When did you get the idea to create BAIN?
So, I've been working in animation and design for about 6 years, and doing bjj for about 5. In that time I've done various commissions for gyms and coaches, things likes patches, rash guards, tees. But, I've also had a lot of ideas for my own bjj clothing, and for various reasons I never really pursued it, but this year a lot of things came together and it felt like the right time to make my own platform to share my work.
Are you a one man band or do you work with others?
Technically right now it's just me, but I wouldn't get far without my girlfriend haha, she's always there to help me and advise me. I've also been really humbled by the amount of help my friends have given me, a lot of people have given up their time to help out on photo shoots, or help promotion or a million other things. I knew my friends would support the idea, but the amount of effort people have put in has really blown me away, and I think it's something I'll remember probably forever.
Have you encountered setbacks and letdowns and how did you deal with them?
Haha loads! I'm an animator/designer first and foremost, managing a career as a freelancer is one thing, but learning to manage and grow a brand is something very different! Also figuring out how to manage a business from Berlin whilst producing in the UK was a challenge. I'm constantly learning about how garment production works and how I can make exciting clothes in the future, that's all new to me as a predominantly digital artist.
What does BAIN offer as a store and as a brand?
For me I want to make clothes that the everyday bjj grappler can wear either to the gym or wherever else, but it's not about screaming out to everyone about bjj, or even martial arts. My main goal is to make awesome designs and clothing, but also have a bjj/athlete theme, if you look a little closer. For example, my launch design is called 'More than rage + muscle' . It's inspired from a song lyric, but to me it reminds of the struggle of the grappler, so I built a design around that theme using the wolf. Now, nowhere on that design does it say bjj or anything like that, but I feel like bjj people can relate to the concept, and wear it knowing that it represents their values. For me, that's what BAIN is. Awesome clothes with an athlete twist.
What are you plans for the future for BAIN?
So right now I'm working on the next designs, and looking to get rash guards made, I've only just launched so I still feel like I'm riding that momentum, and people are reaching out with what they would like to see me doing which is really cool. I have a lot of fun designs I think the community will love, right now my main focus is just letting everyone know that BAIN has launched.
Will you be adding to the products on sale anytime soon?
Aww yeah, I'm super excited about the next couple of designs, the great part of this company is that it's really let me explore the parts of bjj/fitness that I love, and challenged me to make them into designs that I hope will be real conversation starters. I'm also looking into patches, be great to see people repping BAIN on the mats.
How can people get their hands on the BAIN stickers?
They're free with every purchase haha, they're also dotted around a few gyms in Berlin.
When did you move to Berlin and why?
So, I love London, and I could see many years ahead for myself there. But then I thought, try somewhere else, and London will always be there if I choose to go back. Berlin is a much cheaper and relaxed city, it lets me train more, focus on the business, and be much more selective about the animation work I do. I really love it here and the tempo of life is something that really opened my eyes to what life can be like outside of that London grind.
Are you training in Berlin?
F**k yeah! The BJJ scene here is great, It's smaller than London, the gyms share open mats on different days and everyone from any gym is welcome. That was a real surprise, and I have to say, it works well. It raises the game of Berlin and brings a lot of great people together. I train out of Ringside Gym Berlin which is a Checkmat affiliate, the team is smaller than where I was in London but no less dedicated. There are less comps compared to the UK, but with time I think that will change.
You recently finished a photoshoot I believe?
Yep, I organized a shoot over here in Berlin, it went amazingly well, I prepped for it over about 2 months, and everyone who was involved really did an amazing job, the clothes look great and I think it really solidifies what the brand is about. I really wanted to show off the clothes, but also how beautiful Berlin is, using the Berlin Strength gym was amazing, you just don't get to see those places often, and I wanted to share that with people everywhere.
How can people connect with BAIN?
www.bainstore.com, Facebook.com/Bainstore Instagram: Bainstore Twitter: @bainstore.
Do you still find time to compete?
Never enough! Things have been crazy with the launch and I think my focus really needs to be the business, I'm on weight so maybe if something comes up I'll jump in, I did do the Pans and the American cup which was a really great experience this year.
You've recently returned from an extended travelling trip? Was this for work, Jiu Jitsu or both?
Let's say both, I spent about 5 months around the USA and Canada and a stint in London on either side. For me the goal was to train as much as possible and get the business ready. It was a real bjj bucket list trip, I met people like Marcelo Garcia, Renzo, Ralph Gracie, John Danaher and spent 2 months over at Kurt Osiander’s in San Fran. That experience really changed my perspective about what I want from bjj, my life, and what It looks like to live the bjj lifestyle. I could go on for days about it haha. It wasn't all big names, some of the smaller gyms were equally awesome and wherever I went I always learnt something and made a couple of friends. I hope to revisit all those places again soon, I'm so grateful to have bjj in my life, I don't know how else I could have met so many amazing people as a tourist.
You also recently managed to catch up with everyone at London Fight Factory. Any shout outs to the LFF posse?
Na not really, haha just joking, much love to all the team, I always love to see them competing, the training there was truly world class. Luiz is doing amazing things, to me it's my home in London. They've also really gotten behind what I'm trying to create here, so to all those early supporters, from LFF and elsewhere, all I can say is that I'm truly grateful.
Any shout outs in general?
For sure, thanks again to all my friends, family and training partners, Lauren as always, Nina and Berlin Strength, Poundsandounces.com, Ringside Gym Berlin . Also BAIN is a proud sponsor of the podcast In Bed with Aaron and Helene , they just did a great episode with Jackson Sousa so check it out! And of course, thank you Carl for the interview!
Posts
