On August 2nd, 2024, I received the greatest honor of my mar..
Added 2024-09-07 13:21:16 +0000 UTCOn August 2nd, 2024, I received the greatest honor of my martial arts career: I officially became a BJJ Black Belt!
I’ve said many times that I didn’t feel like I “deserved” it. I was never in it for the rank or belts.its part of the progression of the sport. I simply showed up, worked hard, and pursued my passion for the love of it. The personal growth, self-improvement, and success in the cage and in the mat were enough for me. But being acknowledged this way was deeply moving. One of my professors told me, “Yes, Jamie, you deserve many things because you’re a good person. Good people deserve good things. But the truth is, no one deserves anything unless they earn it—and you’ve earned it. YOU are a black belt.”
This changed my perspective on what it really means to hold a black belt. It's about who you’ve become through the journey, how you give back to the sport and the community, and how you treat others. It has taught me to trust myself as I move forward as a leader, and someone others can look up to.
This is the start of a new chapter, a new season…and so far, I really love it here 🖤🖤🖤🖤❤️
