Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon Perrine.
Hi Jon, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was 22-years-old and just left the Marine Corps. I had planned to go to college, but had missed the sign-up for fall classes. As a result, I had about 3 months of free time before the next semester would start. I was spending a lot of time in the local gym weightlifting. A member of the gym staff suggested I check out a local MMA studio. I went to a class that night but missed the striking portion of the class. They were starting the Jiu jitsu class so I signed the waiver and took the class. After the class ended the instructor set the timer and sparring started. The instructor was probably about twenty pounds lighter than me so I figured I would be able to hold him down. He tied me in knots and held me down with ease. Afterward, he was not even sweating and I was barely able to catch my breath. I drove home that night unable to stop thinking about what had happened and how the instructor was able to so easily defeat me. I had to learn…so I went back almost everyday until college started and I have now been training for over fourteen years. It has always been my dream to own my own Jiu jitsu academy, and two months ago that dream became a reality in Sanity Jiu Jitsu academy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I owned another small business in St Louis when Covid hit in March 2020. When the city locked down and we couldn’t do our jobs I was scared. Having no control over the situation was bleak, and spending day after day waiting for good news to come was draining. Luckily, most of our clients came back after the two month break, and we were able to keep our heads above water. Life is full of struggles. I am lucky enough to have a great support system in my family and friends. My girlfriend Lyanne (also a black belt in Jiu Jitsu) has encouraged me every step of this journey. I would not be here without her support.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sanity Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting. It uses leverage and technique to help overcome size and strength. At Sanity, we teach people Jiu jitsu but that is not our business. Time for a cliché…Our business is about helping people. I’ve had the pleasure of training with people from every background (rich, poor, working class, middle class, etc…). They come into Sanity to improve themselves: Some people might want to feel safer in their daily life, others might want a fun way to get back into shape, and other are just looking for a social outlet. At Sanity Jiu Jitsu, we encourage you to leave your problems at the door and just focus on growing and having fun.
What makes you happy?
Teaching Jiu Jitsu. I get a kick out of watching people learn, and have a great time while doing it. The most valuable currency in the world is the positive effect we have on people. I try to let this be my guiding principal when teaching. Also dogs…dogs make me happy, lol.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Sanityjiujitsu.com
- Instagram: @sanityjiujitsuorlando
- Facebook: @sanityjiujitsuorlando
- Other: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjCuOfT6tf2AhVKJt8KHUnbCJAQFnoECAkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yelp.com%2Fbiz%2Fsanity-jiu-jitsu-winter-garden-3&usg=AOvVaw1sk-HvEXZDDlm3rbVD-Dua
Image Credits
Sanity Jiu Jitsu
