First off, let me say that some of my best technical students never compete. Â They just do not want to engage in martial arts on that level. Â During my late twenties and early thirties, I stopped competing because of the needs of my family, only to start to compete again in my early 40's. Â Competition is not necessary to become a great martial artist.
With all that being said, I want to tell you the story about one of my competitors named Garrett. Garrett is not only a student and a competitor at our school, but a junior staff member as well. Â Earnest, respectful, helpful and kind are all words to describe Garrett. Â Here are some other words to describe Garrett:Â Multiple time regional grappling champion, submission specialist, and a fierce competitor.
Garrett is is personification of the growth mind-set. He has risen through the ranks competing as a white belt, losing time after time, only to come off the mat unaffected simply saying "what can I do to improve?" Â He sets about not just uttering the words but, in a committed and deliberate way, refines his skills and then works to better himself. Over time he has become the person that every kid in the Juvenile division dreads competing against. I have seen him win handily, like this weekend, where he beat a very tough competitor he has competed against before, each match lasting less than 40 seconds. Â I have also seen him on the receiving end of losses like he dolled out. Â The "even keel" calm and deliberate way that he trains and teaches is a great example to all.
We are so proud to have Garrett as a staff member and someone who represents our Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Program in competition. He is a towering role-model of "real-martial arts" with its core humility, respect, control and the growth mindset.
Do not mistake kindness for weakness!
