It’s with a lot of thought based on some recent events I’m making a major change in my life. I’m letting everyone know at this time that this will be my last week teaching Jiu-jitsu at Gracie Arizona. Nathan and I have talked at length the last few days and we are parting ways on good terms. He does not agree with my decision but we remain close friends. I’m not just leaving the academy but am also stopping my Jiu-Jitsu practice altogether. There are two reasons for this which happened in the past few days. First is my promotion to 6th degree black belt in karate this past weekend at the United States Karate Alliance Nationals in Las Vegas. I believe with the promotion I’ve attained a level where other martial arts training becomes pointless. The other reason is after watching the Eddie Bravo/Royler Gracie match and seeing Royler avoid tapping out due to his extraordinary flexibility, I think putting more time into my yoga practice will protect me from nearly all submission attacks. I value all the friendships I’ve made at Gracie Arizona and in the Jiu-Jitsu world over the last 19 years of training. Good luck to you all.
Posted on: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 12:48:34 +0000