As stated prior my name is Michael Yates. I am married and a proud father of two children (one boy and girl). Given 
my professional life has taken me to many countries, my personal life is heavily influenced by the places I have been. My son was born in Abu Dhabi and my daughter was born in Brunei, I am quite happy that my children are experiencing so many different cultures and places at a young age. I would say other than my family, my hobbies have also influenced me greatly. My main hobby is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), which I started in 2006. No matter which country I have travelled to, I have trained BJJ and this has allowed me to meet so many good people. My real journey in BJJ started in Abu Dhabi, where I went from Purple to Black belt. I was fortunate enough to compete, although I really never took a liking to it. My few competitions did produce some good pictures.
When I was
leaving Abu Dhabi I was fortunate enough to receive my blackbelt, which put me in a position to help the lovely little country of Brunei on its BJJ journey. This turned me from a casual participant into a coach, which was a massive change for me. I did enjoy it, and being a coach I was able to promote students, do seminars in neighboring countries(Kuching, Miri, and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia) and generally help out the BJJ community in the area. It was a great experience and one I will be forever grateful for.
Here are some pictures from my journey:
One of my first seminars in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Ended up having over 40 people attend! Was a great experience.
One of my last seminars, this time in Miri, Malaysia. Great group of people.
Being a coach allowed me to promote deserving people from other clubs (which do not have access to a blackbelt instructor). Here I am giving the head BJJ instructor at Warmonger’s MMA in Miri, Malaysia his well earned purple belt.
My final class in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. I watched this club (Khalifa MMA) grow into a powerhouse in the area. They have a strong coaching group and I am sure BJJ will continue to prosper in Brunei.
Coaching to me was truly an enjoyable experience. It is the epitomy of show, not tell (a philosophy I believe in heavily in teaching).
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