Do you ever fantasize about being one of the first to learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu after it escaped Brazil’s exotic borders? How great would it have been to train alongside the majority of Helio Gracie’s sons that started teaching in Los Angeles at the same time like Rorion, Rickson, Royce, and Royler? Steve Maxwell had that opportunity. At the age of 38 the former wrestler was exposed to jiu-jitsu at a seminar in Parsippany, New Jersey and immediately devoted himself to learning the gentle art.

Years have passed and Maxwell has gone on to receive his black belt in jiu-jitsu and now travels the world offering strength and conditioning training. At the moment Maxwell is based out of San Diego and is often found at the University of Jiu-Jitsu, where he assists the school’s many talents (Saulo Ribeiro, Xande Ribeiro, Regis Lebre, Leo Santos…) maximize their athletic potential.

Steve is also the father of Zak Maxwell, who won the gold medal at brown belt in the 2009 BJJ World Championships in June. In this episode we will learn all about the early days of BJJ in the United States, best practices for BJJ strength and conditioning, and how to raise a child in Brazilian jiu-jitsu!

For more information on Steve’s work you can check out his website as well as his very busy YouTube page.

http://www.thefightworkspodcast.com/podcasts/fightworkspodcastepisode173.mp3