Firefighter grapples for Jiu-jitsu title

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Donald Osborn
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  There aren't many people who would like to find themselves sprawled on the floor while getting choked in front of many people. 

That's exactly the position Brandon Hetzler's opponents found themselves in during the Pan American Jiu-jitsu Championships March 30 through April 1 in Los Angeles, Calif. 

The event featured more than 1,700 competitors in various categories. Mr. Hetzler won a gold medal in three separate divisions: Purple Belt, Heavy Weight and Senior I Divisions. 

"I feel this is the greatest accomplishment of mine to date, due to the magnitude of the Pan American Jiu-jitsu Championships," said Mr. Hetzler, 60th Civil Engineer Squadron fireman. 

Mr. Hetzler has trained in martial arts for more than 23 years and holds a 3rd-degree black belt in karate. He has won many awards at local, state, national and international levels during that time. He started studying the martial arts form Jiu-jitsu six years ago under the legendary Rickson Gracie, earning a purple belt two years ahead of the average time. 

According to his Web site, Rickson is a 7th-degree black belt Open Class Champion of the famous Gracie Family, whose technique is considered to be the finest expression of Gracie Jiu-jitsu in the world. It takes an average of ten to 15 years to earn a black belt in this style of Jiu-jitsu, but at this rate Mr. Hetzler will more than likely earn his in a shorter amount of time. 

Mr. Hetzler put his style of art to the test and walked out on top during this difficult competition. 

"This is the toughest Jiu-jitsu tournament in North America," he said. "With more than 1,700 competitors, this is the best of the best so competition is always tough."
To keep the tough competition at bay, Mr. Hetzler has a stringent workout routine that helps keep him on top. 

"I train five to six times a week. This is my routine; my everyday training should prepare me for any competition," he said. "I'm always ready to compete."
His workout program, Animalfit, which he created, keeps him in the shape he needs to compete. 

"This exercise program has specific exercises that help me with my Jiu-jitsu," he said. "I also do a lot of breathing exercises and meditation." 

For those wanting to try any form of martial arts, Mr. Hetzler has the following advice. "Do your research and find a martial art that is suitable for you. When you find a school, check the instructor's credentials and ask who his or her teacher is," he said. "Also make sure the atmosphere is relaxed and fun. You should enjoy yourself when you train, you should want to come to class." 

For more information about Jiu-jitsu, contact Brandon Hetzler at (916) 484-0221, or visit www.groundworksjiujitsu.com.