New Kids on the Block: Chad Shaule

The Stats

Born: March 9, 1990

Belt: Blue

Weight Class: Medium Heavy

Length of training time: 2 1/2 years

From: Mississauga, Ontario
Nicknames: Gordinho

Affiliation: Gracie Barra Vancouver

Sponsors: Roll Adapt Win

2012 


IBJJF Mundials: May 2012 Los Angeles, CA

* 3rd place Blue Belt 194.5lbs

IBJJF Spring International Open: May 2012 Long Beach, CA

*1st place Blue Belt 194.5lbs, 1st place Absolute

CBJJF BC Provincials: May 2012 Langley, BC
*1st place Blue Belt 194.5lbs, 1st place Absolute

IBJJF Pan Championship: April 2012 Irvine, CA

* 2nd place Blue Belt 194.5lbs


The Revolution: March 2012 Bonney Lake, WA
* 1st place Blue Belt 194.5lbs


CBJJF Grapplers Inc: February 2012 Langley, BC
* 1st place Blue Belt 207.5lbs
* 1st place Blue Belt Open Weight


 2011

The Revolution: November 2011 Bonney Lake, WA
* 1st place Blue Belt 194.5lbs


CBJJF BC Open: November 2011 Surrey, BC
* 1st place Blue Belt 194.5lbs
* 1st place Blue Belt Open Weight


Western Canadian Martial Arts Championship: October 2011 Burnaby, BC
* 1st place Blue Belt 194.5lbs
* 1st place Blue Belt Open Weight
* 1st place Advanced No-Gi 188.5lbs


Revolution BC Championships: September 2011 Langley, BC
* 1st place Blue Belt 181.0lbs


Copa Ontario: August 2011 Toronto, Ont.
* 3rd place Blue Belt 181.0lbs


Kombat Classic: May 2011 Mississauga, Ont.
* 1st place Blue Belt 181.0lbs


Revolution BC Championships: April 2011 Langley, BC
* 1st place Blue Belt 194.5lbs
* 2nd place Blue Belt Open Weight


West Coast Submission Championships: March 2011 Richmond, BC
* 1st place Blue Belt 194.5lbs


2010

Revolution BC Championships: September 2010 Langley, BC
* 1st place Blue Belt 194.5lbs


Toronto Open: August 2010 Toronto, Ont.
* 1st place White Belt 194.5lb


Revolution BC Championships: May 2010 Langley, BC
* 1st place White Belt 194.5lbs


W.O.M.A.A Tiger Balm Internationals: March 2010 North Vancouver, BC
* 3rd place White Belt 194.5


Revolution BC Championships: February 2010 Langley, BC
* 1st place White Belt 194.5lbs

 

Journey Jiu-Jitsu: At what age, and how did you start jiu-jitsu?

Chad Shaule: I was 19. I became interested in MMA and watching UFC so I decided to try kickboxing and learn jiu-jitsu rather then just being a fan and not knowing what exactly was going on.

JJJ: How did you first take to jiu-jitsu? What were some of the challenges you faced?

CS: At first I hated it because the gi would be so heavy and uncomfortable and I would get beat up by people smaller than me. I wanted to quit after a month but then I started feeling slight improvements and became addicted. I would sit in lectures at school just thinking about armbars and triangles.

JJJ: When did you first realize you wanted to be a competitor? What was the trigger that made you step up your training routine?

CS: I have competed in hockey, basketball and football my whole life at a high level so I have always been a competitive person. It was boring training to just have fun so I decided to enter my first tournament and felt like I had more motivation. I also noticed the fame that some of my teammates got after they won tournaments and I wanted some of that.

JJJ: How has jiu-jitsu changed your life?

CS: I had a lot of friends that began doing drugs, drinking all the time and committing crimes so I had to decide whether or not to follow them or lead my own healthy and clean lifestyle and jiu-jitsu definitely helped me with making the correct decision.

JJJ: How would you classify your game? What trait/attribute makes you a strong competitor?

CS: "Derruba, passa e pega!!" haha I like to take down, pass guard and submit! When I compete I like to smother my opponents and play a basic game with a lot of pressure. I think the trait/attribute that makes me a strong competitor is my focus on the fundamentals of jiu-jitsu. Nothing too flashy.

JJJ: What is your jiu-jitsu lifestyle? Describe a day in the life of Chad.

CS: I live with three Brazilians who all train and compete in jiu-jitsu (blue belt, brown belt and black belt) so I am always surrounded by the positive energy of jiu-jitsu even when I am at home. I wake up in the morning and go to school, then train, then go home to nap and do some home work, then train again followed by a strength and conditioning session, and then return home to eat a healthy dinner and watch jiu-jitsu videos with my roommates/ teammates. We even have grappling mats in our living room.

JJJ: What are you thinking the moment you step out on the mats before competing?

CS: I find myself pretty calm when I take to the mats before a fight because I can just about guarantee that my opponent does not train as often, as hard or has made as many sacrifices as I had. I am always thinking about the game plan that my professor constructed for me.

JJJ: How important is positional sparring and drilling to you? How often do you do it?

CS: Positional sparring and drilling is very important to me. I drill six days a week with one of my coaches who designed a drilling program that covers every position. Even when I don't have a partner I do individual exercises for hip mobility and memory. I also make sure to get in positional sparring sessions because it is important to put yourself into bad positions that you might not be in when you are just normal rolling.

 JJJ: Seems like you have an amazing support system. How have the people that have supported you over the years contributed to your success?

CS: I receive a lot of support from my friends and family because they know what my goals and dreams are in jiu-jitsu. They send me messages of encouragement and motivation and show up to my tournaments to support me whenever they get the chance. Right now my family is on the other side of the country, but luckily they were able to stream my fights at the Pans and cheer me on despite being a few time zones away.

JJJ: What do most competitors overlook in training?

CS: I think competitors focus too much on strength training and learning advanced positions that they see high level black belts perform. There should be more focus on solidifying a fundamental game first, especially for white, blue and purple belts. Patience is key.

JJJ: What are 2 things people may not know about you?

CS: I have absolutely no interest in video games and used to have a shoe collection of over 20 pairs of Air Force 1s and Jordans until I sold them all and now I only own 2 pairs of shoes.

JJJ: Favorite activity outside of jiu-jitsu?

CS: I like long boarding, watching movies, going to the beach and having a good time with my friends.

JJJ: Future plans for BJJ?

CS: I want to be recognized as the best Canadian grappler by winning numerous IBJJF World Championships at different belt levels. After I make a name for myself I would like to eventually open up my own academy.

JJJ: If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

CS: The Big Island of Hawai’i by a long shot. I have family there, it is not too busy or commercialized like some of the other islands, it has a good jiu-jitsu culture, and oh yeah, its beautiful!

JJJ: Favorite submission?

CS: Simple cross-choke from full-mount. I love the feeling of tapping someone out from the top and then standing up while my opponent just lies there thankful that the fight is finally over.

JJJ: Who is your inspiration? What keeps you going to the academy?

CS: My professors Rodrigo Carvalho, and Tim Shears inspire me. Rodrigo is a respected World Champion and great instructor on and off the mats and always pushes me to progress in life and improve every aspect of my jiu-jitsu game. Tim Shears inspires me because he can be credited for the growth of jiu-jitsu in Western Canada and has provided me, along with hundreds or even thousands of Canadians the opportunity to live this amazing jiu-jitsu lifestyle.

New Kids on the Block: Bryan Marugg

The Stats

Name: Bryan Marugg

Age: 19

Belt: Purple

Weight class: Lightweight

Length of training time: 6.5 years

From: Newberg, Oregon

Nicknames: Beast

Affiliation: Impact Jiu-Jitsu

Sponsors: Atama Kimonos, Roll Adapt Win

Accomplishments:

2012

San Francisco Open Purple Belt Light Champion

2011

Arizona Open Adult Purple Belt Absolute Champion

US Open Adult Purple Belt Light Champion

American Cup Adult Purple Belt Light Champion

2010

IBJJF Pan Jiu-Jitsu Medalist Adult Blue Belt Light (Silver)

US Open Adult Blue Belt Light Champion

2009

IBJJF Pan Jiu-Jitsu Medalist Juvenile Blue Belt Light and Absolute (Bronze)

5x Oregon Open Gold medalist

5x Revolution Gold Medalist

Featured in GracieMag issue #169

Journey Jiu-Jitsu: At what age and how did you start training jiu-jitsu?

Bryan Marugg: I started training when I was 13 years old. I was a little trouble maker hanging with the wrong crowd, and my uncle and cousin introduced me to our local jiu-jitsu academy. Then the journey began!

JJJ: When did you first realize you wanted to be a competitor? What was the trigger that made you step up your training routine?

BM: After I competed in my first jiu-jitsu tournament when I was three months into training. I was amazed by it all, the adrenalin rush, the nerves, the joy or sadness and all. I always took my losses very hard, as I have always been very competitive. After my first time at Pan Ams in 2009, I really became a serious competitor. It changed my life and my all around view of jiu-jitsu. Since then, competing in all the national tournaments has been my life.

JJJ: How does your family feel about your training regimen? How have they helped you?

BM: My family is very encouraging and supportive. They have always helped me when I've had rough times in the art, and dealt with the emotional roller coaster that every competitor goes through. They come to as many tournaments as they can to watch and support. My mom even flew down to watch me in the 2010 Pans.

JJJ: How has jiu-jitsu changed your life?

BM: Jiu-jitsu has made me the person I am today. I've become more confident person, and all around happier.

JJJ: How would you classify your game? What trait/attribute makes you a strong competitor?

BM: I would like to think of my jiu-jitsu game being very versatile, and having the ability to adapt to many different situations and styles. I don't play a ton of crazy positions, for I am a fan of the basics. Every once in a while I like to throw a little flash in there.

JJJ: What is your daily routine like, from sun up to sun down?

BM: Wake up. Go to the academy and either do my strength and conditioning or technique/ positional sparring training. Then I go to school usually, rest, and do Homework. Later on, I head back to the gym to teach and train for another 2-3 hours. After that I go home and eat, study jiu-jitsu on Youtube, SLEEP, and wake up to do it all over again!

JJJ: What are you thinking the moment you step out on the mats before competing?

BM: I always go into a match as calm as possible so that I can let my technique flow. I'm not into listening to crazy music and getting pumped up. I like to stay focused and calm. I try not to dwell or think too much about my next opponent. Only that they are human and that they can be beaten.

JJJ: A lot of people say that schools matter when it comes to competing at a high level. You have had success in tournaments despite not being from a big box school. What is your take on the subject?

BM: I hear about this all the time. Many people are school hoppers, trying to find the right fit. I'm not into burning bridges. I always try to think about how good my team is for me and how I owe all my success to them. I've been lucky enough finding a fantastic family and academy. You don't have to train in these huge big name schools to be good. My coaches are fantastic, caring, and very knowledgeable about what I need to be successful. So I wouldn't worry about finding a big name academy, just for the name. Find an academy that fit you best.

JJJ: You hear a lot of elite fighters speaking about training 3-4 times a day, eating clean, and avoiding many other vices. How true is this for you?

BM: Very true. As a teenager, I love eating junk food, but when it comes to tournament season I make sure to eat a lot cleaner, and live a healthier lifestyle. I am a fan of training 2-4 times a day if you done right. There's a very fine line between over training and peaking at the right point. Many find themselves under training or over training. If you think about a professional in any field, they devote as much time as they can to be the best. Jiu-jitsu is no different. I consider myself training if my mind has jiu-jitsu on it....which is 24 hours a day.

JJJ: How important is positional sparring and drilling to you? How often do you do it?

BM: I try to do both every day. Rolling is fun, but I believe that you need to have as many repetitions in as you can. It is also crucial to put those techniques in use during live rolls, slow rolls and positional sparring.

JJJ: What are your goals for this year, and what competitions will you be competing at?

BM: My main goal is Pan Ams at the moment; then Worlds after that. With that being said I go into all tournaments with the same goal in mind, go for the gold. I would also like to become a better student and coach for our academy. I will be doing Pan Ams, Worlds, San Francisco Open, U.S. Open, maybe the Asian Open or European Championships. I also compete in many local tournaments.

JJJ: Do you think it is imperative for anyone serious about training jiu-jitsu to compete?

BM: I really do. I think it is crucial to compete. It gives you the opportunity to go at a pace that you can’t reach in the academy, and a chance to roll with people with a wide variety of styles. For me, whenever I have a loss in jiu-jitsu, it always kicks me into high gear for the next tournament. It's not the case for everyone, but I have learned a ton from all of my losses.

JJJ: We all know that a good foundation and start is important in any endeavor you take on. What advice would you give to the kid or teenager starting jiu-jitsu for the first time?

BM: I would tell them not to act like what they see on the Ultimate fighter! Go into the academy with a positive attitude and get ready to lose and learn. Many new members come into schools with the thought that they want to be a fighter or that they are going to win or prove themselves on the first day. Stay positive and most importantly have fun. Jiu-jitsu is such a great art and can teach you a lot on and off the mat!

JJJ: When the going gets tough what is your go to submission or position?

BM: Guard or mount.

JJJ: Favorite activity outside of the gym?

BM: I love to be outdoors. Fishing, camping, or just hanging with friends or my girlfriend.

JJJ: Favorite food?

BM: My favorite food has to be sushi! In the off season, I may eat a little junk food.

JJJ: If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

BM: Well I have never left the west coast, besides Arizona and Idaho. I love California, and after I visit Hawaii, it might be there.

JJJ: Who is your inspiration?

BM: Marcelo Garcia, Rodolfo Vieira, and Andre Galvao. Of course my team and my family have and will always be my biggest inspiration.