Hi I first started BJJ in August 2008 with my friend Daniel. I didn't know what to expect or what was ahead of me. When I was asked to join by my friend I said "isn't that the fake stuff they do in movies to make the actors look good?" My friend laughed at me then showed me Royce Gracie's documentary. Instantly I was intrigued. This looked like something that a person with my vision impairment could undertake. So we studied youtube instructionals for a month before looking for clubs. Then we stumbled on UCA (Universal Combat Academy) run by Simon Farnsworth. My friend Daniel emailed Simon explaining that I had quite severe vision impairment and wanted to know if training would still be possible. Simon emailed back and said that there is no reason that I should not be able to train since BJJ is such a close contact sport with no strikes, training should be fine and to come in to observe if we wanted. So we went to observe the class. When we arrived it was good to see that were so many enthusiastic people in the class. Simon was really friendly and open to the idea of having someone with my disability train. One of the first things I can recall Simon saying to reassure me was "don't worry too much I often get the guys to train with their eyes closed so they can get a feel of their surroundings." This was comforting and we began training the next week.

As soon as I started I saw how much I had to learn and how hard it was going to be physically because I was not very fit. Now after 16 months of BJJ I have lost inches off my waist line, gained muscle that I never used before and have improved my cardio immensely. I got to know the regular people in the club because training 5 days a week enables you to interact with them a lot. Straight away they were open, friendly, accepting and willing to help me learn. A few of the more advanced members took me under their wing and showed me the ropes, in a matter of words. They never treated me any different than any other members in the club and that I am thankful for. Their acceptance of me and my disability, I believe this has helped me progress quickly. The people in the club have to be some of the best guys to train with, many of them have taken time out to show me techniques, explain things in finer detail and be there to support me when I competed for the first time was insurmountable. Competing for the first time is horrifying but you could not ask for a better coach than Simon. He was there from the beginning, when I first walked in the door he made sure I was coping, training me for the competition, setting up my match for me and being there to coach me through the entire match. It was an experience that I recommend to everyone.

BJJ is not just a sport it really becomes a part of your life and a big part if you start excelling. I believe it has made me more humble in some circumstances, more patient and shown me that you can always advance forward no matter what situation you are in. Sometimes it only takes a few little adjustments. I highly recommend UCA (also known as BJJ Castle Hill), it has changed my life for the better and I'm sure it can yours to.

I would like to extend thanks to some of the most influential members of the club that have helped me throughout my time there, being it spending time with me to explain techniques, pushing me to go that little further, supporting me at competitions, helping me improve and pushing me to grade for my blue belt.

Simon Farnsworth

Luke Farnsworth

Jake Farnsworth

Luke Price

Rob Sabaruddin

Ara Aroutiounian

Kris Nubla

Andrew Fu

Scott Martel

Luca Buratto

Warren Parsen

Dave Ward

Pete Sardelich

Rad Funiok

Daniel Chon

Martyn Harris

Andre in competetion