Saturday was a very interesting day for me, after training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 12/1/06 I was promoted to Brown Belt. As with most promotions, I didn’t feel like I was ready for it, but I trust the opinions of the gentlemen making the decision and will bust my ass to live up to their expectations. It has been a very strange journey, coming in as a big strong lunk head who figured I could master this stuff in no time, (that didn’t last long, after getting choked out 12 times in one 5 minute round, by a guy 130 pounds lighter than me) I saw that there was A LOT to learn. For every time I sort of, almost had something figured out, there were just as many instances of frustration, ineptitude, clumsiness and stubborn, strong guy, bone-headedness (sure, it’s a word). During this time, my appreciation for this amazing art has only grown, not only does it keep you healthy, give you confidence, teach you anatomy, kinetics & physics, but it also introduces you to some amazing, fantastic people. It builds odd, interesting and wonderful friendships. Only on the Jiu-Jitsu mat can you be fighting like crazy to keep someone from choking you senseless and as a gross drop of their sweat drops RIGHT INTO YOUR EAR HOLE, you both laugh like lunatics, while continuing to fight the whole time. Eventually either you get choked or escape, then you shake hands and start again. Only on the Jiu-Jitsu mats ! Jiu-Jitsu will change your life ! I have come to realize that Jiu Jitsu is the cheapest and most satisfying therapy ever, no one needs a shrink if they can get on the mats a couple of times a week. So, to all of the folks at Spa City Bjj in upstate NY where I started out (thanks for taking in a stubborn meat head) and to all of the folks at Ground Zero Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & MMA in Huntington, WV where I am training now (thanks for taking in a transplant) THANK YOU all very much, whether you are smashing me, stuck underneath me (sorry, I know it is no fun) or training with me in any other way, I appreciate it, you guys have all helped me stay (semi) sane, especially after last year’s injury & extended recovery (that SUCKED). To all of my training partners (and Hell Yes I am going to name check you guys, your AWESOME) Thanks again, another step along the way. Professors Chad Beatty (Kaged Kombat), Bob Dashnow & Eddie Fyvie at Spacity Bjj, Matt Secor, James Fallas, Chris Cocozzo, Dan Henderson, Shawn Sicard, Larry Kanal, Kirill Gron & Stanislav Gron (the Russian Assassins), Jim Bruchac, Amy Bullock & Kandi Woods (the gals who used to kick my ass) Chuck Holland, Lenny Baker, Chris Maiello, Leo Gannon, David Rath, Joshua Lopez, Dan Phoenix, Tim Ortiz, Eric Reyell, Jose Lopez, and the rest of the beasts in NY. And of course, the folks kicking my ass now, at Ground Zero BJJ and MMA, Professors Ashley Lockwood & Tim Dunlap, Cameron Knight, Jason Butcher, Manuel López, Jason McGuire, Thomas Denmark Uylenbroek, Jason Beckner, Benji Cienfuegos, Jimmy Danger Lobo, W Chris Hale, Alex Vence, Shawn Ross, Travis Moore, Evan Donnelly, Kristopher Nekvinda, Adam Hager, Seth Gilkerson, Nathan Hedrick, Tiffney Henson, Karoline Uylenbroek, Melissa Hale (the gals who currently kick my ass), Jesse G Lands, Eric Jarvis, Jamerson Jameson Wellman, Matthew Haid, Jason Miller (not Mayhem), Shawn Perry, Corey Wilks, Rob T., Gibbie Gibson & Tre Stewart. Whoever I forgot, sorry, it wasnt intentional, but I have typed my fingers down to stubs, enough is enough.
Posted on: Tue, 13 May 2014 18:26:45 +0000