I am a Renzo Gracie Black Belt under Magno Gama. I started Jiu-Jitsu in my early 50s as a way to manage stress when my oldest son left for college. What began as exercise quickly became the best mental and emotional therapy I had ever experienced. Jiu-Jitsu taught me to approach challenges methodically, stay present under pressure, and develop resilience. It strengthened my mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall well-being, making me a better father and husband. Beyond the physical aspects, Jiu-Jitsu provided a strong sense of community in an often-isolating world.