Looking at Steve today, you’d never guess that he entered high school weighing 120 pounds soaking wet. Combine that with being a five-foot-nothing introvert, and you have the "Bully’s Choice" starter pack. Steve’s obsession with martial arts didn't start as a hobby; it grew out of a very practical desire for self-preservation.

He first dabbled in Shorin Ryu Karate as a kid, then moved on to Taekwondo in his twenties, but nothing quite "clicked." That changed in 2007 when a friend mentioned a local BJJ Black Belt was setting up shop. Steve remembered Royce Gracie’s early UFC dominance and had always wanted to try the "gentle art," but local options had been nonexistent—until then.

He signed up for an intro course immediately, jumping in with both feet (and his whole heart) into the first martial art that actually made sense to him.

Just six months in, Steve had the "unfortunate happenstance" of having to use his limited skills in the real world. The techniques were so concise and effective that his immediate post-scuffle thought was: “Wait, that actually worked... and well!” This epiphany solidified his belief that BJJ is the ultimate self-defense system. He hasn't stopped training since.

When he isn’t being choked or doing the choking, Steve is a Professional Musician, an Avid Surfer, Caster of Pods, Lover of Dogs, and a self-certified Master of Sarcasm.