Before I was a runner I spent my free time practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Running was my cross training. It was something I did to make sure I made weight for tournaments, and I honestly wasn't really into running but I knew it was something I needed to do to stay fit. The more I competed the more I ran. Eventually my sister would convince me to run a 5k, and then eventually a half marathon.
Before I knew it, I was running and doing Jiu-Jitsu and not much else. I was competing in Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, running half marathons, and I was in pretty good physical shape.
Then my life took an expected turn. Jiu-Jitsu took a back seat because of some personal life struggles I was going through, but running ended up taking a front seat and before I knew it running was dominating my life.
Running became my outlet. I was able to head out to the park for a couple hours, burn off some energy, and most importantly have time to gather my thoughts.
After awhile Jiu-Jitsu became something that I use to do. After I did my first marathon I dove into running ultra marathons very quickly and running ultras pretty much consumed all my time.
Jiu-Jitsu would always randomly pop back into my life. I would have old friends randomly ask me to train with them, and I would, but I could never seem to get back into training.
When I stopped training Jiu-Jitsu it was a very complex time in my life. I think that deep down I constantly associated Jiu-Jitsu with that part of my life and that's why it was so hard for me to want to train again.
Then one day I got a call from my old friend Steve RedLion. He was getting ready to open up a Jiu-Jitsu school and wanted me to start training again. I reluctantly went to class from time to time because I still had old feelings of frustration that I associated with that part of my life.
After a year of training off and on (more "off" than "on") I just stopped training altogether.
I once again gave up on training...
Then one day Steve called me and asked me why I wasn't showing up to class. I slightly remember giving him some bull shit excuses and Steve wasn't taking any of them. I remember our phone conversation ended with Steve telling me that he expected me to be in class and that I better be there.
Steve isn't the type of person I can easily say no to, so I unpacked my Jiu-Jitsu gi, got my blue belt, and went to class that night.
I figured I should give it one more shot. Steve obviously felt I should, and I always trusted his opinion.
My work and family schedule is very busy. I have two kids, I work full time, have a part time job, train for ultra marathons, and I'm recently remarried. I have to balance work, family, and training... and sometimes it seems impossible.
Well, one thing that Steve told me was this, "I know you're very busy, but you get in here, train hard, and we will get you your purple belt."
I had my blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu for a very long time. With my "on again off again" training that was almost expected. I honestly never thought I'd make it to the next belt ranking of purple belt.
I trained when I could, usually only one day a week, but I would randomly have weeks where I could train 3 times a week. I quickly started telling myself "quality over quantity." I knew with my schedule I wasn't going to be able to train as much as some of the other guys, but I really needed to make those days that I could train count.
After about 9 months of Steve patiently working with me, cleaning up my Jiu-Jitsu technique, and changing the way I fight... on January 12th, 2013 I was awarded my purple belt in Jiu-Jitsu.
I've had a lot of people in this sport help me along the way. But no none of them have helped me along the way like Steve has. He's been an amazing teacher, mentor, friend, buddy... and when I was married last June of 2012 Steve stood right next to me in my corner as I exchanged wedding vows with my wife Lori.
Now comes the next stage in my Jiu-Jitsu life... going for my brown belt.
I feel a renewed love for the sport of Jiu-Jitsu. I'm excited to take my Jiu-Jitsu game to the next level. For the first time in a long time I'm excited about training. The balance of family, work, ultra running, Jiu-Jitsu, and friendships all seem to be getting in sync.
I have many 50 mile and 100 mile races planed for 2013, but I know if I want to get my brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu I know I'll have to step up my Jiu-Jitsu game, and I'll also need to start competing again... and hopefully I'll step back into competition by the end of this year.
I have to admit, the thought of competing again makes me a little nervous. My last tournament was back in 2008.
I look forward to the challenge ahead of me. I also know that with Steve, and the other many awesome training partners I have, any challenge put in front of me will be overcome.
One important lesson I've learned from Jiu-Jitsu and ultra marathon running is this... sometimes believing in yourself isn't enough. You need people in your corner reminding you from time to time that you need to keep pushing through all the barricades that life puts in front of you. The people who love you will help keep you well grounded and humble when you're at the top, and they'll help pick you up when your at the bottom.
If it wasn't for Steve, I might never achieved my goal of getting my purple belt in Jiu-Jitsu. I also know that he doesn't expect me to stop progressing from there. I know he expects me to eventually get my brown belt.
Well, that's it for this blog entry. I hope it wasn't too long and boring for you guys.
...to all my running friends,
KEEP RUNNING!!!!
...and to all my Jiu-Jitsu buddies,
I'll see you on the mat, and keep rolling!!!
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