Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: empowered

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: empowered

Sometimes the literature we choose is serendipitous. Often times, life presents us with tasks that seem unfeasible to achieve at the moment, or that are unfair; and sometimes your perfect plan will be derailed by the myriad of variables that were unforeseen, or were not considered at an earlier time. Are some of us cursed?…

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: bully, bully

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: bully, bully

You watch your child go off to school for the first time and the flashbacks of the harsh realities you faced growing up hits you like a overwhelming rush of sobriety. If you were said bully, you hope Karma doesn’t take the sins of the parent out on your child; and if you were the…

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: coach

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: coach

My son, Dominic, looks up at me and asks, “Is it Kids Jiu-jitsu class today?” I respond, “Yes, go get dressed.” The whaling cries of … “No, I just want to play with my friends,” echoes throughout our home, and I’m sure for the neighbors to hear a few houses down. Training is not optional…

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: serendipity

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: serendipity

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Serendipity as “the faculty of phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for.” Seventeen years ago, on this day, I met the woman I was meant to marry. It was not planned, and if I hadn’t listen to my friends on that fateful night, my life would’ve taken a completely…

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: alive

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: alive

A former battle buddy asked me about competing this past week. This is a man I went to combat with, who served as my Platoon Sergeant, when I was a year in the Army as an Infantry Rifle Platoon Leader. His primary role as the senior enlisted advisor was to validate our approach in everything…

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: resolution

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: resolution

“New Year, New You…” no doubt a sentiment expressed into mirrors all over the world to bring in 2021. It’s that time when we find our purpose and make spoken, and unspoken, contractual agreements with ourselves and the ones we love. I promise I will lose weight… I promise I will be a better person……

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: ’tis the season

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: ’tis the season

It’s been a hot minute since my last post, but between receiving our household goods, decorating our home for the holidays, and the mad dash to complete as many tasks at work before the vacation period, time has blurred together to say the least. With Christmas upon us and a new year approaching, giving everyone…

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: giving thanks

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: giving thanks

Seasons greetings – no doubt the the most prevalent theme which will take us into the new year. Having the opportunity to spend the holidays with loved ones is more therapeutic than we can imagine, and I’m grateful to have been able to spend Thanksgiving with my wife and children this year. Trust me, when…

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: awareness

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: awareness

Comfort is the enemy. More and more professionals in a variety of organizations will give you the same assessment. An easy life, although comfortable and even stable, will not scratch the proverbial itch your psyche requires to be content. The comfort trap often plagues our service members during times of reflection when they are battling…

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: the path

Reflections of a Jiujiteiro: the path

This is my game. There are many game’s like it, but this one is mine… all my fellow veteran grapplers eyes are widening as the opening line relates to the infamous Rifleman’s Creed of the U.S. Marine Corps. The next phase of my journey will take place in Wiesbaden, Hessen, Germany. This chapter is lined…

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