Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Demakes.
Hi Mike, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Sports were always my life, they kept me in line, and added that stress relief or “reset” in the day. I played football in high school and was defensive captain and looking to play in college until a shoulder injury that would’ve required surgery to play in college hit, and we just couldn’t afford it. So, a year goes by, and I was kind of hitting a low, that’s what made me get out and find something new, something other than just lifting. A couple of buddies mentioned this gym with Jiu-Jitsu, so I went and tried a class, and instantly fell in love.
My goal was to never really compete, but it was a challenging class, and that’s what kept me coming back, just to get better and the workout was different. But as time went on, figured since I’m doing everything, might as well try one tournament, then 1 fight, then the list kept going on of the “1more” 14 years later I have main evented, a handful of big regional shows, made a name in the Midwest through Jiu-Jitsu and met all my closest friends through this sport. The hobby turned to a passion, which then turned to a dream to live a life off Jiu-Jitsu.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road was everything but smooth, the sport itself has grown substantially since then, so in the beginning, driving far for tournaments and everything. But more than that, it’s full of sacrifices, having a training camp, weight cuts, I’ve put my birthdays to the side and missed out on events because of it, definitely all worth it in the end.
It’s also a sport if it be Jiu-Jitsu or MMA that’s not always looked at lightly.
For the last 8 years I had a personal training business and nutrition business I started from scratch which allowed me to train more as well, so had to face the financial struggles, bumps, and bruises, and then just clash of lifestyles, if it be friends or dating life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Clemson Jiu-Jitsu offers Jiu-Jitsu and MMA classes. We are an all no-gi school, bringing premier Jiu-Jitsu to South Carolina. What sets us apart would be the all-no-gi school, believe most here are all in the Gi. But also, the knowledge, experience, and making this my life. There’s other great schools out there, don’t get me wrong I’ve visited them since being here.
What makes me proud of the program we have is the community. We have only been open little over 2 months, but it’s been an awesome two months. We have people from all different social groups and I think a great way for students or people looking to get out there a little more to find a community. Meet some awesome people and learn a useful skills while getting in some active work.
We do offer monthly memberships for unlimited classes. We are growing our class schedule!
There’s 1-1 training as well or semi-private training options too if a class setting or times don’t work out.
What matters most to you? Why?
Finding happiness and peace. After these last couple years, think it’s very important to find what brings us some joy and just that good relief feeling at the end of the day.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Clemson_jiujitsu
- Facebook: Clemson Jiu Jitsu
