When the Documentary project was first introduced to me, I felt how I usually feel. Unsure. How was I supposed to come up with an interesting topic? What if my presentation of it didn’t portray the subject accurately? There was a lot to think about, and as always, plenty of “what if”s.
But there were some things that I was sure of. I knew that I wanted to challenge myself. I knew that I wanted to research a topic I might not usually consider.
In the end I chose a topic that I had heard of, but knew almost nothing about: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The largest portion of this project was the creation of a book. Using my research paper, interviews, and photographs taken, I used the Adobe application Indesign to compile them all.
In the end, I created something I am immensely proud of. Not only did I edit many of the photos I took, but I also created graphics to further illustrate my topic.
To see my book for yourself, clip on the belt graphic.
Below is a gallery of various photos taken over the course of my project.
As part of my research, I conducted interviews with individuals associated with my topic. By the end of my project, I completed four different interviews. The First interview was with an instructor from San Jose. The second was with an instructor from a different gym in Mountain View. My third interview was with an individual who practices the martial art for recreation. And my final interview was a follow-up with my first interviewee.
Alan “Gumby” Marques was an original co-founder of onthemat.com, a website which sells gear and shares news in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community, when it was first formed in the late 90s. Now a black belt, he instructs at Heroes Martial Arts in San Jose and continues to spread the sport he loves.
As head instructor at the Mountain View Ralph Gracie Academy, William Dias shares his enthusiasm for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with students of all ages. He is a black belt, and after studying with the Gracie Family, he has come to share their philosophy of how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be for anyone and everyone.
A patent attorney, Bradley Baugh’s job consists of hours of sitting, reading, and editing. As a result, he can tell you just how important it is to get outside and exercise. Whether it be through hiking, Crossfit, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he enjoys not only strengthening himself but also his relationships with his friends and family.
