Christopher Gallego 

Art of Jiu Jitsu

Season Champion (11 Wins - 5 Losses - 3 Submissions)

 

Article:

 

          Southern California represents a unique place in the jiu jitsu world. One could argue that it holds the largest concentration of talented instructors and gyms when compared to any other geographic location. Whether it is the beautiful scenery, the mild climate or simply the massive interest in combat sports amongst the local populace; Jiu jitsu is thriving here and will continue to do so indefinitely. Those of you who compete on a regular basis probably know about a small gym located in Costa Mesa known as Art of Jiu Jitsu.(AOJ for short) The building was a former paint and supply retail space off of 17th street in an area of the city that is quickly undergoing something of a local renaissance. AOJ's rise directly mirrors its surroundings and I am certain more success is coming their way.

          The head instructors, Gui and Rafael Mendez are some of the best black belts at their respective weight classes.  Their competition instincts and skills directly translate into an ability to teach as is evident by their MANY high caliber students. Christopher Gallego is one such student. Chris ended last season as the Men's Lightweight Blue belt champion. With 11 wins and 3 submissions there is no doubt that he is a quality competitor with ambitions of continuing his jiu jitsu journey by proving himself against other athletes. Before he earned the title of blue belt season champion, we asked Chris a series of questions about his experiences regarding jiu jitsu. Take a few moments to read what he had to say, many of you probably started the sport in a similar fashion for similar reasons.

 

 

 

 

Interview:

JJWL: How did you get involved with jiu jitsu?

CG: I used to compete in Muay Thai back in 2011 and tried to get my girl friend at that time into the sport. Fortunately for me, She did not enjoy "punching things" so she ended up doing jiu Jitsu instead. I decided to try it out with her and the rest is history!

JJWL: What is the hardest part about preparing for a tournament?

CG: Weight cut, injuries, training camp are all difficult things Jiu Jitsu athletes have to deal with. But the hardest part is controlling your mindset. My professors Rafa and Gui mendes said it best, mental toughness separates the good from the great. A lot of people cannot focus, overcome mental anxiety, and control their negative thoughts before a tournament - this eventually will cost them the fight.

JJWL: What have you overcome to get to this point?

CG: I don't really like thinking that I gave up a lot to pursue Jiu Jitsu full time because I am so in love with what I do. I just like to think of it as a natural transition in my life... When I do reflect on it, I gave up a full time job where I earned a decent amount of money, I gave up time with friends and family by moving from San Francisco to Orange County, I delayed my move to be with my parents in the Philippines and help out the family business (something I had dreamt of doing ever since I was a little kid), my previous relationship also failed because I prioritized my Jiu Jitsu.

At the end of the day, even though I live a very simple and at times challenging lifestyle, I have no regrets and love what I do.

JJWL: What is your favorite part about competition?

CG: I've always been an athlete and a natural competitor. the thrill of stepping on the mat, ring, or court is one feeling I cannot explain. I believe it is ingrained in my DNA to want to compete.
Competing also challenges my mental toughness, and that I love. I am addicted to learning.through competition I feel like I grow the most.

JJWL: What is your favorite part about jiu jitsu in general?

CG: Competing and meeting different kinds of people that share the same dream. The social aspect is one of the best things about the sport. Although I try my best to beat every opponent, once the fight is done I love to get to know them. We are all guys from different teams with the same goal. I look at them as brothers and enjoy crossing paths with the best guys at different tournaments.

JJWL: How many years do you plan to compete?

CG: Being an athlete and trainer, I've seen that most athletes start to decline in their 30's. At a high level I hope to compete till 35. once I see that I can no longer compete with the best I will slow down. That being said, I will always find some way of competing till the day I die!

JJWL: What is the best advice you have received?

CG: That is a tough one as there are so many. Since I am big on positive psychology I would have to say "the right perspective makes the impossible possible".
Another time was when I first moved to so cal to pursue Jiu Jitsu full time. I almost always wanted to quit because I was lonely and had no money. I was terrified that I was making the wrong decision and couldn't really explain to people what I was doing with my life. Then one night I was watching a movie and I heard this quote " I'd rather die making my own mistakes than live having someone else decide my future." From that point on I never doubted my move.

JJWL: Tell us some interesting things about yourself.

CG: - I grew up in the Philippines. I one day want to return and give back to the country I grew up in. Jiu Jitsu will be one of those ways.
- I travel a lot. I also went to an international school where I was exposed to different cultures, thinking, perspectives, and people.
- I've always been a competitior. From golf, soccer, basketball, Muay Thai, to Jiu Jitsu.
- I love to read. I am currently reading the 7 habits of highly effective people and the professor in the cage.
- I was a tier 3 personal trainer at equinox when I realized I wanted to pursue Jiu Jitsu full time.