I began my journey in Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 33, and now, at 50, my passion for the art has only grown stronger. What initially started as a search for a new challenge—something to fill the space after years of playing softball, boxing, and hockey—quickly evolved into a life-altering pursuit. Jiu-Jitsu didn’t just become a hobby; it became the vehicle through which I found my higher purpose: transforming lives, including my own, through martial arts.
My introduction to Japanese Jiu-Jitsu was love at first grapple. Often referred to as the "gentle art," this traditional style, focused on self-defense and fluid motion, captivated me from the very beginning. That love deepened when I discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a ground-based combat sport that demanded a whole new level of technical skill, endurance, and discipline. It pushed me in ways I hadn’t expected—and opened a path of physical, mental, and spiritual growth that changed my life.
Before I discovered Jiu-Jitsu, I weighed 308 pounds. Like many, I struggled with my weight, self-confidence, and direction. But once I fully committed to training, embraced proper nutrition, and prioritized personal growth, the transformation was undeniable. I shed nearly 90 pounds and now maintain a healthy weight of 219. That physical shift was only the beginning. The mindset I’ve developed, the resilience I’ve built, and the balance I’ve found have stayed with me both on and off the mats.
Over the past 17 years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching Jiu-Jitsu at Heritage Academy. It’s been an honor to guide students not just in technique, but in character, discipline, and mindset. Together with my incredible wife, I co-own Outlaw Martial Arts—a Jiu-Jitsu and fitness school dedicated to empowering individuals through martial arts. Our mission is simple but powerful: to cultivate confidence, strength, and community through consistent training and unwavering support.
My journey through martial arts has led me to achieve a 4th degree black belt in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. And yet, I see these accomplishments not as destinations, but milestones. I’m still learning. I’m still growing. The mats continue to humble and teach me, every single day.
Jiu-Jitsu has given me so much—health, purpose, confidence, and joy—and I’m driven to give back. I lead with integrity, fueled by gratitude and inspired by the mentors who poured into me. My goal is to continue that legacy: to guide others, lift them up, and help them discover just how powerful they truly are.
This journey has never been about belts or titles. It’s about transformation—inside and out. And after all these years, I can honestly say, I’m just getting started.
— Sensei Mike Lance
