The art of empowerment

With violence against women becoming even more prevalent in Guyana, personal trainer and Jiu-Jitsu pro Andrew Hooper is on a mission to do his part in reducing the abuse by empowering women through self-defence. His focus too is to help children affected by bullying.  In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, he explains his art and his plans on collaborating with various women’s organisations to promote self-defence and anti-bullying techniques.

Andrew was born in Tennessee, USA, to an American father and a Guyanese mother who are both pastors of Temple of Mt. Zion (Pentecostal Church). In 1998, he moved with his family to Guyana and attended the Marian Academy High School. At age 19, he moved to New Jersey, US, to start a career in personal training, which became a well accomplished endeavour. He achieved certification in the National Academy of Sports Medicine Personal Training, Sports Specific Training, Sports Nutrition, and Corrective Exercise. Parallel to his personal training, Andrew started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The biggest mark of his career, he revealed, was training Mark Pinhasovich, a contestant on “The Biggest Loser” show. Under Andrew’s training, Mark went on to win the $100,000 USD prize with a total weight loss of 213 pounds, which became a record on the show at the time.
“Growing up I had always been aware of the protective nature I had towards family and friends, which only amplified as I grew older. Not being the biggest in stature, however, I knew that even with my bold sense of confidence to defend myself or others around me, I would need to learn a safe and effective way to do so. This is where I came across Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art tailor- made for a smaller, weaker opponent to easily defeat a bigger, stronger opponent, with intelligence and technique over muscle and aggression,” Andrew outlined.
The fitness pro started training at the Brunswick BJJ Academy in East Brunswick, NJ, and quickly fell in love with the art, then eventually went on to train at the Renzo Gracie Academy in Holmdel, NJ. Master Renzo Gracie is a former multiple World Champion in Jiu-Jitsu, and legend and former champion in the sport of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). Training under his academy gave Andrew the opportunity to learn from him and some of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu professionals in the world such as Rolles Gracie Jr., Roger Gracie and Ricardo Almeida.
For Andrew, Jiu-Jitsu has become not just a hobby but a piece of his life of which he could never really do without. Andrew stated it is more than just learning how to fight and defend. His art has taught him how to deal with life when things get tough; to never give up, and to always find a way to succeed. Andrew views it not just a sport but a way of life.
His company, AlterBody MMA, is a new fitness and mixed martial arts facility founded Sept. 1, 2012. Classes are offered in mixed self defence for men and women, women’s self-defence and children’s self-defence (Bully Proof Programme). Within these classes, a mix of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, wrestling, Muay Thai kickboxing, and boxing are offered. Personal training, one on one or small group training is also offered, as well as nutritional counselling.
“At AlterBody, the main focus of self-defence is based on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where as the striking arts (boxing, Muay Thai) are definitely effective, there’s always a bigger risk when choosing to fight ‘toe-to-toe’ with a bigger opponent. Jiu-Jitsu allows a smaller individual to defeat a much bigger and stronger opponent on the ground, using leverage and technique. So the majority of techniques taught are take downs, throws, chokes, arm locks, leg/ankle locks, shoulder locks – which can be applied easily on the ground once a student has achieved a certain basic level of understanding of Jiu-Jitsu,” he noted.
As an instructor, and student of the arts, Andrew strongly reflects and implements to his students, the right attitude of training and lifestyle, which is to always be considerate of others, to be a team player, to believe in yourself to accomplish anything you put your mind to, and always leave fighting as a very last resort and only in the case of self defence; never instigating a fight. Andrew’s belief is walking away from a fight is the right choice. He pointed out that ego is something that can lead to unnecessary problems, so he tries his best to teach his students to forget about their ego and look at the bigger picture.
“This is why among women’s self defence, Jiu-Jitsu is found to be the most effective and popular form of self-defence. With my own eyes, I’ve seen women go from being very unsure, timid and even scared of what dangers are out there, to being confident, strong and believing in themselves. No matter what situation, they can defend themselves and avoid a bad situation. This definitely gives women an empowering feeling of security and confidence that many may lack. I’ve always been an advocate for women’s rights, and so it became natural that I would put focus on women’s self-defence once I found my passion in Jiu-Jitsu,” Andrew revealed.
He explained that from outside looking in, many women may feel that Jiu-Jitsu is a “tough guy” sport, but really and truly the name “Jiu-Jitsu” itself means “The Gentle Art”. On top of being composed of only technique and having the “gentle” approach to defend oneself, Jiu-Jitsu is a great form of cardio and muscular conditioning (toning).
“Many will get bored in the gym, walking on the same treadmill every day, lifting the same weights every day; whereas with Jiu-Jitsu it’s a fun and challenging exercise every single time, because each day is a new move to learn and practice and a new way to challenge the body; so you find that it’s not only physically stimulating but mentally as well. With athletes, I don’t necessarily bring Jiu-Jitsu into the training regiment, unless they request to learn the art. If they were to take it up though – none have so far – Jiu-Jitsu can definitely help with strengthening the mind and body for competition,” he revealed.
Andrew encourages everyone to take up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu because it is a great form of fitness for the mind, body and soul, and personally has helped the trainer to become the person he is today: to always see a challenge as a positive aspect of life and not a negative one. Andrew is confident that if ever his trainees are attacked (something he wishes would never happen) they will be equipped with the ability and confidence to put up a defence without having to seriously hurt others, and, of course, avoid being hurt themselves.
“I believe that one step at a time, Jiu-Jitsu and women’s self-defence in Guyana can make a big impact in empowering women, to give them the confidence to stand up for their rights and to never feel that they’re trapped in a bad situation. I’m looking to work along with groups such as WRO (Women Reaching Out) and Red Band-Aid as well to spread this cause. My plan in Guyana is to open a fitness and martial arts facility to promote and spread the awareness of women’s empowerment, the kids bully proof system and the philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu to any and everyone. Right now we are in the start-up stages and operating at 26 Dowding Street Kitty, as well as the Marian Academy High School auditorium on Carifesta Avenue. The students are growing by the week and I definitely see this vision becoming a reality sooner than later,” he stated.
For more information on Jiu-Jitsu, contact Andrew on 601-4363, email: alterbody7@gmail.com, or visit www.facebook.com/alterbody (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)