Having access to a fun physical activity, building self confidence, self defense or just having an after school program to keep you out of trouble are just some of the many benefits of Martial arts for children. But not all families can afford martial arts lessons for their kids. Unfortunately more often than not the families that need those services the most, are the ones that can't afford them. Brazilian jiujitsu has a lot of good things going for it as a martial art and a sport, but one of its greatest obstacles is that its one of the most expensive marital arts out there. Alphy Gutierrez has created a non profit BJJ school to help the youth of his community and spread the art.
When did you start Jiu Jitsu and what got you into it? I started Jiu Jitsu back in 07' when I was a 7th grader in Middle school. As a kid growing up I guess you could say I didn't know how to control my anger or emotions. One day a close buddy if mine introduced me to Jiu Jitsu and explaned how I can use that feeling and accomplish something on the mat. And I have been hooked ever since.
When Did you first come up with the idea of a non profit BJJ gym? How about the name Team Kool Katz?
At the time if being introduced to bjj I was living in Fox Lake, IL. I was never the wealthiest but I defiantly have family supporters that helped me throughout my life. At the time there was not many bjj gyms near me an if there was they were $100+ a month to train an there was no way I was getting that. Shortly after looking I found a gym that was actually located in my town for a great price. The next day I signed up after three months on training everyday at RFO under Daniel Wanderley who is now at Rufosport.
Unfortunately the actually owner a blue belt named randy Fredrick Otto did not make the payments on the building and the sheriffs came an shut down my gym. I was devistaed. Than one day my uncle came home with two big blue Folding mats and said "we don't need a team, we are making our own" for a while we competing under independent or no team but we got tired of that and came up with the name Team Kool Katz at a Indiana tournament C3. And that's how it started
What does having a non proffit BJJ gym give your community?
There is not much to do in my town you usually are in sports or whatever hobby you do if not you are most likely goofing off getting in trouble and putting your nose in things you shouldn't . With that being said my gym offers kids a place to get away from. All that whatever it may be family problems, friend problems. Ect whatever it may be I just want the best for the kids .
What is your proudest martial arts moment?
My proudest moment would have to be the time that my Non Profit BJJ Gym took 9th out of 45+ notorious teams!
If you want to find out more about this awesome cause you can find the teams facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TeamKoolKatz
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