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The Heart of a Warrior: Rob Lock's Battle with Hereditary Coronary Heart Disease

Rob Lock, a seasoned martial artist with over 50 years of experience, epitomizes resilience and strength. Known for his impeccable technique, dedication, and mentorship, Rob’s journey took a dramatic turn when he faced an unexpected foe not in the dojo, but within his own body: hereditary coronary heart disease.

Rob’s life had always been a testament to physical prowess. Despite his rigorous training and unwavering discipline, he had no idea of the silent danger lurking within. One fateful day on the 19th April 2024, while engaging in an intense Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) session with his friends at Wombourne Legacy BJJ, Rob suddenly collapsed, leaving his fellow practitioners in shock.

Rob thankful for his get well card from students at his Academy

That fateful day at Wombourne Legacy BJJ

In a remarkable display of teamwork and quick thinking, Dan and Chris took turns performing CPR on Rob, while Mark cleared Rob’s airway and supported his head to keep the air passage open. Grant, on the phone with emergency services, coordinated the dispatch of an ambulance. Meanwhile, Richard and Shaun sprinted to a nearby restaurant to retrieve a defibrillator, and Ryan hurried outside to flag down the arriving ambulance.

For eleven intense minutes, CPR was carried out by Rob’s colleagues and then by paramedics, who arrived just in time. Finally, Rob regained consciousness, albeit nauseous and vomiting. As he was carried away on a stretcher by the paramedics, Rob turned to his life-saving friends at Wombourne Legacy BJJ and, with heartfelt gratitude, uttered a simple yet profound “sorry.”

After the operation in may, chest protector to hold the wired chest bones together for coughing,fits, oxygen to help breathing.
Rob's BJJ Instructor and life saver Chris Rawlins, visiting and bringing blue belt one stripe & a suit that students brought for Rob.

The Battle Begins

Rob’s journey toward recovery was daunting. His doctor’s informed him that a quadruple bypass surgery was vital to restore blood flow to his heart. This procedure would involve grafting blood vessels from other parts of his body to bypass the blocked arteries, ensuring his heart received the oxygen-rich blood it desperately needed.

Rob's amazing by-pass surgeon, Dr Maciej Matuszewski
Chief Instructor Chris asking Rob when he will be ready for training

The Warrior's Spirit

True to his warrior spirit, Rob approached the surgery with the same determination he had shown throughout his martial arts career. The procedure was a success, but his journey was far from over. The road to recovery was paved with challenges—endless cardiac rehabilitation sessions, dietary changes, and an unfamiliar sense of vulnerability, and every few days Rob asked the doctors when he might be able to get back to training and teaching. He would often say “Just a rough idea so I can plan it out in my mind”. By June Rob was back teaching at his academy and by July his was training at Wombourne Legacy BJJ.

But Rob’s indomitable spirit, family support and dedication to his craft saw him through in record time, amazing his doctors, family and friends. He embraced lifestyle changes, incorporated a heart-healthy diet, and adhered to medications prescribed to control cholesterol and blood pressure. He also became an advocate for family screening and genetic counselling, encouraging his loved ones to undergo testing and proactive management to prevent similar fates.

Testament to having been through the wars!
Rob, with his daughters, Megan and Hannah

A New Chapter

Today, Rob Lock continues to inspire and mentor aspiring martial artists at his Academy in Dudley with a newfound perspective. His battle with hereditary coronary heart disease has infused his teachings with profound lessons about self-care and resilience. He emphasizes that true strength lies not just in physical prowess, but in the ability to adapt, overcome, and inspire others.

Rob’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of awareness, genetic testing, and early intervention. His journey from the dojo to the hospital bed and back to the dojo is a testament to the warrior’s spirit—a spirit that refuses to be defeated, no matter the odds.

Heartfelt Thanks

Rob extends his heartfelt gratitude to family, friends, and the staff, students, and parents at the academy. He also wishes to thank the paramedics, the staff at Russells Hall Hospital and New Cross Hospital, and the surgeons, Dr. Craig Barr and Dr. Maciej Matuszewski. Additionally, Rob offers his sincere thanks to Chris Rawlins, Dan, Grant, Richard, Marc, Ryan and Shaun.

The guys from Wombourne Legacy BJJ who saved Rob's life that night (left to right) Shaun, Dan,Grant, Richard, Rob, Chris, Ryan and Mark

“No one knows when their time is done, all I know is cherish each day, week, month, year. Health and life is precious, family and friends are everything. Stay fit, heatlhy, train and enjoy.

I’m told by my surgeons I have no scar tissue due to a very strong heart and that I’ve had an amazing escape, I put that down to fifty years training martial arts, I’m truly grateful for my journey thus far” – Rob Lock

Article by Scott & Zoe Shaw