Biography
Video
Q&A Session Between Eric Callueng and Elite Sports
Question: What are your goals for this year? Next 3 years? Next 5 years?
Answer: I really just want to get better at Gi. Gracie Tampa and Gracie Wesley Chapel are primarily nogi schools. But I have always felt that training in the Gi is essential to being a well-rounded BJJ player.
Question: What inspires you about BJJ?
Answer: So many things. However, probably the biggest thing is that we are a community that is so different from any other martial art. We live BJJ like a lifestyle. At least for me, there is a respect you give a BJJ person that borders on the type of respect you give to family.
Question: Who inspires you, past or present? Why do they inspire you?
Answer: Rob Kahn: Not just because he is my instructor, but because he is an innovator of BJJ. He completely changed the way I looked at grappling, and he continues to do so. Marcelo Garcia: In my opinion, he is the greatest to ever compete in BJJ. Any match that I have watched him in, he goes for the kill. He doesn’t worry about points, and approaches with a mindset to finish before time is up. He also uses moves that are proven in competition time and time again. I try to emulate many of Marcelo’s moves when I am rolling.
Question: How is the road plan necessary for any competition?
Answer: Just like in any walk of life, having a plan will give you a clear picture of your goal. The plan doesn’t always work out. But not having a plan seems to reckless to me.
Question: How long have you been training?
Answer: 15 years
Question: How often do you train?
Answer: At least 3 times a week. When I am teaching I roll no matter what. But I try to catch other classes when time permits so I am able to devote my attention bettering technique.
Question: Do you have a go-to finishing move?
Answer: No-Gi: Crucifix Choke Gi: Baseball Bat Choke.
Question: Any major accomplishments you’ve been able to achieve in that time?
Answer: No greater accomplishment than receiving my Black Belt from Rob Kahn. I look at the list of black belts he has awarded and I am honored to be named with a bunch of killers.
Question: What do you think it takes to be a champion in your sports?
Answer: Consistency. With consistency comes the skill set, proper technique, mind for the game, and most importantly the drive to be better than you were yesterday.
Accomplishments:
- Florida Copa America Gold Medal Gi.
- NAGA Nationals Silver Medal Gi.
- NAGA Florida Championship Bronze Nogi.
- Rival Classic Gold Medal Nogi, Gold Medal Gi.