Bill grew up in Illinois, where youth wrestling was wildly popular. His parents, forever worried that his lazy nature and dislike of authority would lead to ruin were overjoyed when he joined a youth wrestling team. They thought it might help him grow up a bit and keep him out of serious trouble. It worked, and it was the start of a lifelong love of grappling.

After competing and coaching for almost 30 years, a friend introduced him to BJJ. He outweighed the blue belt instructor by about 80lbs, and got choked out in under a minute. That was all it took and Bill has spent all his mat time since working to improve his knowledge and skill of the gentle art.

Bill approaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a lifestyle, and credits it with helping him to improve his overall health. He’s lost over 80lbs since starting his training, improved his diet, his overall health, and believes training has added years to his life. Bill is a blue belt under Aaron Blake, and trains in Maine. He does not actively compete.

Bill is the co-founder and publisher of BJJ Weekly, a popular Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle newsletter.