By Danielle Kutchel
Brian Morley was nervous when he first began competing in jiu jitsu in 2011.
At the age of 33, he thought he was too old – but a friend told him otherwise, and it’s become something of a motto for the fighter as he rises up the ranks and wins medal after medal.
“You’re never too old,” Mr Morley says.
The Narre Warren resident got into the sport via a friend who runs the Australian Fighting Championships and decided to jump on the mat and give it a go.
“I’ve never looked back since,” he says, “it keeps you young.”
It’s also provided him with an emotional outlet.
“My mum said, ‘you were an angry young person but since starting jiu jitsu, it’s changed all that’,” he explains.
He gained his blue belt in October 2013, a few weeks before his mother passed away, and knows she would be proud of him. Currently a purple belt, Mr Morley is aiming for a black belt eventually and trains three to four times a week in Narre Warren. He is proud to say he has even trained with UFC fighters.
Mr Morley is the star of a video produced by friend Mat Morris for the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival.
The pair are finalists in the competition, which aims to show the abilities of people with disabilities.
Viewers can view the video and vote for it at https://www.focusonability.com.au/FOA/films/1774.html.
Now, with a couple of years under his belt, Mr Morley says he has a message for other budding fighters.
“It’s not about winning or losing, it’s about stepping up to yourself, making you better,” Mr Morley says.
“Do it while you still can – age is just a number!”
