JOSHUA PECASTING
Academy: 10TH Planet South Melbourne
Started BJJ: 2004
Rank: Black Belt
I started in the GI in 2004 under the Machado system where I eventually achieved my blue belt. In 2006, I traveled around the world and trained for a month with Eddie Bravo at 10th Planet HQ in Downtown LA and that changed everything for me. Even though I was a blue belt in the GI, I decided to give it up and started as a white belt in the 10th Planet system under Eddie Bravo in 2007.
Who or What got you introduced to BJJ?
At the time, I was training under Frank where I studied karate and kickboxing. We realised we needed more ground work and started doing BJJ as a result.
What was your training/ martial arts experience before you started BJJ?
I started training in martial arts in 1995 at 11 years old. I started with Zen Do Kai Karate and achieved my black belt at the age of 16. I developed an interest in kickboxing which was more of a Dutch style, which I also trained in for many years.
During this time in the late 90s and early 2000s, I started training in Koryu-Uchinadi Kempo Jitsu which is a traditional Japanese Okinawan martial art. We learned all aspect of martial arts as it is an application based system. I learned all types of striking techniques, wrestling, judo throws, joint locks and manipulations and even some weapons training. I received my KU 2nd Degree black belt in 2004. In 2007 I decided to focus my training on no-gi BJJ were I fell in love with the art and have not looked back since.
Have you had any major setbacks or injuries on your BJJ journey?
As a martial artist, you will always have some kind of injury. Especially if you train and compete regularly. My worst injury was while competing at the Victorian Titles many years ago when I completely tore my LCL. I was off the mat for around 5 months which was very frustrating. I had to focus on rehab and lifting weights to make sure my leg was strong again and avoid surgery down the road.
How has Bulletproof for BJJ helped you?
Working with JT, and doing one-on-one sessions with him for about a year made me realise that there was a big difference between just lifting weights like most people do at the gym and lifting weights with a different mind set and tools to help my body be more physically ready for BJJ and every day life.
It made a big difference in my core strength, grip strength and functional movement.
It also helped a lot with my mobility. I am one that doesn’t stretch often enough, even though I know how good it is for you.
At the moment, Bulletproof for BJJ is helping me with my core and getting my strength back as I am currently recovering from surgery.
As soon as I had the surgery, I knew I had to get in contact with the Bulletproof team as they are very knowledgeable in their field.
I highly recommend Bulletproof for BJJ for everyone, no matter what sport you do or even if you just want to feel better for everyday living.
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