Today we’d like to introduce you to Clovis CJ Hancock.
Clovis CJ, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My mother was a single mom who had to work three jobs to get by, we were very poor. I got in a lot of fights. When I grew up, I got into powerlifting and boxing. MMA was getting big and I thought it would be a good fit. I started training Bjj. I’ve cut weight many times for fights, but this time, I was way behind, so I started cutting Monday instead of Thursday and was starved and dehydrated for a week. My heart stopped for five minutes. For those unfamiliar with weight cutting, it’s big in combat sports. We diet to get as lean as possible, then get in a sauna and sweat out 20 to 30 pounds, it’s very dangerous and unnecessary. The point is to have a weight advantage over the opponent. Because after weighing ins, you have 24 hours to rehydrate. But if both fighters cut 20 pounds, then they’re killing themselves pointlessly. Just about six months ago, a 17-year-old girl died from cutting weight for an amateur muay thai fight. Some places like California have made it illegal for fighters to cut weight.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being a poor kid with no Dad or positive role models, made things harder than they had to be. I have a ton of crazy stories from when I was younger. I should have never cut weight. It kills your gas tank, your reaction, time and power. I held two titles at 205, I should have stayed there. Making the cut from 235 to 170 was one of the dumbest things I’ve ever done. I thought my body can take anything I can throw at it… I was dead wrong. Feeling good now, though actively competing against high-level black belts.
Please tell us about your work.
Don’t have a business yet, but plan on opening a gym next year. As of now, I work security and teach Brazilian jiu-jitsu and muay thai part-time. When I open my gym, it will have a scholarship program for low-income kids that as long as they get good grades, they can train for free. I want to do that because I did not have options as a child.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Focus on expanding my mind.
Pricing:
- I teach privates for 100 an hour
- I’m a pro fighter and bjj black belt
- 50 an hour general health and fitness
Contact Info:
- Address: 2150 Kirkwood drive
- Phone: 7132927766
- Email: Cjhancock1985@hotmail.com
- Instagram: Clovisthecleaver
- Facebook: Clovis the cleaver
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
