Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” ~Thomas Edison
It’s been an interesting week integrating into our new family battle-rhythm. The kids are adapting to the cultural dynamics of their new schools, we have found a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu academy to continue our training, and Claudia and I have been working diligently to deconflict our professional demands. We have been busy, however, we are grateful for how the process has been going thus far.
Integration
Prior to starting my new assignment, I am required to complete the Airborne Integration Course here at Fort Bragg. It’s designed to prepare a new paratrooper for the possibility of deploying world-wide within an 18-hour window. This posture requires more than just showing up with the right gear at the right time. It requires the paratrooper to be physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared to not just deploy, but to also be prepared to accomplish whatever mission he or she may receive upon arrival. I am fully aware that I have to set conditions for my family now to be prepared when I receive the call to deploy at a moments notice.
Airborne Culture
I receive a lot of comments referring to the high-operational tempo of my new unit, however, I have been known to thrive in crisis. To be the best you have to work with the best and that was my thought process when I chose this assignment. The top reason high-performers select an organization is because they want to work with high-caliber people. The attention to detail by the cadre and the rich history of the organization have been nothing less than impressive.
You need to train in a gym where there are people you can beat, people that are as good as you, and people that beat you up. This is how you grow and find balance.” Professor Gabriel Sousa, Apex Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
On the Mats
We have had a great reception on the mats at our new academy, ZR Team Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, located in Spring Lake, North Carolina. Dominic and Brianna are getting to know their new training partners and are learning the ropes training in gen-pop once more. This sentiment has not been lost on Claudia and I as we both have been through the gauntlet during our warm welcome at the adult classes. Anything worthwhile is worth the investment of time and sacrifice. It’s up to us to decide how far we are willing to go to achieve our goals.
The greatest things in life all require commitment, sacrifice, some struggle and hardship. It’s not easy. But absolutely worth it.” ~Robin S. Sharma
On Friday night, I was reminded of a valuable lesson during no-gi class … do not take shortcuts. In the first round of sparring I executed a lazy Over-Under Hip Toss, knowing I didn’t have the move setup correctly. It worked against me because I landed directly on my shoulder with my training partner on top of me. After hearing a small pop, I knew what I was in for … at least a week of rehab. Now, do not get me wrong, pain and injuries come with the territory of combat sports.
The trick of the trade is in the recovery process. As an older grappler, I know time is double for the joints and bones to heal in comparison to a grappler in their 20s. However, I’m fortunate to get hurt and not injured. I still have good range of motion and the long weekend has given me time to rest my ailment. After all the injuries I’ve suffered, I know that if I wasn’t training on the mats, the toll on my physical and mental health would be way more critical. Looking forward to the next round, until then, train easy my friends. One team, one family! ~Doc
Are you hurt or are you injured? If you’re hurt, you can still play, but if you’re injured, you can’t.” ~James Caan, “The Program”
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!