The Jiu-Jitsu Journey of Maximilian Alkofer
Maximilian Alkofer is the founder of Elements Jiu-Jitsu in Regensburg, Germany, and was the first athlete sponsored by Choke & Chill. In this interview, he shares how he found the sport, built a team and learned to teach.
How did your Jiu-Jitsu journey begin?
Like many kids, Max first became interested in combat sports through professional wrestling. Watching early UFC and Pride footage—especially Royce and Rickson Gracie—shifted his attention to training. BJJ schools were still difficult to find in Germany, so he began with Muay Thai. After moving back to Regensburg and discovering a small BJJ gym, one class was enough: he was hooked.
Did you start in Gi or No-Gi?
He trained both from the beginning and still enjoys No-Gi, but the Gi suits his style. The extra grips let him slow the exchange, manage distance and work with less frantic movement.
How would you describe your game?
Max spent his first years playing guard. MMA later forced him to develop his top game and address a major weakness. He still prefers guard, but describes it as active and offensive rather than passive. The experience taught him that deliberately working on uncomfortable areas is one of the fastest ways to improve.
How did Elements Jiu-Jitsu begin?
After leaving another local academy, a group started training independently and asked Max to lead them—even though some members held a higher belt at the time. The first room was crowded: around 70 square metres of mat space for 30 to 40 people. After roughly a year, the team moved to a better location and the academy began to grow.
Why did experienced practitioners trust a lower belt to teach?
Max believes he was the right person at the right time. He loved teaching, researched constantly and only shared material he had tested. The experience reinforced an important lesson: a belt matters, but curiosity, responsibility and the ability to help others matter too.
How do complete beginners enter the class?
Elements created a short introductory pathway. New students warm up with the group, then learn a compact sequence of fundamental movements and positions before joining the class again. Advanced students know this pathway and can give beginners room to try it during sparring. The goal is a welcoming room where people can see the beauty of Jiu-Jitsu regardless of fitness level or gender.
Which competition memory stands out?
After coaching for years and competing less often, Max returned to several tournaments. Winning a NAGA championship belt stood out because it connected a childhood fascination with wrestling belts to the real work of training, teaching and competing. His students had encouraged him to enter, making the moment even more meaningful.
Follow Max and Elements Jiu-Jitsu
Gi and No-Gi training gear
E2 BJJ Gi – Black
Acid Green Rashguard – Long SleeveMax's story is a reminder that Jiu-Jitsu progress is not only measured in medals or belts. A room where beginners feel safe, teammates help one another and a coach keeps learning can be an equally important legacy.
