Over a week ago, Emilio Alex Hernandez etched his name into the records of Tennessee Jiu Jitsu history, achieving a remarkable milestone as the first adult NO GI Black belt in the state to secure the coveted #1 overall ranking for all IBJJF adult black belt competitors. This accomplishment is a testament to his unwavering dedication, indomitable spirit, and the tremendous support system that surrounds him.
As Alex’s coach and someone who considers him family, it brings me great pride to share his journey with you. At the beginning of the year, Alex set out on an audacious goal – to claim the #1 spot in the IBJJF NO GI adult black belt rankings worldwide. This mission was no small feat, considering the fierce competition and the challenges that lay ahead.
What makes Alex’s achievement even more extraordinary is the fact that he isn’t a full-time Jiu Jitsu competitor. Balancing a demanding job and also a commitment to teaching Jiu Jitsu classes in the morning, Alex displayed remarkable resilience and discipline throughout his journey. Despite working over 40 hours a week, he never wavered from his professional and personal responsibilities.
Training sessions were intense and frequent, leaving little time to fine-tune his Jiu Jitsu skills. Weekends were often spent competing, offering minimal opportunities to address weaknesses or make necessary adjustments. The pursuit of the #1 overall title demanded sacrifices, including injuries that required meticulous care from an exceptional physical therapist, supported by Alex’s personal finances and sponsors.
Recognizing the importance of nutrition, Alex enlisted the expertise of a BJJ-trained nutritionist who meticulously tailored his diet to support his health during weight cuts. The financial burden of flights, hotels, rental cars, and other expenses associated with competitions added another layer of complexity to his journey.
What sets Alex apart is his unwavering loyalty to his home gym. Despite numerous opportunities to join larger schools, Alex chose to stay true to his roots, declaring, “I love our gym, and I want to prove you don’t have to jump schools or teams to chase your dreams.” The black belts and students rallied behind him, contributing to a supportive team that played a crucial role in his success.
As Alex was crowned the #1 overall IBJJF adult NO GI competitor, the joy and pride felt by everyone involved were overwhelming. Few individuals embark on a journey to pursue their dreams, and even fewer see it through to the end. Alex’s achievement serves as a example of what can happen when a person possesses a dream, maintains integrity, and is surrounded by a dedicated support group.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Alex Hernandez, a source of inspiration for Middle Tennessee Jiu Jitsu. As he sets his sights on the next big dream – becoming a NO GI World Champion in 2024. He has inspired a younger generation of Middle Tennessee BJJ practicioners to reach for their goals and we truly believe this is the beginning of seeing Middle Tennessee Black belts bringing home titles.
To those who have followed Alex’s journey, thank you for your support. This achievement is not just a personal victory; it’s a triumph for Tennessee Jiu Jitsu as a whole, and we look forward to witnessing the continued success of our talented athletes on the world stage. #TennesseeJiuJitsu #AlexHernandez #NoGIBlackBelt #IBJJF #WorldChampionInTheMaking
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