375th CES firefighter uses Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to represent Air Force

Published Feb. 6, 2024
By Airman 1st Class De'Quan Simmons
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --

When not fighting fires and protecting the local community, one Scott Air Force Base Airman uses his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills to represent the Air Force in competitions throughout the nation, illustrating the countless opportunities the service offers its members.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cesar Gonzalez, 375th Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection specialist, teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and travels nationwide, competing in BJJ competitions representing United States Air Force Special Warfare Recruiting.

Gonzalez, who is currently a brown belt in BJJ, recalls being 15 years-old and flipping through channels on television when he came across Forrest Griffin, a professional mixed martial artist, grappling on Spike TV, and his eyes became glued to the screen. The rest was history.

“Jiu-Jitsu is an art itself– one never masters it,” said Gonzalez. “It's like an always-learning process, no matter at whatever level you are.”

Gonzalez simplifies the sport as hand-to-hand combat, but on the ground.

BJJ is a martial art based on grappling to make an opponent submit. The goal is to bring the opponent to the ground, where they can be more easily controlled. Jiu-jitsu goes back to 1130 CE in Japan. The art arrived in Brazil in 1909, and the first BJJ academy was opened in 1925.

Never officially donning the gi until he was 21, the art of BJJ was always a constant in Gonzalez’s life. He continued to research and study the sport up until joining the military, where he was able to start competing in 2021.

Gonzalez's journey in BJJ intersected with his military career when an Air Force Special Warfare Recruiting representative visited Illinois Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, his gym, and invited him to join the team after seeing his skills and competition history.

“I came across him when he stopped by and visited the gym,” said Gonzalez. “I showed him what I was all about. I showed him my social media and all the competitions I've done, and he was like, ‘Hey man, I would like you to be on the team,’ and that's how it happened.”

He aims to compete at least once a month, but this can often be up to three times. He has participated in over 100 competitions across the country. Through his efforts on the recruiting team, he plays a crucial role in illustrating to potential recruits the wide array of opportunities within the Air Force, allowing them to participate in their beloved sports while building their careers.

On top of the taxing physical and emotional demands of traveling across the country to compete, while also balancing being a firefighter, it also takes collaboration and planning between him, his leadership, and the recruiting team.

The brown belt says being a BJJ instructor has made him a better Airman by giving him a boost of confidence and helping build his leadership skills..

“Being a part of the academy here–leading by example and teaching them how to become better–it definitely helps with being an Airman because those leadership skills that I work on, I transfer them to my job,” said Gonzalez. “As far as becoming a better Airman with Jiu-Jitsu, Jiu-Jitsu has helped me become very confident. Wherever I walk around, anywhere I go, I feel confident.”

Gonzalez’s story serves as a testament to the Air Force's endless opportunities, emphasizing the significance of hard work, dedication, and the balance between military service and personal pursuits.

Man holds gold medals in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practice uniform. — 375th CES firefighter uses Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to represent Air Force

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cesar Gonzalez, 375th Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection specialist, displays his medals from BJJ competitions, at Illinois Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Mascoutah, Illinois, Jan. 23, 2024. Gonzalez is a part of the U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Recruiting team and travels nationwide to compete. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class De’Quan Simmons)

SLIDESHOW | images | 375th CES firefighter uses Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to represent Air Force

Two men sparring during Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Medals lay across table. — 375th CES firefighter uses Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to represent Air Force

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cesar Gonzalez, 375th Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection specialist, displays his medals from BJJ competitions, at Illinois Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Mascoutah, Illinois, Jan. 23, 2024. Gonzalez is a part of the U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Recruiting team and travels nationwide to compete. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class De’Quan Simmons)

SLIDESHOW | images | 375th CES firefighter uses Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to represent Air Force