Justin "ChimChim" Garcia has been a force on the east coast grappling scene for years. He is undefeated in MMA and recently received his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Rob Kahn (Royce Gracie). Chim is a multiple time Grappler Quest tournament and Superfight champion. He also runs the very highly regarded Jungle Gym Martial Arts school in the Bronx. One of the nicest, most sincere guys I've met in the sport. I had a chance to ask Chim a few questions and, as always, his answers are enlightening and entertaining.
Sam: In October you were invited to compete in the ADCC Trials 77-87 kg division. Tons of talent in that weight class. Describe that experience.
Chim: It was definitely an honor to compete against the group of people I did, and even a greater honor to be in what was one of the most stacked tourneys ever in the country. That being said, I was let down with my performance. I didn't do what was necessary BEFORE the tournament and my lack of gas made that pretty apparent. I was
cramping all day, almost killed myself making the weight the night before, and didn't compete at the best of my abilities. The tournament showed me that I need to work on balancing my priorities, if nothing else.
Sam: You impressed a lot of people. Who impressed you the most that day and why?
Chim: I was impressed with Moriarty specifically. I appreciate competing against not only technical grapplers, of which he was definitely one, but smart ones too. He was a lot more cerebral than I expected, and it was a pleasure to compete against him. For the record, I will beat him the next time we compete. 
Sam: You own the Jungle gym in the Bronx. Give us the rundown on your school. There are lots of schools in NY, why train at the Jungle Gym?
Chim: One of the things I pride myself on with the Jungle Gym is the atmosphere above all. Gone are the days where "Cliques" dominate the student body. Where you train with someone for six months and don't even know their name. We have an atmosphere that thrives off open minds and helpful teammates. The students call me "Justin" and I never expect any different. Some call me "Coach", but I think they get more of a kick out of it than I do! We have top notch jiujitsu, as
evidenced by the fair amount of success competitively, but we're smiling the whole time.
Sam: From a coach's perspective, what are the two most important things a student must do to maximize progress?
Chim: Two, eh? Well, that's tough. If pressed to find only two, I'd say consistency and organization. For consistency, folks have to realize that what they're learning requires time. I have plenty of students who tell me they're frustrated by the lack of progress they've seen, but they rarely come more than once a week. I tell them they're not allowed to be frustrated, because it's not rocket science figuring out why they're not experiencing visible progress. The hardest part of jiujitsu is showing up to class. Organization is what allows you to even see progress or acknowledge a need for some "homework". I'll often ask a student when rollng, "Pause! What pass are you trying?" or "Pause! Where's your guard going?" It helps them realize jiujitsu is about winning the numerous "little battles" which lead to victory in the "war." If a student gets the takedown, passes the guard, mounts, but then gets bumped and heel hooked, it was a positive score in their progress. They need to realize it's their mount control that may need work, but they also need to acknowledge the things that they're finding success with. I often help students organize their agendas so they know what they're doing from different positions and transitions.
Sam: How did you get started in BJJ?
Chim: After a modest bodybuilding and powerlifting venture post-college, I wanted to get back to a contact sport. Having done Judo in the PAL as a kid for a few months and wrestling in high school my sophomore year, I figured I'd give Judo a go again. Well, the school I found was in turmoil and I hated the bowing, "Ussing", and overall uptight atmosphere. It just wasn't fun. After three weeks there, one of my training buddies told me he was going to one of those "Gracie" schools the following day and asked if I wanted to come. I said yes and after getting my ass handed to me my first day, the rest is history!
Sam: You are undefeated in MMA. What was your first MMA fight like?
Chim: My first fight was an awesome experience. I knew, since I started BJJ, that I would get into the ring/cage eventually. I'm just a fan of pushing oneself to new levels and I figured that if I couldn't display my jiujitsu in a fight, what the heck is the point? I gave myself plenty of time to prepare and my guy at the Jungle Gym were there for me every step of the way. When you leave your opponent sleeping in under a minute, you know everything went as planned!
Sam: The ChimChim stare down rivals Vanderlei Silva's. Have you ever submitted anyone with it?
Chim: The funny thing is one of the Athletic Commission Officials couldn't stop saying after my fight how he had no idea how I could go from having everyone in stitches in the warmup room before my fight, to looking like I had rabies! I believe in getting myself "in-state" before a fight/match, and unfortunately I'm a scary looking bastard when I do.
Sam: Who do you try emulate in MMA? Favorite pro fighter?
Chim: Having trained long enough, I know what I'm suited for and what I can and can't add to my game. It's the mental aspects, though, of certain fighters that I try to emulate and add to my game. When I look at the intensity of Wanderlei, or the lack of emotion in Sak or Fedor, or the confidence of the Gracies, you start to see how significant a role the mental aspect plays in this sport and you find ways to harness your own.
Sam: You tried out for this past season of the UFC's Ultimate Fighter reality show. Gimme the scoop on the try outs.
Chim: All I can say is I kept telling myself afterwards that it wasn't a talent show, but a casting call for a show. I like my chances against anyone of the guys that did make it that season, but hey, waddayagonnado?
Sam: Any plans to do it again?
Chim: I have to take every opportunity as they come. Maybe it'll happen, but I just want to continue my growth in the sport, so I'll just "flow with the go" for now!
Sam: What are your goals for MMA? What are the next steps for you?
Chim: It's funny, because I never realized how hard the running of a school can be and always figured I would have the best environment for training MMA, but damn was I wrong! It's a tough balance when you have training, coaching, and managing all needing 25 hours a day! For now, I'll just keep my training, and take one thing at a time, the Jungle Gym taking priority over them all.
Sam: Any advice for a MMA fighter just starting out?
Chim: Absolutely. Establish yourself in one proven art, be it jiujitsu, thai, or boxing, then start filling in the gaps. Nowadays, you have to have skill in every range of a fight, but I think a common mistake is trying to learn everything at once. The foundation should come first!
Sam: Who are your top 3 BJJ influences and why?
Chim: Royce, for his never say die attitude. Say what you will about him, how many of you would have gotten in that ring in UFC 1 looking like a tennis player! The next is Ron Kahn, because he showed me that BJJ didn't have to be about closed doors and secret techniques. He showed me it was ok to be me. The last is probably Marcelo. This dude is smaller than most but just attacks all day long. He's an inspiration to those of us who aren't six feet long!
Sam: Top 3 life influences?
Chim: My father, because he endured the move to the US from Puerto Rico in the fifties, being called "nigger", being turned down for jobs because of his color, and much more to be a father that always provided for me and my brother. They say it takes adulthood to appreciate what your parent's have done, and boy do I ever.
Second, I'd say my mother. She was a hippie (still is, as a matter of fact) and she was almost accepting to a fault. The influence from her was, though, to accept people for who they are. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm as opinionated as they come. But I will never care about your tastes, your style, or your business.
Lastly, as a new father, my son has just placed a "lens" over my eyes. I see everything as it relates to my family, and that is
something I'm adapting to every day. Damn I love that kid!
Sam: What's the competition schedule for you in 2007?
Chim: I honestly don't know. I would like to at least get some grappling comps in, as I know what rust can do to someone's game, but I'm laying off the MMA for a while. If you don't give 100% in your training for the cage, you get knocked the eff out! I know I can't, at this moment, give that amount of attention to training, so I'll pass until the next lull in life's responsibilities.
Sam: Anyone you'd like a rematch with?
Chim: I'd love a rematch with anyone that's ever beaten me! And yes that includes Roger! Lol!
Sam: Who wins: Rob Kahn VS a grizzly bear?
Chim: It depends if Royce is training him or not. And it can't be on a Saturday. That's Rob's Sabbath.
Sam: Congrats on the new baby boy! When does he start his jiu jitsu training?
Chim: Thanks. I just recently saw a clip of Lloyd Irvin's little man kicking the pads and dominating Jim Kelly, so I feel less bad about the hip drills I have him doing already!
Sam: Any parting shots?
Chim: Look out for the Jungle Gym's first DVD in the coming months. Sorry, though, it's a kids DVD! And I'd like to thank those who take the time to share in the Jungle Gym experience. Without you folks, there is no ChimChim and certainly no Jungle Gym!
