Gia Thomas. Lawyer, photography enthusiast, Jiu Jitsu practitioner.
"I began training because I wanted to start working out again and I was bored of just going to the gym and working out for the sake of working out. I started out by trying a few different martial arts, but Jiu Jitsu became my favorite and so I decided to focus on that.
But, I kept training Jiu Jitsu for a number of reasons. Yes, I like it as a workout and that's part of the reason, but mainly I have stuck with it because it has changed my life in a myriad of ways. It's challenged me both physically and mentally, it's gotten me comfortable with being uncomfortable (and made me feel more confident as a result), and it's taught me to be more patient with myself and others. But most importantly, it has led me to a wonderful group of people who I am happy to call my friends both on and off the mats. I love the Jiu Jitsu community and the mutual love and respect that everyone has for the art, it's definitely a great thing to be a part of. I don't know many other sports/workouts/activities that change you as much as Jiu Jitsu has changed me, so even though I absolutely hate it sometimes, I am happy to say that I have found my forever hobby and I'm looking forward to seeing where the journey takes me."
All photography in the People Who Train series is by photographer Mik Milman. See more of his work here.
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