"Jiujitsu Heals All..."

Last June, I was awarded my Blue Belt from my coach Red Schafer. Everything seemed as though, I’d be on the fast track towards Jiujitsu Heaven, but it wasn’t. Roadblock after roadblock sprang up and another yet, again. It seemed as though; I couldn’t get a strong foundation to being rebuilding my training and jiujitsu way of life. I mean think about it, I’m over 40 with a family and full time career. When would I have time to train and train seriously? It isn’t like I’m one of these young gunners who can kick it late night and still make it to train with few hours of sleep. Dude, I need as much rest as I can possibly get.

Unfortunately for my children and I, we lost my wife in early March of this year. Her passing was truly devastating to the family. Daniela (my wife) was my greatest supporter in Jiujitsu and would push me when I didn’t want to go train. She is truly the reason I succeed in life, not just Jiujitsu. Trying to find normality after such a loss seems hopeless, but the children and I are steadily pushing forward, never forgetting her or her spirit.

As I try to get back to being semi-normal, I run into the obstacle of clashing schedules. My work schedule and my Jiujitsu schedule are like opposing siblings. Both supposedly working for me, but steadily warring with one another. I’d have to train during the morning schedule because my work schedule starts at 12:30 PM. Jiujitsu is at 11:00 AM-to-12:30 PM, which would leave me having to rush out and miss rolling with my team. I would get technique, but not much rolling. This is a problem because my coach isn’t seeing me and my technique in action. Well, I have “FINALLY” gotten the okay to begin work later on Jiujitsu Days so I can stay all session and roll with the team.

For me, Jiujitsu isn’t about competing, but about having something that I enjoy doing and can see improvement each time I step onto the mat. Renzo Gracie said, “The mat don’t lie!” I agree with him. I know the pain and distress of loosing my wife and the mother of my children won’t vanish because I train, but it will help to redirect and emit the pain and stress towards something more positive. I apologize to my team for not being able to be there as I’ve wanted to be. I’ll make it up when each of you choke me out, =D!!!! See you on the mat.