsin, a small rural town, about 40 miles north of the university town of Madison.  To my surprise, there was a small jiu jitsu gym tucked away in our new town. It was there I met Professor Filipe Barbosa, who introduced me to the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Filipe received his black belt in direct linage from Rickson Gracie, the greatest ever. The stars were lined up and pointing the way. I leaped on for the ride!

My discipline and desire to succeed, provided all I needed. Commitment to school has put me on the honor roll each year, with induction into the National Honor Society my junior year in high school. I joined the high school wrestling team my freshman year, and with lots of dedication and extra training, I was voted the ‘Most Dedicated’ my freshman and sophomore years. I became a team captain my junior year and was awarded ‘Most Valuable Player’ on the team.  As a captain my senior year, my wrestling record was 23-2.  I would have gone to state, but I struggled with a knee injury that ended my season.  Learning from national, world, and Olympic champions has provided me vast knowledge, and given me a chance to study from people who are where I’d like to be someday soon. Working with them, along with Professor Barbosa, I’m constantly improving every day. I work out religiously and compete with great success. I strive to win many competitions and medals, while always continuing to be humble, patient and learning from others. I even help teach the kids jiu jitsu classes, before my training begins. My summer is spent working at a landscape job in between wrestling and jiu jitsu training camps. When I’m not in school or training, I enjoy fishing, woodworking, and spending time outdoors with my dog and family.

I graduated high school in 2023.  I currently attend college at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, studying Civil Engineering.  My goal is to continue to pursue greater knowledge and instruction in jiu jitsu, while using my talent competing to achieve the greatest heights of the sport.