Chris McCue Returns to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Fighting

June 30, 2014

Recently, member Chris McCue traveled to Montgomery where he competed in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fight. He definitely surprised many of us who didn’t even know he had a history of training. When Chris was a junior in high school he suffered a career ending head injury playing football. The next summer, when he would usually be preparing for football by working out/attending camps, he made the decision to join his cousin in starting martial arts.

I studied Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai for 4 months under Rafael Rebello at American Top Team Deerfield Beach. When school started up again I quit Jiu Jitsu, a decision that I still regret to this day. After graduating high school I considered starting back up again with BJJ, but I discovered Crossfit and I’ve been a kool-aid drinker ever since.

Chris McCue

According to Chris, some of the best Mixed Martial Arts fighters utilize CrossFit style workouts to improve their strength and conditioning, or at least to supplement their current training program. Guys like Tim Kennedy and Jon “Bones” Jones, both ranked UFC fighters out of Jackson’s MMA in Albuquerque, train using CrossFit style workouts multiple times a day, sometimes logging 25+ workouts a week.

Obviously the individualized programming that they are doing varies greatly from what the average CrossFitter does on a day to day basis, but the movements are all the same. An excellent example would be the Fight Gone Bad workout, designed to simulate an MMA bout for UFC legend BJ Penn.

Chris’ CrossFit journey began in 2012 at Crossfit Hardcore-The Sandbox, a gym in his hometown. When he came returned to Auburn in January 2013, he began working out at CrossFit on the Plains, and has been here ever since. after deciding to give Jiu Jitsu another go, Chris attended the Montgomery fight which was his first time competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Chris during the 2014 CrossFit Open

I am very inexperienced, the only training that I have is the 4 months that I did back in 2011. About a month ago when Philip Smith and I were discussing combatives he mentioned that the Montgomery Open was coming up, and that when he participated last year he got a lot out of it. I figured that it’d be fun to try out, and I was right. One thing that I should mention is that if I hadn’t been doing CrossFit, I would have had my a** handed to me. My opponent outweighed me by 30 lbs, but luckily I was stronger than him (Thanks CFP!!!).

Chris walked away with a victory that day. He also plans to pursue additional fights in the future. By living a healthy and active lifestyle, Chris was able to pick up a skill from his past and find success.

Chris is an honor to have at CFP. We are thankful for his home gym allowing us to have him while he is in school!