We interviewed Jami Eloi, our local “Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor at SXM BJJ” here in St. Maarten-St. Martin.
1: Tell us ... are you from here? Do you have family here?
Yes, I am – born and raised. I have some family here yes.
2: How do you handle time management, balancing your time between work and training?
To balance them all is a fight itself, but I manage by trying to focus on the task at hand. I have my good days and bad days like everyone else.
3: What inspired you get into fight training?
I’ve always wanted to be good at fighting, especially growing up being vertically challenged. I started BJJ with Melissa Bardfield when I was around 15-16 years old and have been there ever since. When it comes to my striking, I trained under Akeem Lewis in the same dojo/gym. The dojo/gym is located across PDG in Cole Bay, above the Nectar store.
4: Do you do other workouts?
Yes, I do. I try to go to a weightlifting gym whenever I can, and I swim at the beach most weekends. My favourite beach for a swim has been Mullet Bay Beach ever since I was a kid.
5: Can you share a bit about the mentality of the fighter in training mode?
In the gym, you learn that some days you’re the one on top of everything, and other days you feel like you’ve learned nothing. It teaches you to deal with day-to-day life in a better way as well – to stay in the moment. This has helped me learn what obstacles I can conquer and overcome.
6: Do you teach private classes?
If you want more info on private classes, you can reach me on Instagram @ jami_bjj or you can send a WhatsApp @ +17215247285.
7: Do you have a favourite restaurant or meal to recommend in SXM? Are you vegan?
Check out Pineapple Pete Restaurant in Cole Bay. No; I’m not vegan, but if you are vegan, they serve vegan stuff as well.
8: Heading into your match, do you have diet restrictions?
I have no restrictions at all besides the regular – as in, staying away from too much fast food.
9: Can you tell us a little bit more about your upcoming event here in SXM on April 12?
Yes. I will be matched up against a guy named Micheal Pino. The only thing I know about him is that he strikes more than he grapples. Anyone interested in seeing the fight can get tickets at Casino Royale or online on the website www.hyperstrikefc.com/tickets.
