BJJ Purple Belt Matt Spendlove Interview

Matt Spendlove is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt that trains out of the Detroit area in Michigan at Proving Ground Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai.  He is a seasoned Jiu-Jitsu practioner that is looking to compete more in 2024 and to continue to grow his game overall this year.  We recently were able to catch up with him.  Check out his interview here:  

Jitzilla:  How long have you trained Jiu-Jitsu and what is it about the sport that attracted you to it?

Spendlove:  On and off for 15 years.  8 years straight though.  I am a lifelong martial artist.  Thought I knew how to fight took, an amateur fight because I had wrestled - got the take down and ended up getting my back taken and getting choked.  After that I knew I had to learn BJJ.

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Jitzilla:  Can you tell everyone a little about where you train and what caused you to choose that academy?

Spendlove:  I train At Proving Grounds Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai.  It's a well respected and quality academy in suburban Detroit area.  I choose to train here because the owner and head instructor is a man who is well known around here and well respected.  He's great on and off the mat and that means the world to me.

Jitzilla:  What goals do you have in 2024 in Jiu-Jitsu?

Spendlove:  Super fights.  I want to compete in more super fights and get more out there in that circuit.

Jitzilla:  What is the one accomplishment you are most proud of in Jiu-Jitsu and why?

Spendlove:  When I got my Blue Belt.  I was sick for 5 years and had to step away as a White Belt.  So when I came back to it  and finally earning my Blue Belt after being a White Belt for 7 years was amazing to me.

Jitzilla:  Do you have any plans to compete in 2024? If so when are you wanting to?

Spendlove:  I just threw my name in for a super fight in April.  I'm just waiting for an opponent.

Jitzilla:  Purple Belt is one of the most competitive belts in BJJ. How has it been that for you?

Spendlove:  Purple Belt has been my favorite belt.  I've said I would stay Purple Belt forever because the skill difference is vast.  I've been on the highs and low ends on it.  Some days being unbeatable and some days not being to pull anything off; I love being a Purple Belt

Jitzilla:  Thank you for the time! Is there any final words you have for everyone out there reading this?

Spendlove:  It's not the destination in BJJ, it's the journey.  It doesn't stop when u get that next belt or stripe.  It's meant to be forever and a way to keep pushing yourself to higher levels. Embrace that.