new blue belt at FIRST BJJ CENTER in Utah
Today marked, to my great surprise, the moment in which I made my first significant step in the Brazilian Jujitsu Martial arts.
My journey started approximately 8 months ago when I noticed a new Jujitsu studio adjacent to the Van Winkles Golds Gym complex. My interest was immediately piqued and I walked through the doors to be introduced to Carlos Santos and Suyan Queiroz.
Carlos and Suyan are native Brazilians and highly accomplished Brazilian Jujitsu black belts. Both of them are world champions and are of the Carlson Gracie lineage. I was met immediately with a warm reception by them both and felt excited about what they had to offer.
After a brief discussion I left their studio and headed back out into the world where I was in the process of moving into a new house and traveling out of town on business. Upon my return and completion of my move-in, I immediately returned to the Frist BJJ studio.
When I did, I was surprised that both Carlos and Suyan not only recognized me from the 15 minute visit a few weeks earlier, but they both asked me about my trip and move. I was highly impressed to say the least that their interest in me was deeper than simply as a student but more importantly as a friend.
I started attending their afternoon and evening classes. I did the best I could with my 36 year old body to make every possible training session, many of which I could only watch as a spectator because I was tired or strained as my body was being challenged in ways it never has been.
I began to crave Jujitsu. I fell asleep and woke up thinking about it. I could not go through the day without contemplating the many positions I was being taught and roll playing deploying them. I learned that Jujitsu is one part body and another part mind. It is like the ultimate game of chess.
I met other students and started developing friendships with them. New students arrived and again, I started developing friendships with them. It became apparent quickly that I was not only a student but would, as I learned and developed, be able to help others starting on their journey in Jujitsu. I started feeling purposeful beyond just developing a talent but also a skill I could pass onto others.
Of course I am still very young in my journey and in no way in a position to teach others but it has been a joy to start to be able to offer insight on the work we do on the mats. It has also been very rewarding to be humble enough to allow others to help me improve my skills. That is one of the incredible things about this sport. No matter where you are at, others are learning from you. I know I have learned a tremendous amount from my co-students, both in Jujitsu and in life.
I have found that this is so much more than a sport but a way of life. These people I see on a daily basis are becoming my family. I feel a sense of belonging and a comradery I have felt in few others places in life. I have a deep interest in seeing and celebrating my successes but especially others as we take this journey together.
I cannot begin to understand how fortunate I am to have met Carlos and Suyan, and their beautiful families, you too little Haffey, and all the other students this incredible studio has brought into my life. It provides me an overwhelming sense of belonging and fortification to participate in this training.
Until this post, I have been holding off on openly sharing my participation in Jujitsu. I even went as far as untagging myself from related posts. I did this because for me, I felt like it was important to not just do it and then brag about it (something I have been guilty of in the past), but rather hold off and ensure that my dedication to it was more than just a passing hobby but rather a commitment to a new lifestyle. One in which my body is evolving as is my mind and relationships with others. Today marked that occasion and I am proud to publicly have the opportunity to thank all those individuals who have helped me achieve the success that I was honored with today.
So to Carlos, Suyan, their families who support their efforts, and the many students I have the honor of training alongside, Helen, Mikey Son, Jonut, Ginga, Gustavo, Cy, Greggers, Ross Dress for Less, Corby, Trevors, Ashely & Hob, Big Pedro, Matheus, Chad, Carson, Hick, Le Ane Lli, Ryan, Chaves, Samus, and the newer students who I know by face but which my dumb brain remains scattered as to names… thank you all!
And although I can express my warm regards here, I doubt that any of you will ever understand how truly remarkable and blessed I feel to have your support and friendships and how important and meaningful they are to me in my life! I consider First BJJ Center to be my second family, and for that I am grateful.
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