We were lucky to catch up with Zane Nguyen recently and have shared our conversation below.
Zane , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Embarking on the journey of mastering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is akin to setting sail on an endless ocean, where the horizon of knowledge and skill stretches infinitely. This journey, radiant with challenges and triumphs, is not just about the mastery of techniques on the mat; it’s a profound voyage of personal growth and self-discovery. The beauty of this journey lies in the perpetual opportunity for improvement, a testament to the depth and complexity of the art form itself. It’s a comforting and exhilarating realization that there is always another layer to uncover, another technique to refine, and another aspect of oneself to develop.
When I took my first steps into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2019 under Professor Luiz Dentinho, it was with the simple intention of learning how to defend myself, to grapple effectively on the ground. Yet, the journey rapidly evolved into something far more consuming and transformative. The initial challenges were humbling, presenting puzzles that seemed insurmountable. Each session on the mat was a lesson in humility, especially when faced with opponents who, despite being physically smaller or seemingly weaker, could effortlessly control and submit me. It was a stark reminder that brute strength was not the answer; rather, the path to success lay in the intricate dance of technique, strategy, and mental agility.
This realization marked a pivotal shift in my approach to training and learning. I began to shed the layers of my ego, approaching each training session with an open mind and a relentless hunger to absorb knowledge. It was in this process of unlearning and relearning that I discovered the true essence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: the art of using leverage, timing, and precision to overcome brute force. This philosophy transformed me not just as an athlete but as a person, teaching me lessons in patience, resilience, and strategic thinking that transcended the mats.
The opportunity to train under the guidance of legends like John Danaher, Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, and Giancarlo Bodoni at Team New Wave has been a privilege that words can scarcely capture. Their insights, drawn from the zenith of global competition and mastery, have been invaluable in shaping my approach to the sport and to life. Training in such an elite environment has pushed me to refine my techniques to their highest technicality, honing my strategic acumen to a razor’s edge. It is a daily reminder that the journey of learning in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is boundless, offering endless paths to explore and grow.
Reflecting on this journey, it’s clear that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is much more than a martial art; it’s a lifelong pursuit of excellence, a continuous dialogue between the physical and the mental, the technical and the strategic. Each day on this path is a step towards not just becoming a better athlete but a more rounded, resilient, and strategic individual. In this relentless pursuit of mastery, the greatest victories are often not those won in competition but the triumphs over oneself, the barriers broken, and the limits surpassed. The journey of learning and growth in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is infinite, and I am deeply grateful for every moment of it, embracing each challenge and lesson as I continue to forge my path in this beautiful, complex art form.
Zane , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
To the readers discovering my journey for the first time, I extend a warm welcome. My name is a testament to dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence within the vibrant world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. My roots trace back to Houston, Texas, where I was raised and currently navigate the dual life of a university student majoring in Finance at the University of Houston and an athlete committed to the rigorous discipline of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. My entry into this craft in 2019 under Professor Luiz Dentinho was the beginning of an unforeseen passion that has since defined my path.
As an athlete, I’ve had the privilege of accumulating significant accolades, including being a gold medalist in both gi and no-gi categories at the American Nationals. My competitive spirit has driven me to participate in esteemed events such as the IBJJF World Championships and ADCC Opens and Trials. This journey has not only been about personal victories but also about the continuous evolution as a practitioner and as a person.
What sets my journey apart is the opportunity to train with Team New Wave in Austin, alongside world-renowned figures such as John Danaher, Garry Tonon, Gordon Ryan, Nicholas Meregali, and Giancarlo Bodoni. This experience allows me to learn and grow at an unparalleled pace, under the guidance of mentors who have shaped some of the most prominent athletes in the sport, like Georges St-Pierre, Eddie Cummings, and Gordon Ryan, to name a few.
My engagement with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu transcends the physical; it’s an exploration of strategy, technique, and mental fortitude. It embodies the law of consistency— a principle that resonates deeply with my academic pursuits and personal ethos. The blend of my academic and athletic endeavors has cultivated a unique perspective on discipline, strategic thinking, and resilience.
What I’m most proud of is not just the titles or the recognition but the journey itself— the countless hours of training, the triumphs and setbacks, and the relentless pursuit of mastery. For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my story is one of unwavering commitment to my craft. It’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, both on and off the mats, and continuously seeking growth.
As I forge ahead, my focus remains on contributing to the sport I love, expanding my knowledge, and sharing my journey with those who seek inspiration and insight into the discipline of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. My journey is a testament to what can be achieved with passion, dedication, and the courage to challenge oneself continually. I invite you to join me on this path of discovery, learning, and achievement.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Putting on an absolute show in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, match or tournament, and people watched in awe, admiring the technique in the show demonstrated by me the athlete. Not quite realizing the hours and hours it took two master the technique, but also the inner work required mentally to be prepared and have a headspace mature and ready enough to actually execute these techniques at a fast pace, and high-level with very little margin for error.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I draw a lot of wisdom from the instructors that I have. Of course, there are knowledge resources, such as books and video interviews with esteemed philosophers in martial arts, such as Bruce Lee, John Danaher. One quote that resonates with me is from my first professor, Luiz Dentinho: “Jiu-Jitsu without philosophy, is like a human without a soul.”.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zanejiujitsu/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zanenguyen/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zanejiujitsu
Image Credits
Professor Luiz Dentinho, Professor John Danaher, Georges St. Pierre,