For some of us, it means everything.

I’ll keep it brief but it’s important and it could be helpful to somebody.

y’all have heard the trope that ‘jiu jitsu saved my life’ This is kinda one of those.

So I used to be homeless. Drug addicted from a young age, not the greatest family of origin.

I got sober years ago and discovered jiu jitsu. It changed everything, gave me a family, taught me to believe in myself. Eventually I started using again and never believed I’d make it out alive. Knowing I’d never train again was heartbreaking for me as Jiu Jitsu and my people meant everything.

However, I never let go of my blue belt. It was the one thing of sentimental value I refused to lose. When I lived in tents, the shelter, it was even in my property the times I was in jail, I always made sure I had it. It was a symbol of what my life could be like again if I somehow pulled myself up out of this pit.

This month marks one year of sobriety, and I was awarded my purple belt yesterday.

It brings me to tears when I think about it, and I think it will for a while.

I’m saying all this because it matters to me, and I can’t be the only one who feels this way about our sport.

Thanks for letting me share this with y’all.