Former Wellington Lions player, Hemi Pou, believes he has found the answer.

When Hemi hung up his boots for the last time, he turned to Surfing to fill the gap in his sporting life. But after some encouragement from his business partner, Reefside Surf Shop owner Sacha Jackson, Hemi tried a new activity that stirred his sporting passion and inspired him to focus his skills in a completely different arena. Martial Arts.

Since his first introduction to the Martial Art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), Hemi has been 'hooked'. Joining Sacha at Wellingtons Specialists Grappling School, G.S.W. Hemi quickly picked up the necessary Fundamental skills and began training as many classes as he could possibly fit into a week.

Hemi's passion and dedication for BJJ recently paid dividends when he competed at a national Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Competition held in Auckland. Hemi, along with 5 other teammates from the G.S.W. club, traveled to Auckland to test their mettle against the best the country had to offer.

The result? Well Hemi describes it as the greatest sporting achievement in his life.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a Martial Art that is about controlling your opponent with grappling techniques and applying any number of different submissions forcing them to give up or 'Tap Out' and that is exactly what Hemi did. In his weight division, (novice under 95kg), Hemi submitted every opponent he faced, to take the first place trophy.

He then proceeded to repeat that feat in the open weight division. Storming through the competition Hemi again submitted every BJJ exponent that he faced, including, 'Kula', an Auckland competitor who weighed in at a whopping 160kg!!

That bout was a highlight of the day. After a tense 5-minute bout in which neither side was able to score any points, the referee called for extra time. In the dieing seconds of the two minute overtime the fight hit the floor and Hemi was able to gain the top position and secure an Armbar forcing 'Kula' to tap out. At which point the crowd went crazy in appreciation of the epic battle of wills and undoubtedly the day's best match.

Hemi's fellow G.S.W. teammates also held their own in the city of sails.

Michael Hourigan, defeated all in his division to take the under 75kg novice trophy. Jonathan Bares collected the Blue Belt under 75 kg title by defeating several of New Zealand's top Blue Belt competitors. The other members of the team had success as well, with the newest club members Kane Minogue and Scott Lyons both having a great showing in their first BJJ competition. Assistant instructor Dion Burns competed in the Purple Belt division and gave a good display of high-level skill narrowly loosing his bouts.

At the end of day prize-giving G.S.W. had earned 4 Gold Medals and was awarded the 2nd place teams trophy, which is outstanding as the team consisted of only 6 members in a field of 60 competitors.

And the final highlight of the day?

After an outstanding display of skill and prowess on the BJJ mats, Auckland's top ranked Brazilian Jiu Jitsu exponents voted Hemi Pou as most technical fighter of the day.

So Yes the is life after competitive Rugby just ask Hemi Pou, New Zealand Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion.

On a side not footage from Hemi's interview with Maori Tv is available:
http://www.gsw.co.nz/images/video/hemi_pou.mpg