While I can’t quite say that “jiu-jitsu saved my life” – since that would be a bit of an exaggeration – starting my jiu-jitsu journey was definitely the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. Not only did it play a huge part in developing confidence in my identity, but it also gave me direction when I was most lost in life.
Growing up in Montreal, I played hockey throughout my adolescence and had aspirations of playing at the university-level (and even maybe professionally, if I could get the right luck). But an unfortunate concussion messed up my timeline shortly before I was university-age, and after much debate among my family, I decided to hang up the skates and focus on my academics. The only problem with that idea? At the time, I didn’t want to go to university… at all!
So, to please my parents, I got a job at former clothing-retailer American Apparel, where I worked full-time for 3 years from 2012-2015. I was completely lost in life – I had no idea who I was, no idea who I wanted to be, and no idea where I wanted to go.
Then, I found BJJ, and everything changed.
After a few speed bumps, I clicked with Gracie Barra at the start of 2014 and my white belt journey began. Looking back, I’m so happy I decided to walk through the door for my first BJJ class. I’m not sure where I’d be had I not taken these first steps.
I began teaching kids BJJ classes in Montreal when I was a blue belt, at which point I realized I had a passion for physical education, teaching, and coaching. This led me to enroll first at Concordia University for one year (2015), then at McGill University, where I ended up receiving my B.Ed. in physical and health education (2020).
After meeting my wife at McGill, we both began our graduate studies at the University of Ottawa (2020). Throughout my BJJ journey, I’ve been fascinated with the life skills I’ve developed on the mats that I’ve been able to transfer to other parts of my life (such as discipline, resilience, problem-solving, etc.). Now, I’m lucky enough to be working towards a Ph.D. in sport psychology and pedagogy/coaching with a focus on coach education programs and life skills transfer through sport.
Now, don’t get me wrong – getting my black belt in BJJ was a pretty rewarding accomplishment, and it’s cool to look down and finally see a black belt around my waist each time I get on the mats. But I want to highlight that I’m much more grateful for the guidance that BJJ gave to me during a time in my life where I was utterly lost. BJJ set me on a path that allowed me to discover my professional calling, allowed me to meet my wife, and allowed me to develop confidence in who I am. I owe a lot to BJJ!
I had remarkably positive experiences throughout my BJJ journey, and it’s in part because I made the first move to walk through the door – but it’s also because I was surrounded by kind, supportive, and welcoming training partners and teachers. Now, as a black belt and as a head instructor, I aim to provide that same type of environment for every single student who walks through the door.
Don’t be afraid to be a beginner – it could be the best thing you’ll ever do! I know it was for me.
See you on the mats!
Evan
August 2023
ORIGIN STORY
In this section of our member stories, we ask the same four interview questions.
Every personal journey is different. We all move at different speeds. But, every single one of us was a beginner at one point in time.
The hardest part is starting.
Don’t be afraid to be a beginner.
Current Rank: Black Belt
I received my black belt in July 2023 after 9 years of training.
First Gracie Barra Orleans East Class: Aug 2022
I moved with my wife from Montreal to Ottawa in Summer 2021. I had been training and teaching at Gracie Barra Ottawa for several months before visiting Gracie Barra Orleans East in Summer 2022. I was immediately blown away by the incredible space Gracie Barra Orleans East has – I’ve seen few BJJ schools throughout my BJJ journey that have facilities as nice as these ones!
After a quick tour of the impressive facilities, I was lucky enough to be a guest-instructor for the morning class. From that point on, I began regularly teaching a few morning classes each week until I became the head instructor for Gracie Barra Orleans East in August 2023!
The culture at Gracie Barra Orleans East is the first thing I noticed about the school, and it’s my top priority as head instructor to maintain and to build upon the awesome momentum this school has generated in the past few years.
First Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Class: Feb 11, 2014
I remember my first Gracie Barra class like it was yesterday! I was living in Montreal at the time and had scheduled a free trial class at the Gracie Barra school downtown. After a disappointing experience at another BJJ academy a year earlier (not a Gracie Barra school), I was ready to give BJJ one – and only one – more chance.
Thankfully, Gracie Barra had exactly what I was looking for: an inclusive environment AND high-level BJJ!
From the moment I walked into the doors at Gracie Barra, I was treated like family. The staff was welcoming, the students were friendly, and the instructors were approachable, kind, and knowledgeable. I was hooked right away, and I’ve gone from white belt to black belt as a proud member of team Gracie Barra.
Looking back, I’m so incredibly happy that I decided to be a beginner. Scheduling that trial class was the best thing I’ve ever done!
Very First Martial Arts Class: 2013
Technically, the first martial arts class I did was probably around the year 2000, since I attended (quite unenthusiastically, might I add) a few months of Judo training when I was 7 or 8 years old. But, I don’t really count that as my first martial arts class.
I played hockey my entire adolescence, hanging up my skates at 18 years old after an injury. A few years later, I became interested in trying BJJ after learning about it on a podcast. I started training at a small BJJ school in my area, but I quit after only a few months. I found BJJ fun enough, but I didn’t feel very welcome at this particular BJJ school, and so when I had my first small injury, it was easy to use that as an excuse to stop training.
This experience was very valuable to me, as it taught me the importance of having both high-level BJJ instruction AND an inclusive, welcoming environment that makes students want to keep coming back. Remember, something as small as saying hi to a new student or making the effort to learn their name can go a long way!
Professor Evan Bishop
- Head coach, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Gracie Barra Ottawa East
- Black Belt
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