Don’t speak negatively about yourself, even as a joke. Your body doesn’t know the difference. Words are energy and cast spells, that’s it’s called spelling. Change the way you speak about yourself and you can change your life. What you’re not changing you’re also choosing.” ~Bruce Lee
There are many things valued in this world, but self-respect and earning the respect of others are paramount in comparison to material or financial status. February has been an amazing month for the Clas Clan, and I’m truly grateful for the experience I had overseas during the last deployment of my career. Returning to my wife and kids was a blessed experience and even though I hated leaving them, I believe things happen for your, not to you.
During my recent deployment to Romania, I was able to leave it all on the mats personally and professionally. Once again, I had an opportunity to practice my craft as a Public Affairs professional forward-deployed, networking with NATO military counterparts to tell the Army story. Additionally, I was able to grow as a Jiu-jitsu practitioner by meeting Soldiers who shared a common affinity for the Gentle Art at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, Romania.
Growth
The Task Force Jiu-jitsu-Black Sea Team began with a few members and has grown into a network of 60 plus grapplers training on the mats when their operational tempo allows. The Arte Suave gives practitioners an environment to improve their holistic fitness. During training sessions, practitioners will go through a series of drills and live-sparring sessions to improve mobility, strength, endurance, problem solving, and mental toughness. Many practitioners also see this as a form of therapy to release stressors incurred through life’s unforeseen obstacles or foreseen challenges that we must face. I can’t thank my teammates enough for the camaraderie, lessons learned and experiences we shared on and off the mats as Jiu-jitsu players and service members.
Learning how to learn is absolutely one of the keys to success in life in general and Jiu-jitsu in particular.” ~Prof. John Danaher
Community
We had the privilege of hosting several members from the Belgian Para-Commandos who were also Jiu-jitsu practitioners at MK Air Base, Feb. 1-3, 2024, to trade technique on the mats. Once you begin your journey as a Jiu-jitsu player you will find that you are joining a community of gamers who are always ready hit the start button and join you on the mats. No matter where you are located in the world, I can guarantee you there will be someone to train with at your location.
Even if you are starting out, there are plenty of opportunities available to try out a combat sport to see if it is right for you. On Feb. 4, the Task Force Jiu-jitsu-Black Sea Team hosted an Open Mat for members of the MK Air Base Community to come out and participate in a structured training and sparring session. The USO supported the event and senior leaders from Task Force 82 put in some work with the team as well. At the end of the event, technique was shared, good vibes were experienced, friends were made, and the team grew by several new members. Trauma bonding is a good way to grow mutual respect between you and your training partners.
Your fears. Your insecurities. Your anxieties. Your sadness. Jiu-jitsu will reach inside and rip them out.” ~Prof. Saulo Ribeiro
Discipline
We do hard things! That’s the advice I share with my kids when they are struggling to go to their next practice, or don’t want to support something that’s important to the family. This is also advice I tell myself when I wakeup and don’t want to hit the gym before the family wakes up. If you’re a David Goggins follower, the advice may be a bit more colorful, but I completely agree with the philosophy. Just because I’m back doesn’t mean the training ends.
I found a new group of practitioners on base to trade technique with and now that I’m on retirement road, and I’ve been able to serve as an assistant coach in Dominic and Brianna’s Jiu-jitsu class. Our training never ends, it only evolves. I can’t wait to see what the next few months will bring as the family and I get ready to move back to Chicago this summer. Until next round my friends. One Team, One Family! ~Doc