Member of the Month: Dan Walzer

Welcome to our first member of the month interview! When selecting a member of the month for Academic Grappling, we look for effort, empathy, personal improvement, and someone who inspires others through their authentic interactions. We are thrilled to have Dan Walzer be the first member of the month! As member of the month, Dan was allowed to wear the much-sought-after AG Belt, sign the back of it, and have a polaroid printed and hung on the wall of the gym. Learn more about our friend Dan below:

How long have you been training BJJ?

I started training seriously in 2006 under Shawn Hammonds at Nashville MMA. Before that I tried a couple of different martial art styles but ended up enjoying BJJ the most. Since I started, I've trained at 9 different schools in five different states. The sport has evolved so much and it's been a great experience. It's been the most challenging and rewarding undertaking of my life.

Why did you join Academic Grappling?

Like many people, my training was interrupted during the pandemic. As a matter of fact, I was off the mats for over two years due to the lockdown and moving to Indianapolis to start a new job. After getting settled, I was anxious to get back to my routine. I tried a few places and found AG to be very welcoming and inclusive. I've made some great friends and always learn so much on the mats. I also participate in Muay Thai classes and the gym is a reasonable commute from my home. 

What’s your favorite part of being a member of Academic Grappling?

Photo by Rob Foreman

I've been fortunate to have some great coaches and training partners over the years. That said, AG is the best BJJ gym I've ever attended. Coach Jared is committed to providing a safe, healthy environment for everyone and he has helped me improve my game so much. With his guidance, I finally got my purple belt last year and that was a big milestone for me. My training partners are tough and give me all I can handle during sparring rounds. I appreciate the gym's commitment to giving back to the community and Coach Jared has become a good friend and mentor. I admire him and Coach Jamie a great deal. Both are educators at heart and it's obvious the moment you connect with them. They make sure to explain everything thoroughly and with no frills. It's a great community and I can't imagine training anywhere else.

What is currently your favorite technique in Jiu-Jitsu?

I'm quite a fan of attacking from North-South. My favorite submission from that position is the "Munson Choke". 

How do you define success?

Honestly, my success these days is simply getting on the mat. I often say that I've taken the scenic route in BJJ. For several reasons, my progress has been much slower than some of my peers. Many people I started with are black belts. Others have quit. I was in a bad car accident years ago, and my spine is fused. As such, I've had to modify many techniques and it's been difficult to work through some of the physical and mental barriers. BJJ is a tough sport and I've had to start over a few times due to injuries, multiple moves (five states in seven years), and balancing life and job expectations. I've wanted to give up many times but training has always improved my life. BJJ has helped me deal with chronic depression, anxiety, and physical limitations. These days, working through injuries and mental blocks has proven to be the biggest challenge. But I keep showing up and plugging away! I'm confident I'll get my black belt someday in the future and know it will be worth the time spent getting there. Success is fighting through whatever barriers one may have and showing up to train.

Who inspires you, in Jiu-Jitsu or any other aspect of your life?

Photo by Rob Foreman

As mentioned, my teammates and coaches (past and present) have inspired me a great deal. Marcelo Garcia has always been an inspiration as he is both an amazing practitioner and a seemingly great teacher and human being. I hope that his health improves. Off the mats, I'm inspired by my wife Emily and my family and friends. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention my colleagues and students. I'm lucky to be around creative people every day and don't take that for granted. I've also had a few musical mentors that had a strong influence on me along with my parents. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

I would give three bits of advice. First, run your own race. Everyone learns differently and at different paces. Second, compete at least once. I competed 10-12 times at white belt. Though I lost the vast majority of those matches, I learned so much. I'm not sure if I'll compete in the future but I think it's a great way to get experience. Third, be good to yourself and your training partners. Injuries are a part of the sport but training safely and with a good attitude goes a long way. 

Do you have any fun/funny stories from your time training BJJ?

Yes. I competed in the 2008 Worlds in Long Beach. I had to cut weight for the first time and suffice it to say it wasn't the best experience. I did make weight but the cut left me dehydrated and very weak. I lost my first match and was sitting out in the stands, a bit dejected and tired, when a very famous BJJ coach took pity on me and bought me a slice of pizza. The adrenaline crash after competing is very real! It was very kind of him to get me a slice of pizza. It was both funny and kind of heartwarming.  

What is your current occupation? How did you get into it? Do you enjoy it?

I am an Assistant Professor of Music and Art Technology at IU-Indianapolis (formerly IUPUI). I've had a lifelong love and passion for drumming and all aspects of music technology. Along with teaching college students, I conduct research on music technology and education and get to do some community outreach with younger learners. My colleagues and students are great. Like BJJ, my path into college teaching was a little quirky but I love what I do. I'm very grateful and hope to do it for many years. 

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

I've been a lifelong WWE fan. Some people are surprised when I share random tidbits. It's fun, though. I'm also pretty good at impersonations!

What’s the last book you read?

One recent book is Sound Man, an autobiography written by Glyn Johns, who is a very famous recording engineer. I always have a few books going at once. Lately, I've been reading some books about Navy SEAL training and military history. I also enjoy fiction. 

What’s something you love to do outside of work or training?

I love spending time with my wife Emily. She's my best friend and we like to travel and go to coffeeshops and bookstores. 

If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

It would probably be some type of pasta dish. 

What’s one thing about you that you feel really sums up who you are as a person?

That's a great question. I suppose it would be my easygoing attitude and humor. I like to make people laugh and am a big fan of dad jokes and puns. Mainly, humor is a way for me to connect with others and I consider it my "love language". 

Anything else you feel we should know about you?

I probably drink way too much coffee!