Teacher, mentor, foodie and BJJ Professor Casey Lee discusses the discipline required to dominate the mat, the growth of BJJ in Hong Kong, and the passion he has for all things edible.
What first drew you to Brazilian Jiu-jitsu?
My journey into Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ) began thanks to my brother-in-law Simon, back in the UK. He challenged me to a wrestling match. Obviously, both being highly competitive, I accepted and was immediately crushed for five minutes, blowing out of my arse trying to escape. After I was stripped of my ego, he informed me that he had started training BJJ. So I began training intensively in 2008, during my second year of university, to destroy him.
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To the uninitiated, how does BJJ differ from the plethora of other martial arts, both in terms of self-defence and exercise?
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is considered a predominantly ground-based martial art, using leverage, angles, pressure, and timing. It gives a person the knowledge of human anatomy to achieve a ‘non-violent’ submission—although it can be fairly violent. It focuses on the ‘grappling’ aspect of close-contact holds, pins, techniques, and the application of chokes and upper body and lower body joint manipulations—this is the violent part.
In terms of exercise, BJJ is a combination of dynamic and explosive movements, helping to develop increased strength and cardio, as well as promoting weight loss and improved muscle tone—although don’t use me as an example! It’s also a great mental workout to provide an outlet for the stress of everyday life.
You’re also a skilled strongman (not to mention a national-level badminton player); how important is strength training when it comes to dominating in BJJ, and what does strongman training mean to you? Any plans to compete?
BJJ has a focus on technique over strength, where a smaller guy can overcome someone larger through technical knowledge, which is true and evident at SHBJJ (the BJJ gym in Hong Kong at which Casey is a ‘Professor’ or instructor). I used to religiously believe that; however, there’s no denying that strength plays a large part in BJJ. If I’m able to match your skill level, then I’m going to try and squish you. Strength and being strong has also helped me to hold my own against larger people, like some of the gargantuan monsters we have at SHBJJ, as well as protect my ligaments and joints when I end up in tough situations on the mats.
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With regards to strongman competitions, I have yet to jump into that avenue, but I will! Like BJJ competitions, it’s always good to test yourself in a competitive setting to see where you can improve and to strengthen your mental fortitude.
I do miss playing badminton regularly, but have started it up again. My backhand was always terrible, but it has somehow massively improved without playing. So much so, even my dad complimented it with ‘Not bad,’ and I can only thank being stronger for that.
How do you see the growth of BJJ in Hong Kong? Who’s joining the dojos and what are they looking to learn?
BJJ in Hong Kong is still relatively new but seems to be growing positively with the new talent popping up. We also have visits from world-class BJJ athletes to share their knowledge and who aren’t being paid to hold seminars. Generally, at our dojo, we mainly see expats, but it’s pleasant to see a lot more Hong Kong locals joining and women, too, who are experiencing BJJ for its many benefits, as well as being part of a wider community, creating friends on and off the mats. I met so many people from all walks of life, from doctors to lawyers, physios to pastry chefs, who are all now on speed dial.
What are the most important skills someone taking up BJJ is likely to learn, and are they skills that can be applied to the life of a modern urbanite?
An important aspect of BJJ is that it makes you ‘walk tall’, with confidence in your abilities, as well as equipping you with skills to protect those around you—to a certain degree. I mean, if someone has a knife, you’re probably best to run away. A lot of people that come end up becoming part of a wonderful community, creating lifelong friends, who for sure you’ll run into on the streets of Hong Kong and greet them with a pretend double leg or chokehold, reminding them you’re a human weapon.
You’re also a teacher here in Hong Kong; do you find this helps in your role guiding students on the mats?
Someone who is a world-class athlete doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re a good coach or teacher. That’s where I come in, I’m both…I joke. But, the advantage of being a teacher in Hong Kong allows me to use transferable skills to support a range of abilities in BJJ on and off the mats. Also, to be able to be innovative, adaptable, and provide bespoke guidance. Some of the primary children I teach are better behaved than the adults, so it’s not much different!
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There seems to be a strong student-mentor relationship in BJJ. Why is this relationship a critical component to developing skills in the dojo?
There’s a lot of tradition in BJJ, dating back to its Japanese roots, so having an element of discipline and respect goes a long way in setting an example to others who may walk through the door of the dojo, looking for a professional and safe learning environment.
I suppose I’m a lot more relaxed when it comes to the formalities of status, but it’s nice to be acknowledged as a Professor by others for my understanding of the martial arts. Also, it’s nice to have earned the trust from my students in my abilities to help them improve, and that they enjoy themselves and leave the sessions mentally and physically satisfied.
You’re steadily becoming a social media sensation with your insightful but often very witty BJJ-themed content. How did this come about and is it something you’re looking to develop?
Haha, far from a sensation, but having random friends of friends or visitors to the dojo recognizing my reels is always a pleasant surprise. I’ve always enjoyed making people laugh. My job as a primary teacher helps; I want children to enjoy their experiences at school and so I have to play many roles—one of them being genuinely enthusiastic, dramatic, and creating videos and resources for learning. So I thought, why not apply that into some humorous BJJ reels, showing different aspects and the funny side. At the moment, it’s just for fun, but you never know, instead of a Professor or Teacher, I could become an Influencer.
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What kind of content do you think resonates most with your male audience? Is it the humour, the martial arts, or a balance of both?
A bit of both. Overly serious videos can potentially put people off from trying the sport/martial art, even though it may look awesome. I try to interject some humour into my videos alongside the formal ones to show that there is fun and enjoyment in the martial art, as well as a commitment to learning a lifelong skill and being part of a community. I also try to showcase that BJJ is legitimately for everyone and if you’re lucky, be part of my reels—who wouldn’t want to be in one?!
When you’re not grappling, what do you like to do in Hong Kong?
Eat. I love eating. I train to eat, and I eat a lot. Eating with loved ones and friends also means more food to be shared. I’m also a massive nerd, but that’s for another time, I don’t want to put people off too much.
What are some of your favourite gems in the Hong Kong foodscape and what do you think is lacking?
Coming from Malaysian parents, food is pretty much a hobby and way of life, being one of the best countries in the world for food—try and change my mind. Cafe Malacca in Set Tong Tsui is the only place that satisfies my Malaysian food craving. For a good curry, Chaska has also recently become a regular. Although its curry menu is limited, it’s flipping good. Lucale in SYP is a legit Italian; its pumpkin and mascarpone ravioli is unbelievable. For Peking duck, I actually rate Soho House with their lychee wood-roasted duck—so good.
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I have many recommendations, but I am always looking for more places to eat, so if there’s any restaurant that wants to invite me, don’t be shy!
Affordable Spanish food is lacking in Hong Kong. I had a local Spanish restaurant in London. It was affordable, tasty, and had a wonderful atmosphere. Tapas is meant to be small, cheap, sometimes even free, and here I am paying the equivalent of US$15 for some mashed up tomato on two slices of bread. I still pay for it though, because it’s delicious.
What goals have you set for yourself for the Year of the Dragon?
Spend as much time with family as possible, improve myself and those around me in life, BJJ, exercise and try and gain a six-pack, again—that one’s been in development for several, several years now. Maybe even eat for living and get paid to do it.
Look out for our new series of BJJ and self-defence videos, presented by Casey Lee, on Alpha Men Asia and itssocial media channels
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