Hendo BJJ: From Death’s Door to 4th Degree BJJ Black Belt – The Unbreakable Spirit of Larry Shealy
Larry Shealy’s story of survival and resilience through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu inspires others to overcome life’s toughest challenges.
By
Aug 20, 2025
Origin and Mission:
Larry Shealy is the Founder and Owner of Hendo BJJ, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy known for its commitment to both the art and the personal growth it fosters. Larry’s path to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was unconventional. Before becoming a Jiu-Jitsu instructor, he had a successful career in medical device sales and management with companies such as Johnson & Johnson and Boston Scientific. However, after years of physically demanding work in the healthcare industry, Larry's body began to wear down, leading to significant issues with his knees and ankles. This physical toll prompted him to look for a new challenge—something that would not only keep him active but also provide personal fulfillment.
It was at this point that Larry leaned into his hobby Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art that would ultimately transform his life. However, it wasn’t just the physical training that captured Larry’s attention. Jiu-Jitsu provided him with a new purpose and a way to focus his energy after a career change, but it also became a vital part of his recovery and personal growth.
Obstacles and Key Decisions:
Larry’s journey into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu took a life-altering turn when, in June of 2009, he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while training. His heart stopped for five minutes, and doctors later called his survival a miracle. For many, a near-death experience like this might cause them to reconsider their lifestyle or avoid physical challenges. But for Larry, the experience only strengthened his resolve.
Rather than let the cardiac arrest define him, Larry used it as a catalyst to deepen his commitment to Jiu-Jitsu and more importantly teaching Jiu-Jitsu. His return to the mats was a testament to his belief that resilience and perseverance could overcome even the most difficult obstacles. However, his health challenges were far from over. In the years that followed, Larry faced yet another life-threatening battle: septic shock caused by MRSA from a recent surgery. Once again, he fought for his life, emerging stronger from the experience.
These moments of life-threatening adversity gave Larry a unique perspective on the value of every day. The health setbacks shaped his personal philosophy and his teaching approach, emphasizing not just the physical aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but the mental and emotional resilience it fosters.
Turning Point and Breakthrough:
Larry’s breakthrough came when he realized that his survival and recovery were not just about overcoming personal struggles; they were about helping others do the same. He found his calling as both a teacher and mentor, using his own story as a source of inspiration for his students. Through his first Academy in Florida-JaxBJJ, and Hendo BJJ, his Academy now in Hendersonville, NC, Larry now teaches others not just the techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but the core values of perseverance, faith, and resilience.
Larry’s commitment to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu led him to achieve the BJJ Black Belt in 2008, and he now has one of the highest ranks in Western North Carolina as a 4th Degree BJJ Black Belt. But it was his dedication to fostering a supportive community at Jax BJJ, and now at Hendo BJJ that set him apart from others in the field. The Academy is not just a place to learn Jiu-Jitsu; it’s a place where individuals can push through their limitations and develop both physically and mentally.
What Makes Larry and Hendo BJJ Unique:
What sets Larry apart from other Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors is his remarkable story of resilience. His journey through personal health crises, his fight against death, and his ultimate triumph in achieving 4th Degree Rigan Machado BJJ Black Belt status gives him an extraordinary perspective on life. It’s this perspective that he brings to his teaching, creating an environment at Hendo BJJ that encourages students to rise above their challenges and continue pushing forward.
Larry’s credentials as the one of the higher-ranked BJJ Black belts in the WNC area demonstrates his expertise, but it is his life story that truly defines him. As a devout Christian, Larry’s faith plays a central role in his approach to Jiu-Jitsu and life. His academy is a place where students are encouraged to learn discipline, respect, and resilience—not only through the physical practice of Jiu-Jitsu but through their overall approach to life.
Additionally, Larry is the founder of Kid-Jitsu®, a curriculum he developed to teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to children. Kid-Jitsu® is designed to help children build confidence, discipline, and resilience, all while learning the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This unique curriculum has helped set Hendo BJJ apart, offering young students (4-12 years) a structured and positive environment to learn valuable life skills.
Human Detail, Quotes, and Emotion:
Reflecting on his near-death experiences, Larry shares, “I was dead for five minutes. The doctors later told me it was a miracle that I came back. But when I woke up and got a grasp of what had happened, I knew I had something to live for, and I couldn’t give up. I had to keep going.”, “It’s been one day at a time ever since, and that’s been, just over 16 years ago”.
Larry’s story is a testament to the power of resilience. His words echo a deep truth: Life is fragile, but we have the power to shape our own outcomes through determination. This outlook is what he instills in his students at Hendo BJJ, teaching them not just to fight on the mats but to face life’s challenges with the same relentless spirit.
“Life will knock you down, but if you get up, you’ve already won,” Larry says. These words encapsulate his approach to teaching and life—an approach that encourages students to persevere through adversity and to appreciate every moment.
Call to Action:
Larry Shealy’s journey of survival and perseverance is nothing short of extraordinary. His story is one of facing the unthinkable and coming out the other side stronger than ever. Today, at Hendo BJJ, Larry continues to inspire others by teaching the principles of resilience and personal growth through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
If you are ready to overcome your own obstacles and learn the life-changing art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, visit Hendo BJJ’s website to learn more. Whether you are looking to improve your fitness, build confidence, or gain life skills, Larry and his Academy offer a path forward.
Links:
