Interview with Klay Pittman

Interview with Klay Pittman, 3rd level brown belt under Carlos Machado, 2002 Texas Brazilian jiu-jitsu Champion.
"I want to acknowledge Mr. Simco and his staff for being the type of people to bring value to the art of jiu-jitsu and for creating a space for the players to be recognized for their hard work and effort."
-- Klay Pittman www.pittmanbjj.com

Where grew up?

       Lubbock, Texas

What schools attended?

       LISD public school system & Texas Tech University

When you first learned of martial arts?

       10 years old from watching Ninja movies

Who was your first instructor?

       Tom Downs of Lubbock Karate

What determined where you would train?

       Parents checked local martial arts schools and picked one based on the language/communication skills of the instructor - the instructor spoke English.

When and how did you train in martial arts?

       Trained daily at the school and at home in a home gym my parents set up for me.

Describe martial art tournament experience (desire, level of expertise, training, etc)

       I started tournaments as a white belt. I attended various clinics and cross trained in kick boxing. I wanted to achieve and it was significant for me to receive recognition from my peers.

When did you first learn about Jiu Jitsu?

       About 1993 or 1994 I attended a Royler Gracie Seminar.

Why did you pursue Jiu Jitsu & not others?

       I felt jiu Jitsu was the real deal. It did as it advertised and the instructors made good on the premise the little guy could beat a larger opponent.

Who was your first instructor?

       I attended a Carlos Machado seminar and discussed training with him.

What determined where you would train in Jiu Jitsu?

       Carlos Machado wanted me at his school because he felt I had tremendous potential.

When and how did you train in Jiu Jitsu?

       I began right after the Carlos Machado seminar for every weekend on a monthly basis.

Describe Jiu Jitsu tournament experience (desire, level of expertise, training, etc)

       I started tournaments as a white belt and again for the recognition. I felt my life was beginning to have a purpose.

When did you decide to teach Jiu Jitsu?

       Within 6 months of training with Carlos I knew I wanted to be a part of something special, unique, and beyond other martial art disciplines. Training at a high experience level.

Where was your first school?

       I open a Karate school in Lubbock in 1993 then changed the name and curriculum to Jiu Jitsu in 1994.

What determined what you would teach?

       I wanted to teach character building traits with a self defense system

When and why did you decide to teach a college Jiu Jitsu class?

       I thought if I could have a group of people's attention for a short period of time then they would see the benefits and continue training at my Academy.

How often do you teach at your Academy?

       I teach everyday for 5 plus hours a day for group and private lessons.

How many instructors/black belts at your Academy?

       The belt is a symbol of hard work, dedication, and success as a person moves towards their own personal commitment. I currently have 5-7 black belts.

What is the goal of your Academy?

       To produce black belts.