Today we’d like to introduce you to George Birkadze.
Thanks for sharing your story with us George. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am currently a retired professional dancer, teaching and choreographing for the new generations of dance. I am also a professional MMA/BJJ fighter and coach. The story of how I ended up exceling in both fields goes back to when I was a kid. I started dance at a young age in the Republic of Georgia and the path to the academy was through a bad neighborhood where other kids were always bullying me. In response to this I decided to learn how to stand up for myself and began on my own to attend Judo classes. As the years went on I traveled the world as a professional ballet dancer and everywhere I went I found martial arts to study. Many of the places I lived I encountered and studied with world renowned fighters who taught me and molded me as a fighter. Once in a while in my off time as a performer I would compete as a fighter, mainly for fun, but also to build my recognition in the fight world.
Right about the time I retired from the stage I got my Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which is not a small feat. I have much respect for these art forms and they have all shaped the man I am today.
Has it been a smooth road?
Well, I suppose the struggle is what lead me to explore fighting. And just as dance teaches one discipline, martial arts do as well. It took me about 10 years to get my black belt in BJJ. There are no short cuts. Not in becoming a great dancer, fighter, or in general when it comes to great achievements in life.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am currently self-employed, working as a teacher, coach, mentor, and various other creative projects that come my way. I am known for my uncommon marriage of passions, classical dance and martial arts. What people don’t often thing about or recognize is how similar they really are. They both take true dedication, physical coordination and agility, determination, and self-control. I suppose what sets me apart is that I have achieved such high levels of each.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Boston is actually a great place for both of these art forms. You have one of the largest ballet schools in the country, and the martial arts scene also has a strong presence. Not all cities offer this. I’d say that certain cities in California and Florida and New York are other locations which have a strong presence in both scenes.
Contact Info:
- Website: georgebirkadze.com
- Phone: 941-544-5578
- Email: groza007@gmail.com
- Instagram: georgebirkadze
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/george.birkadze
Image Credit:
Justin Bella Alonte : Dance photographer
Giselle Sterling : fighting potographer
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