6 years as a purple belt. A busy work schedule, a couple of surgeries, a few a broken bones, countless bumps and bruises, and let’s be honest... being lazy from time to time, kept me from progressing. But one thing I’ve learned in my time training JIu Jitsu - It’s not about how long it takes, but rather, that you stick with it and persevere. This is a marathon and not a sprint.
I retired from competing in 2014 and I still continued to train a few days a week without any expectations or regrets of never focusing on the next level of my journey yet today to my surprise I was awarded my brown belt. I’m so thankful for my brothers and sisters from the multiple gyms i train at, who have literally shed blood, sweat, and tears with me over the years. I love you all, and you all make me a better man.
Thank you to my coaches and instructors for everything, and a special thanks to Shawn Hammonds for your years of guidance, friendship, and teaching me most everything I know in JIu jitsu. You all have all seen me through some tough times and good times, and your consistent love and support for over 13 years now, have shaped and guided me into the man I am. There’s a bond that forms between us that can only be formed by us beating the hell out of each other. And today, y’all beat the hell out of me, but my heart is full of joy.
I can’t believe at 50 years old I’m a brown belt now. Holy shit.
Thank you to my brothers and sisters at Nashville MMA, Smash Bros, Shebaro Jiu-Jitsu Nashville, And Lloyd Irvin MMA Academy
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