Celebrating a 50th Birthday may be scary for many, but not for James Hoskins. He’s celebrating his story of health and fitness from a lifestyle change he made more than a decade ago.
In his 30s, James weighed 240 pounds. He was diabetic, stressed and going through a lot professionally and emotionally. What was his turning point?
“I met a young man that looked like me, was the same age as me. He had three older sisters like me, was diabetic like me, had three heart surgeries and an amputation. I thought to myself, ‘whoa, not me!’ I decided then and there, to make some life changes,” he said.
Those small changes became a habit. A habit transitioned to a lifestyle. The combination of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, circuit training and moderate meal planning helped James change his life. This is a lifestyle that he continues to live by and promote to this day.
James says, “I train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 5 times a week along with resistance training and eating in moderation. I have practiced multiple forms of martial arts but started practicing BJJ at the age of 42.”
Now it has become his passion. After spending the last eight years training BJJ, James is now the proud owner of Renzo Gracie Clarksville Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy.
“We have been training students for five years and will continue to promote this lifestyle. BJJ has been used to resolve PTSD, anger issues, to increase productivity, problem solving and critical thinking. Not to mention building confidence and bully proofing. The gentle art has many applications and practical uses,” James said.
James challenges everyone to try BJJ for at least one month.
“It will change your life. It changed mine,” he said.
Renzo Gracie Clarksville Brazilian Jiu Jitsu would like to wish James a Happy Birthday. For more information about Renzo Gracie Clarksville Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, visit their location at 200 Harnett Court.