Gratitude: Reflections from the Mats
Each chapter of my life has been enhanced by the relationships and circumstances related to jiu-jitsu, and I will forever be grateful for that. To honor jiu-jitsu's impact on my life, I make it a point to train on my birthday every year, November 15th. It's a personal gift to myself—a way to reflect on where I was and where I am now and to envision the future.
Jiu-jitsu has profoundly impacted my life. During my early years of training in New York City, I befriended Mattie Leto, a black belt and chiropractor who inspired me to pursue a career in chiropractic. When choosing which chiropractic school to attend, I factored in the quality of the nearby jiu-jitsu academies. Ultimately, I decided on Life University in Atlanta, where I trained at the Alliance Headquarters. There, I met my wife, Erin, who motivated me to chase our dreams together. We went on to start a family and open Flower of Life Chiropractic and The Mats in DFW.
Every significant life event has been influenced by jiu-jitsu, leading me to build a community with all of you today. I am deeply grateful for each of you—my students—and for jiu-jitsu itself, which has shaped me not only as a coach but also as a person.
Every time I step onto the mat and see you all pushing yourselves, digging deep, and committing to your growth, I remember why I do this. Each of you brings something unique to our academy. Your dedication, drive, and trust make this a place of strength and respect. I know that the training can be challenging. There are days when the techniques don’t click, fatigue hits harder, and the journey feels uphill. And yet, you keep showing up, putting in the work, and growing through the challenges. That resilience isn’t easy to find, and I’m grateful to witness it daily.
Jiu-Jitsu has been a profound teacher in my life. It’s shown me the value of patience, the importance of discipline, and the resilience from facing—and embracing—difficulty. There’s a certain humility gained when constantly challenged on the mat, and that’s a lesson I carry into everything I do. Through Jiu-Jitsu, I’ve learned that strength isn’t always about winning but showing up with courage and resolve, no matter the outcome.
And as a coach, I feel privileged to share that journey with you. Every drill, match, and piece of feedback is part of a bigger picture we’re creating together. Watching each of you grow, push through obstacles, and celebrate victories, big and small, has made me a better coach, a better practitioner, and, honestly, a better person.
Jiu-Jitsu isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes grit, perseverance, and a willingness to face discomfort head-on. That makes it so powerful, and I believe in purpose and intentional effort training. This isn’t about quick fixes or easy paths. It’s about committing to the long road that builds resilience, grit, and true strength.
One of the greatest lessons Jiu-Jitsu has taught me is to appreciate the journey, not just the destination. Each practice, repetition, and roll is part of a process that goes beyond just learning techniques. It’s about developing a mindset that can face challenges with resilience and gratitude. And I’m so grateful that you all trust me to guide you along that path.
Thank you for your hard work and for making our academy a place of support, respect, and shared growth. Your energy, commitment, and how you support each other have created a true community. I’m grateful for the chance to be part of that. Coaching each of you is an honor, and every time I see you hit a new milestone or overcome an obstacle, it’s a reminder of why I love this art and this community.
As we head into this season of gratitude, please reflect on your Jiu-Jitsu journey. I welcome you to appreciate the hard days, the little victories, and the lessons that Jiu-Jitsu has taught you along the way, as they may have led you to where you are now. There is strength in the struggle and beauty in the process.
Thank you for trusting me, for inspiring me, and for making our academy a place I look forward to being in every day. I’m proud of you all and can’t wait to see where we go together next.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!