About Paul Kindzia
From being bullied as a kid and expelled from 3 Jiu-Jitsu schools to becoming a HOMESCHOOLED Black Belt In Jiu-Jitsu
As far as we can tell, I hold the title of the first "Homeschooled, Non-Denominational, It Takes A Village Blackbelt." I was primarily homeschooled in jiu-jitsu. That didn't mean I did 100% of my training at home—I definitely didn’t. It means I was primarily homeschooled and supplemented my training at many schools/academies. Most practitioners typically focus their training at only one school and then they may occasionally add home-based practice. I took a different approach.
My journey and reason for being primarily homeschooled was centered around four key themes. First, I encountered expulsion from schools for standing up against toxic aspects of Jiu Jitsu culture. Secondly, I pursued cross-training opportunities at various academies, which was widely discouraged. Third, I had no desire to become part of a cult-like environment. Fourth, I emphasize safe training as my number 1 priority. Perhaps you'll discover a balance that works for your jiu-jitsu journey. If you’re interested in adding supplemental homebased training to your jiu-jitsu journey, I am here to assist you in that process.
I just kept asking myself, "How can I get better while training more SAFELY?"
I just figured out how to train more at home with hand-picked training partners.
My Jiu-Jitsu Story
Throughout my Jiu-Jitsu journey, I explored various training methods, from official Gi and No-Gi classes to instructional’s and attending seminars and training camps. Each experience widened my understanding of the art and allowed me to absorb different techniques and philosophies. When I decided to make jiu-jitsu a priority in my life (which didn't take long), I thought the only path to blackbelt was to attend official classes at an outside academy. It turns out I just needed to take charge of my own training and create my own unique way of improving and having fun along the way. Now, I'm sharing my journey and helping others lead a healthy jiu-jitsu lifestyle supplemented with a homeschooled perspective.
Not Everyone Will Understand Your Journey. THAT'S FINE.
It's not their journey to Understand. IT'S YOURS.
It's absolutely okay if competition isn't on your radar; our priority is to foster your love for Jiu-Jitsu and ensure you enjoy the training experience.
Competing is something I have always enjoyed so YES I did compete (a lot) almost exclusively on the IBJJF circuit as opposed to regional and local events. But let's face it: less than 5% of practitioners regularly compete, and less than 2% at the IBJJF level. We believe that jiu-jitsu should be available to all, particularly for those who want to train in a non-competitive environment.
However, the approaches of homeschooling in terms of technique and training were remarkably effective and efficient. I did my first IBJJF competition as a white belt. At Blue Belt, I was ranked #1 at lightweight and overall, in the IBJJF rankings (M4/Male/Blue/Light). For purple belt, I was ranked #1 in lightweight and #2 in the overall Master 5 purple IBJJF rankings (M5/Male/Purple/Light). I was ranked #1 at lightweight and #17 in the overall in the IBJJF rankings (M5/Brown/Light) at brown belt.
Paul's Black Belt Day
A Milestone in My Jiu-Jitsu Journey
October 19th, 2024
For those of you that want to know about my life before
Jiu-Jitsu keep reading.
I grew up in the 1970’s and 1980’s in Niagara Falls, New York which is a blue collar city on the western end of New York right on the Canadian border. I did not grow up with money. I was raised in a family with 6 children. For a period of time, my great-grandmother even lived with us. The 9 of us would have to share a single bathroom. My father was a union electrician who worked commercial construction jobs often in chemical plants with hazardous materials. My mother was a stay-at-home Mom but was educated as a nurse. Living on a single inconsistent construction paycheck was no easy task for my parents.
To earn additional income, my parents opened and operated a bait and tackle store as we lived extremely close to the lower Niagara River across from the Canadian border. That’s where I got my first taste of hands-on business experience. We sold worms, crabs, leeches, minnows, grubs and fishing tackle. I was the kid who got on the school bus while other kids yelled, “WORMS!”
Most kids enjoyed playing with Gi I Joe's but I was the nerdy kid that carried around a brief case and counted my money.
When my grandmother gave me cash for birthdays I would ask her to give me single bills instead of a $10 so I could fill my briefcase faster. And that's how my 35+ years in finance started. I earned my undergraduate accounting degree from the State University of New York (1992) and an MBA in corporate finance from the State University of New York (1994) . Then my career started as a CPA and consultant at the international firm Ernst & Young LLP working in both the Atlanta, GA office and in the national headquarters office in Cleveland, Ohio. With my desire to work with individual clients rather than corporate entities, I left the corporate world and became the original founder of Niagara Financial Advisors, LLC an SEC registered investment advisory firm in Alpharetta, Georgia. as a Certified Financial Planner. With a goal of assisting clients to achieve a wealthy, healthy, and happy lifestyle that is geared towards meaning and personal fulfillment, he then founded Kindzia Investments which is now located in Johns Creek, Georgia.
With 6 kids in the house fishing was the one thing that bonded us as father and son.
Growing up fishing with my dad holds some of my fondest memories. As a child the time we spent together created a unique bond between us, filled with laughter, stories, and life lessons that shaped my love for the sport.
My Years As An Ironman Triathlete
2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run = 140.6 miles of endurance
Completing an Ironman is not just about the race itself; it's the culmination of unwavering commitment and extensive training. Preparing for this grueling event requires consistent dedication to both endurance and strength training. Athletes must also learn how to effectively fuel their bodies to maximize performance over a long day of racing. This experience parallels my love for Jiu-Jitsu, where the dedication to continuous improvement keeps me invested in both pursuits. Once I crossed that finish line, the exhilaration ignited a plan for my next race.
In Jiu-Jitsu, the relationships formed are built through mutual respect and technical sparring, but in Ironman, the camaraderie takes on a different flavor. While training for endurance events, all participants have a common goal, and this shared journey encourages us to support each other wholeheartedly. Whether it's celebrating personal triumphs or offering words of encouragement during tough times, the friendships created through Ironman training are truly special.
The End Of My Ironman Journey
My last Ironman, which marked my 13th race, proved to be a challenging and unexpected journey, as it didn’t unfold as I had hoped. Leading up to the event, I had trained diligently, yet something felt off. Little did I know that I was grappling with a significant health issue: my first brain tumor, which would later explain the struggles I faced during the race. As I crossed the finish line I felt such a bittersweet mix of accomplishment and frustration. From that moment on, Angela (my wife) and I closed the chapter on our Ironman experiences.
4 Brain Tumors Over 14 Years
My 14-year battle with four brain tumors has been a journey filled with challenges, resilience, and unwavering determination. Diagnosed years ago, I faced an uncertain future that required me to adapt and learn to navigate the complexities of living with tumors that affected my daily life. Through countless medical appointments, treatments, surgeries, and the ups and downs of managing symptoms, I discovered the strength within myself to confront adversity head-on. This experience not only taught me the importance of perseverance but also deepened my appreciation for the small, everyday moments that often go unnoticed. Along the way, I received immense support from my family, friends, and medical professionals, who became my pillars of strength and encouragement. Despite the hurdles, I've found ways to embrace life, pursue my Jiu-Jitsu passion, and inspire others facing similar challenges, transforming what could have been a limiting diagnosis into a testament of resilience and hope.
My love for music
Piano & Bass
My Family
I met my wife Angela in 2007 and I knew she was the one when she told me she was "debt free, loved Ironman Triathlon, and had a passion for helping animals."
We often joke that our household runs on my love for Jiu-Jitsu and her love for animals. I immerse myself in the world of Jiu-Jitsu while she dedicates her time to rescuing and caring for animals in need.
My wife's love for rescuing animals is as intense as my passion for Jiu-Jitsu, creating a unique dynamic in our lives that highlights our shared commitment to making a difference. Over the past 15 years, we have dedicated ourselves—primarily Angela—to rescuing and nurturing hundreds of dogs and feral cats in need. Angela’s tireless efforts to trap and release feral cats exemplify her unwavering compassion and determination, as she engages in this never-ending endeavor to help reduce the stray population and improve their quality of life. Each animal she rescues becomes a part of our journey, bringing joy and fulfillment to our lives, while simultaneously presenting new challenges and adventures. Watching her work selflessly to provide these animals with a second chance inspires me as we blend our passions into a shared mission of care and compassion. Our home has become a haven for these rescued creatures, filled with love and dedication, reflecting our belief that every life, no matter how small, deserves a fighting chance.
We both thrive in an active lifestyle, finding joy in activities that challenge our bodies and invigorate our spirits. Colorado, with its stunning landscapes and breathtaking mountain vistas, holds a special place in our hearts.
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