Name: Stephen Martinez
Nickname: The Manimal
Age: 23
Rank: Brown
Gym: Millennia MMA
Length of time training: 4 years

Website, blog, or twitter or facebook links:
Millenniamma.com

Summary about yourself:

Born and raised in Southern California. I was introduced to BJJ at age 19, and have not stopped since. In my free time I enjoy hiking, reading, playing with my dogs, and spending quality time with my Family and Friends.

List of titles or accomplishments:

1X American National NoGi Champion
2X American National NoGi Runner Up
4X Grapplers Quest Advanced Champion
1X California State Advanced Champion

How did you get involved in bjj?

I was introduced to the sport through a friend who invited me to come and try it one day.

What is you favorite bjj story?

Being involved with Shoyoroll!

Who are some of the people who have influenced you bjj?

Romie Aram, Betiss Monsouri, Chad Davis, & Sean Ruiz. Training partners, coaches, and friends.

What is your favorite position and why?

My favorite position form bottom is Butterfly Guard, and from top would be North South.

If you could start training all over again, what would you change in training routine and why?

I would have started training in the Gi right away instead of waiting 2 years. Because I definitely under estimated the importance of training both Gi and No-Gi in the beginning of my training. But now have a new found love in Gi training and competing.

How do you think competition helps your jiujitsu?

I love to Compete, it is mostly why I train. It allows me to see the holes in my game from a different perspective. It shows me what I need to improve upon, how I can improve. And what new things competitors are using in the BJJ scene. Helping me to consistently evolve and improve my game, assisting me in becoming a better student and teacher of BJJ.

Who are some people you have beat in competition in the past, in which you are proud of and why?

I wont put any one out there like that. But I have competed against some competitors who earlier on in my BJJ career I would watch in DVD’s or on youtube. Hoping to be at there level some day. Now a few years later, I am competing against them on there level, and that is a complete honor.

How has bjj helped and changed your life?

Bjj has gone from a hobby, that I would do 2 maybe 3 times a week. To now a full time job. So I was able to turn something that I loved doing for fun. To something I can do for fun and get paid for it. To be able wake up everyday do something you love and get paid for it, I think is a goal or dream for many people. And I am living it.

What do you think is not stressed enough in order to better your game in grappling?

To me, it depends on the person. Everyone learns at different speeds and have to implement different techniques in order for them to understand BJJ. But definitely just plain having fun with your training and mixing it up, is not stressed enough for most people.

What are your plans for the next 5-10 year?

To better myself everyday through smart training. To become a complete competitor and Teacher.

What are three things people may not know about you?

I can play 4 instruments.
I am an avid reader, mostly History, Ethics, Religion, & Philosophy.
Love Star Wars.

Any shout outs?

Thanks to Vince and everyone down at Shoyoroll, for sharing my dream and helping make it possible. And everyone whom I train with at Millennia and all my other partners. But most of all my Parents for giving me 100% of their support.