01/19/2023
Reposted from
Before this, I was a mortgage agent.
Now I’m using jiu-jitsu to propel me in a new direction for my career as an athletic coach.
I was even once named Entrepreneur of the Year through the Barrie Chamber of Commerce for my video marketing company, so this is a huge change of career.
As a mom to four kids, too, I hope to inspire them to follow their dreams and passions because anybody can do anything that they want in life.
I started jiu-jitsu four years ago and my kids were all doing it, too.
I love it because it’s a full body and mind workout, so it's like chess but with your body, and it’s great cardio.
There's a big release that happens, too, sort of like a runner's high. You get a rush of endorphins and your adrenaline is pumping, and you feel strong and powerful.
When I started, I also had some anxiety issues, and jiu-jitsu has really helped me break through that and follow my dreams and goals. It was one of the main reasons I went back to school as well.
When I was still a mortgage agent, I went on a trip to San Diego to train in jiu-jitsu. While there, I joked to myself, “Man, I wish I could do jiu-jitsu for a living.”
Then I realized I need to become an athletics performance coach. I can literally be around the people I love being around and do the sport that I love and also train.
I came back from San Diego and signed up for Georgian.
I also took a neurolinguistic programming course, so when I work with athletes I can do strength training and conditioning and also mindset coaching.
I’m still competing in jiu-jitsu, with some tournaments coming up, including one this month in Paris, France, then another in Florida in March, and then the World’s are at the end of May in California.
It’s also really exciting because I just got my purple belt recently, so these would be my first purple-belt competitions.
It’s been an amazing journey so far, and I hope I can show others you don’t have to be stuck doing something you don’t love.
I want people to know they can do whatever they want, as long as they’re passionate about it. It can happen for them.
Amy Ford: FHPR student
