Tony Jeffries

I just got my just got my Blue Belt… BJJ changed my life BUT…

about 8 weeks ago, I found out I had a bulging disc in my neck and haven’t been able to train since. (Maybe you’ve seen me wearing a neck brace on some posts)

It’s the result of years of boxing, bad posture from sitting at a computer for hours every day, and the wear and tear of BJJ training.

It’s been so tough adjusting life to this compared to how I was living before.

I was training BJJ 5-6 days a week for months and had completely fallen in love with the sport.

Training with Marcelino Freitasat in Melbourne since May was something I looked forward to every day.

Not being able to train, and losing a lot of strength and size in the right side of my upper body, has been mentally tough.

Today, for the first time in 8 weeks, I put my Gi back on.

Last week Marcelino told me to come to the grading and put my gi on…

He said some very kind things about me and awarded me my Blue Belt

I had to hold back tears, as my emotions were all over the place…this means so much to me

I don’t know when I’ll be able to train BJJ again or if I’ll even be able to, but I’m hopeful. 🤞

If you train BJJ, you know how hard it is to earn a blue belt, especially when your coach is a world-class competitor like Marcelino
I’m really proud of this life accomplishment.

I just want to thank everyone at Marcelino Freitas JiuJitsu gym for all the help, support, and making it such a pleasure to train there.

I also want to give a big shoutout to my amazing wife Sarah

At the start of the year, her goal was to get 1 stripe before turning 40 (on December 6th), and now she has 2 stripes!

I have no idea what’s going to happen next for me in this BJJ journey but it’s going to be a big part of my family’s life forever, I know this.

I’m working on getting stronger everyday .

1 year ago | [YT] | 6,777



@johntutty8486

Nice one Tony 👍

1 year ago | 50

@FincaWalaWala

Congratulations, Coach!

1 year ago | 3

@darrenjreynolds22

Been suffering a very similar thing for the last 5 months....great achivement....good for the soul !

1 year ago | 6

@BHsss13

Big props on showing your tears, it probably isn't mentioned enough. But as a man that requires great strength, vulnerability is often an overlooked part of combat sports and life in general

1 year ago | 23

@jeremiahmorris5519

Congratulations to you and Sarah! That is such an achievement.

1 year ago | 4

@thd-401

That is amazing to hear. Blue belts can definitely mess up an untrained person. Perhaps 5 times a week was a little too much though. Good luck on your recovery

1 year ago | 6

@Cass8ball

Getting teary eyed reading this. Congratulations!!

1 year ago | 6

@allan459415

Congratulations Tony, praying for your speedy recovery and hope you find your way back into the mats pretty soon 💪

1 year ago | 17

@CoachKen10

Congratulations to you Tony and I wish you all the best on your recovery from your neck injury!

1 year ago | 3

@JacksonTaylorandTheSinners

Nice!!!! Always keep learning champ.

1 year ago | 4

@mattkilgore5328

You're a true warrior...prayers for a speedy recovery.

1 year ago | 4

@KickSilverOMG

Big congrats Tony!

1 year ago | 3

@seanpenfold4374

You're an inspiration Tony, good on ya.

1 year ago | 2

@foundingfodder8225

I would have loved to have continued when I started but, like you, I have a bulging disk, but in my back. I'm 54 and I do the best I can at working out and doing routines. Age doesn't make anything easier. Keep your heart in it. I've always worked out since I was 7. Feeling limited is heartbreaking for me but I keep at it. Best of luck.

1 year ago | 3

@yayo8913

Congratulations Tony I’m proud of you 👍

1 year ago | 6

@Battle_Within

Mad respect for going out of your comfort zone and not only dipping your toes, but actually getting into the cold water of the unknown for you that is bjj ✊

1 year ago | 1

@bruceFrank-r8n

I love that. Great impact I hope day one or One day you will get Black belt.

1 year ago | 5

@David-s7m4c

Congratulations brother!

1 year ago | 5

@davehurst7316

Congrats!

1 year ago | 6

@LikeSomeDude

Congratulations! Here’s to your health! Your family is beautiful and your daughters face against you is priceless! God bless you all ❤️

1 year ago | 3