On May 18th, 2010 I was promoted to the rank of purple belt by Master Lloyd Irvin. It is a great feeling to be one step closer to my goal, which is achieving my BJJ Black Belt, competing against the best, and becoming the best.
When I heard Master Lloyd call my name and told me front and center, my mind was blank, I was shocked and didn’t believe what was going on. I stood there baffled as he walked on the mat with a my purple belt around his neck. Not to mention all that was going through my mind was the whippings that I was about to get. It’s tradition to do the paddy wagon, and I was not excited for that part at all, and the class was HUGE!
I was overwhelmed with joy, holding back tears….I am proud of myself. I came to Maryland for one thing, and one thing only. I was fortunate to visit during Christmas time in 2008, also during team training. At that point in my jiu-jitsu career, I was injured but that didn’t stop me. I saw the training, the lifestyle and that’s exactly what I wanted, Jiu-Jitsu by day, Jiu-Jitsu by night. I sat down with Master Lloyd and we discussed what my goals were, and what I wanted to do with my career. And for those of you who know him, he can be a very intimidating person, boy was I nervous.
Through all the trials, tribulations, and struggles that I have been through during the past 18 months, it was and is all worth it. Moving here was the best decision I have made. With that being said, I want to Thank everyone who has helped me get to where I am at today. My journey continues, and I am following my path to make my dreams come true.
