By: Logan C. (BJJ Brown Belt & coach) Posted: 9/23/24
Chase Teffer’s journey with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) began a year and a half ago at Citadel BJJ in Iowa City. What started as a pursuit to lose weight and learn a martial art has turned into a life-altering transformation that improved his health. Chase has not only achieved significant weight loss but also improved his gut health and overall well-being.
The Beginning of Chase’s Journey
Chase wanted to start his BJJ journey to lose weight and get in good physical shape while learning a new skill. He chose Citadel BJJ in Iowa City for its supportive environment. The first few months were challenging, but with determination and support from the Citadel community, he persisted.
How BJJ Supports Weight Loss
BJJ is known for its high-intensity training that engages multiple muscle groups and promotes cardiovascular fitness. For Chase, these training sessions were crucial for his weight loss journey, helping him shed over 80 pounds.
The Mental and Emotional Impact of BJJ
Beyond physical fitness, BJJ had a profound impact on Chase’s mental well-being. The focus required during training and sparring sessions encouraged mindfulness and reduced anxiety, improving his overall mental health.
Chase’s Physical Transformation
Over the past 18 months, Chase has shed over 80 pounds, which is a testament to his dedication and hard work. Earning his blue belt in BJJ was a particularly proud moment, symbolizing his perseverance and growth.
Healing the Gut Through Weight Loss
As Chase lost weight, his gut health improved significantly, alleviating many of the digestive symptoms he had previously experienced. This was a major health achievement in his life both physically & mentally.
The Future for Chase at Citadel BJJ
Chase is excited to continue his BJJ journey, aiming to further improve his BJJ skills and eventually earn his purple belt. He is eager to support new students at Citadel BJJ, sharing his weight loss experience and encouraging others to start their transformative journeys.
Interested in losing weight & training at Citadel BJJ Iowa City?
FAQs
The time to earn a blue belt varies, but it typically takes 1-2 years of consistent training, depending on the individual’s dedication and progress. It took Chase a little over a year and took me about 2 years. Read more about BJJ belt ranks & promotions on our previous blog
Start with 2-3 training sessions per week when you first begin to learn the basics and adapt physically to the new workout. It’s important to listen to your body! Read more from previous blog How Often Should You Train BJJ?
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Author Box:
I’m Logan, a brown belt and fundamentals coach at Citadel BJJ in Iowa City. As an assistant kids coach with competition experience across the USA, I’ve been grappling since 2017. I focus on building a strong foundation for beginners and fostering a supportive environment for all students.
Read more Citadel BJJ Blogs: https://bjjiniowacity.com/iowa-city-blog/