Watch: Inspirational Maltese Martial Artist Sheds 25kg In One Year Whilst Kicking Ass In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
One Maltese badass achieved a dream transformation through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – a martial art that helped him shed 25kg of weight and turn his life around.
Matthew Vella shared his year-long experience in a wholesome clip published by his martial arts club – Avant-Garde Malta.
“I started my BJJ journey last July during a very tough period in my life,” he began. “I was inactive for around two years. But I also had a knee and vertebral injury.”
The injuries were a cause of major concern, especially after not one, but two doctors expressed grave concern about the prospect of Matthew starting any form of exercise.
Regardless of the advice, Matthew was “definitely not going to accept the situation.”
“It was quite a difficult period. I was in pain all the time. I had to do something about it. So I figured why not try Jiu-jitsu?”
His adventure began in July 2021, when he weighed in at 96kg. Today, one year later, Matthew’s weighing scale reads 71kg.
Not bad, especially if the road to weight loss is paved with choking a few folks along the way.
“Movement was definitely a key [component]. But also a good diet, which helped my mental health, if not only my weight loss.”
For those who may not be familiar with the sport, BJJ is very similar to Judo in that it involves throws, locks, chokes and submissions. Where it differs, mostly, is in how the contest ends.
While Judo often requires a successful throw, or take-down, to end the bout, BJJ matches are exclusively won after an opponent is overcome through submission.
That’s right, the opponent has to ‘tap out’.
With further challenges on the horizon – of which now include a world championship – all eyes remain on the Maltese club to see how much further they can take their fighting prowess. Without question, the country stands behind them and their accomplishments thus far.
Matthew – take a bow!