Welcome to our third 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 Jordan McCloud this month! As member of the month, Jordan was allowed to wear the much-coveted 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 Jordan below:

How long have you been training BJJ?
2 years now.

Why did you join Academic Grappling? I was recommended by a friend from an anytime fitness gym that I go to, who used to train at KruFit, to join Academic Grappling and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What’s your favorite part of being a member of Academic Grappling?
My favorite part would have to be the people by far. I’ve made a lot of close friends since joining AG. Everyone is very kind, always willing to help you level up in jiu-jitsu and have your best interest at heart.

I also love Coach Jared’s patient & compassionate teaching style, but he also does a great job of pushing us to bring out our potential.

What is currently your favorite technique in Jiu-Jitsu?
The Rear Naked Choke & The Arm Bar.

How do you define success?
When you’re constantly progressing, setting out goals & achieving them. Overall, getting 1% better every day.

Who inspires you, in Jiu-Jitsu or any other aspect of your life?
My dad, Batman, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Simply get started. Find a gym that makes you feel comfortable, you’re surrounded by a good training environment and people that want to see you win.

Do you have any fun/funny stories from your time training BJJ?
I can’t think of any off the top of my head but every class is fun/funny! 

What is your current occupation? How did you get into it? Do you enjoy it?
I help entrepreneurs market & sell their products & services online via social media.

I got into from seeing a lot of content online about starting an online business. So I ended up investing in courses, masterminds, coaching, etc, to learn the necessary skills to start my own business.

I enjoy quite a lot because I’ve been able to grow in many ways from being a better communicator, problem solver, networking, building relationships, etc.

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I know how to speak spanish. I was a spanish speaking immersion program from kindergarten until I graduated high school.

What’s the last book you read?
“Winning” by Tim Grover

What’s something you love to do outside of work or training?
I love lifting, reading, journaling, going to the movies and hanging out with friends.

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

What’s one thing about you that you feel really sums up who you are as a person?
I’m always looking for ways to better myself & maximize my potential in life.

Anything else you feel we should know about you?
I train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu so that I can become Batman. (;