Elias

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

Elias loves the challenge of figuring out new technique sequences to win. Like a game of Chess, each fighter brings new reactions and demands a fresh way to problem solve and win. There is a never-ending combo of ways to submit the opponent and win the match. It’s also a team sport in many ways, as you drill and spar with teammates. Elias enjoys working closely with his team; they are like family as they bond, trust and spur each other on.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

Elias is inspired by his own Jiujitsu professor and world champion Pablo Silva whose work ethic and love for Jiujitsu is unmatched. Professor Pablo is dedicated to teaching kids how to be a jiujitsu champion, but also shows them what it takes to have a champion mindset in life, mentally and physically being strong, never backing down from tough fights, losing graciously and winning humbly. Elias looks up to blackbelt world champion brothers Kade and Ty Ruotolo who have exciting fight styles

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

There was a more experienced opponent who Elias had lost to his first year of competition; he got submitted at the finals. Each time Elias signed up for a competition, that opponent was signed up as well. Elias never backed down. He continued to face the opponent and lost to him 5 times, but each time closing the gap and becoming a smarter, skilled, dominant jiujitsu athlete. He always got back up, and continued to face his fears head on, evolving and improving in skill, grit and humility.