TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Thanks to a nearby gym, Trojans are getting the chance to both sweep legs and bounce back with Jiu-Jitsu lessons.
Beneath the tin roof of Troy’s ILIUM Fitness and Barbell Gym, locals are getting the chance to learn how to grapple, roll and have a bit of fun with guided Jiu-Jitsu group lessons.
Under Head Coach Nick Nevins, a purple belt with a burning passion for the art of Jiu-Jitsu, participants aren’t just learning learning how to grapple with other people, but also how to grapple with life.
“Jiu-Jitsu, to me, it’s everything,” Nevins said. “It really is like my all-in-one medication.
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“It helps me with depression, it helps me with physical health, really it’s a great overall all-in-one.”
During the sessions, Nevins begins by demonstrating different maneuvers and techniques in Jiu-Jitsu before moving onto the mat. There, he floats between different pairs of participants to offer hands-on guidance and tips.
One participant said the classes have helped him learn how to better defend himself, gain a community and even lose ten pounds, all thanks to his coach.
“He’s a great coach,” said Browder Braswell, a student in Nevins’ class and a Troy University history education major.
Braswell said even though he’s a still a beginner, it may be hard to tell with Nevins’ coaching.
“Anything I know how to do on a mat, it’s because of Nick,” Braswell said. “He definitely comes every day and tries to teach us as best as he can.”
Right now, Nevins is encourage Troy University students to participate in his classes – something he says can help them tremendously in this chapter of their lives.
“When you move away from the guardianship of parents or professors and things like that, you’re out on your own,” Nevins said. “Life gets hard sometimes, hard to cope with some things, and that’s really the biggest thing.
“You go into Jiu-Jitsu wanting to learn techniques and stuff, but you realize that there’s a bigger picture.”
Nevins is inviting anyone interested in participating in his classes to swing by and give the sport a try for free.
