Catching up with BJJ Black Belt Chris McKinney

Chris McKinney is a long time veteran of both MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition.  He is a BJJ Black Belt and a retired Professional Mixed Martial Artist and the leader of Arte Suave Jiu-Jitsu academy in Beckley, WV.   We recently were able to catch up with him for a quick interview.  Check it out here: 

Jitzilla:  You obtained your BJJ Black Belt a couple of year ago.  How much did it mean to you to obtain what most see as unattainable?

McKinney:  Other than my child, my Black Belt's the best thing to ever happen to me.  Jiu-Jitsu is my entire life. 

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Jitzilla:  You have your own academy in WV. Can you tell everyone what it is that separates you guys from other academies?

McKinney:  What separates us from everyone else is we don't do the politics, the pc, the hurt feelings this and that.  We are all there for one single goal: to get better.

JK:  You have competed in both MMA and BJJ. Which do you prefer and why?

McKinney:  I prefer BJJ.  MMA is hard on your body and short lived and the environment is way more intense and negative.  The promotions are, for the most part, corrupt especially the judges that are usually someone who's never thrown a punch. 

Jitzilla:  What are some goals you would like to accomplish in 2024 for both yourself and for your academy?

McKinney:  My goals are to win my upcoming super fights, win some wrestling tournaments, and be a more self aware father and leader for my academy.  Goals for my academy are to just continue to be the change in our community that we have wanted for years and grow, grow, grow. 

Jitzilla:  Who are you affiliated under and what does it mean to you to represent them?

McKinney:  We are affiliated under Ribero... It means the world.  It means that we are legitimatized and recognized as an academy and coming from such a small town and from where I do to have a legitimate academy, I am grateful and blessed.

Jitzilla:  When can everyone expect you back on the competition mats again?

McKinney:  I will be back for a super fight on March 3rd in NC.  Then March 23rd I'm attempting to qualify for a world wrestling tournament, get back to my roots and mix it up and test myself. 

Jitzilla:  Thank you for your time! Any last thoughts you would like to get out there to everyone reading this?

McKinney:  Check out my academy in Beckley, WV or our Facebook page - Arte Suave Jiu Jitsu academy.  Follow me on Instagram @ blackbeltirishgypsy.  Thank you for having me.  Put God first, work on yourself everyday, and bust your ass on everything you touch.  God bless everyone.