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Meet Russell Cantorna of Hustle Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Orange County

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Russell Cantorna.

Russell, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started training Jiu Jitsu in 2002, mainly as a hobby. However, within a year or so Jiu Jitsu turned into more than just a hobby. The next thing I knew, I was training everyday, twice a day at times, for several years. Competed in tournaments. When I was in college, I juggled school work, competing and training Jiu Jitsu. I graduated from college with a Criminology/ Administration of Justice Degree, but realized it was Jiu Jitsu I wanted to do.

Around 2007, I started assisting instructors and teaching Jiu Jitsu classes. Teaching and training are two completely different crafts. I wanted to be good at both, so I continued to teach and train at the same time. I taught at the UFC gyms when they first opened up, as well as other gyms and academies around the area.

Then one day it hit me. I absolutely knew I wanted to own and operate a Jiu Jitsu school. In 2011, I took Jiu Jitsu even more serious. I wanted to learn and experience everything I possibly could. Knowing that the knowledge I gain will turn me into a better practitioner and instructor one day. I trained Jiu Jitsu, did strength and conditioning, took and gave private lessons, attended Jiu Jitsu and business seminars, travelled and competed in many tournaments. I was successful in many tournaments but the most notable ones were the GI and Nogi World Championships.

I received my Black Belt from Lucas Leite in La Habra, California. He is globally known especially in the Jiu Jitsu community for his many achievements and of course, his half guard. I am honored to have received my black belt from someone with such high caliber. He believes in my Jiu Jitsu and continues to support my goals. In return, I continued to represent him at training, competitions, and my teaching as an official Lucas Leite black belt.

In 2016, I opened up my very own school, Hustle Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Santa Ana, CA. Since then the school has been doing well with great range of beginner to advance students. Some students have also been successful in local tournaments. All in which is a very bright and promising future for the students and school itself.

Has it been a smooth road?
The road has not always been smooth. I always expect challenges and obstacles when I set a goal for myself. Goals should be set high enough to challenge you. Its worth it and definitely more rewarding.

Some challenges were injuries I had during my journey. I suffered a knee injury and not long after, a rib injury. I wasn’t able to be on the mats for almost 8 to 9 months. This definitely held me back a little, but at the same time I would go to class and sit on the sidelines while watching and taking mental notes. When I felt good enough to return to class, it was difficult because my body had to get used to the training and movements again. Which took about another two or three months to fully feel comfortable again.

Another challenge was that I had moved further away from my Jiu Jitsu school. I took about 1 hour to get there and 1 hour to get back home, without traffic. At times, it took me one and a half hours. I would do that everyday, sometimes twice a day. In the end, I was driving longer than I was training. That took up a lot of time especially since I was a college student.

And of course, the most obvious was my size. I am definitely not a huge person. I am only 5’3” and 135lbs. They say size doesn’t matter in Jiu Jitsu. That statement is not true in some cases. I think as a beginner with my size, size definitely matters. I honestly can tell you I wanted to quit 100 times before my 1st stripe on my belt. Its only as you continue to train and get better, size difference doesn’t seem to matter as much. Only if the person you’re training with is just as good.

Sometimes smaller people, as well as even weaker ones become really technical in Jiu Jitsu. They can’t rely on their strength and size so much, so the rely on technique. Leverage, angles, grips, timing, etc. is what we have, to counter a bigger and stronger opponent.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am the head instructor of Hustle Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This is a family environment facility that provides top notch Jiu Jitsu instructions. We accept all levels- from beginners to high level advance students. Our age range starts at age 4 years old and up. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is mainly a ground fighting martial arts. It incorporates throws and take downs, chokes and joint locks. Instructions covers all areas of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. From self defense, kids anti bullying, verbal reasoning and sport Jiu Jitsu for competition. Our goal is to make a complete martial artist. Not just another black belt.

Because of my size, I utilize a lot of leverage and angles, maximizing the techniques efficiency. I’m known for applying techniques that can overcome larger and stronger opponents. But my specialty is transferring those lessons over to my students. Making sure they understand the concept and theory behind each technique.

I’m proud of each of my  student’s growth. I can honestly say that everyone who joined the team, whether they train twice a week or six times a week, they have gotten noticeably better. I notice their physical change, their performance, weight loss and better energy levels. They all live a healthier and active lifestyle now. The students also make this school a friendly and family environment. Everyone is easy going, no egos, lots of jokes and laughs and of course very good Jiu Jitsu. Our support for each other goes beyond the mats. Just like a family. That’s what makes me so proud.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
This city is a perfect place for a business like this. It provides local schools an outlet for students and after school programs. Business like this provides great place to learn self defense and get in shape all while meeting new people and making new friends. Families along with other family members love attending these classes together as its a way to help them bond as a family. Our location targets local schools, nearby residence and small business.

This would definitely be the perfect place to start because we offer trial classes with no commitment, reasonable prices and incentives, and small beginner classes to provide more attention to each student.

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Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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