We start learning from the moment we enter this world, we die once we stop, and it’s up to us to make the time in between count for something. Time is the one constant we all share and it’s up to us to make the most of our days in existence. When I woke up and hit the pavement last week on my birthday, I was content in my belief that I wouldn’t change a thing. Hindsight may be 20/20, but success and failure make life all the more enjoyable.
If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt
Thirty-eight years ago I entered this world in Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. My parents were kind enough to call me their surprise in place of the more common title which stems from a night of fun between two complicit individuals in their prime. However, I do believe your origin story does not define where your own personal destiny will take you, it’s what you do with the opportunities which lie ahead.
Inspiration
The time to transition from one duty station to the next is rapidly approaching for the Clas household. In addition to the new normal of virtual education for our little ones, a ritual of packing up, clearing out, and reuniting with family and loved ones you’ve neglected over the years due to selfless-service to the cause has also been our focus. It’s a battle-drill my wife and kids have experienced more than once and the experience is still as stressful as the first time we navigated the process. And there’s also the big ticket ticket question we will face this time around as a familial unit… where are we going to roll?
Service members who train combat sports understand there will always be another dojo in their future. Great websites such as Beltchecker.com, BJJGlobetrotters.com, and other large name martial arts networks are invaluable for the military grappler who wants to stay on the path. The beauty of global networking through social media has increased diversity amongst most active grapplers, who would’ve be considered creontes (dirty team hoppers) in the past if they switched academies. I’m fortunate to have trained at a variety of academies across the globe and look forward to the next phase.
Remember where you came from
Congratulations are in order to my brothers and sisters at Zen Martial Arts El Paso, Texas, who received promotions to the next level of the Arte Suave, Aug. 22, 2020. As I prepare to move to the next arena on my journey, I’ve been fortunate to share my experience with amazing people at the following academies: Zen Martial Arts El Paso, Texas, Grind Underground Jiu-jitsu Club El Paso, Texas, Gracie Barra El Paso, Texas, Twin Wolves Martial Arts Killeen, Texas, Anakonda BJJ Poznan, Poland, and 10th Planet Kansas City, Missouri. The impressions made on this young grappler were invaluable, and the debt I owe to pay it forward will be honored.
Remember where you came from, where you’re going, and why you created this mess you got yourself into in the first place.” ~Richard Bach
There are no shortcuts in life. Everything worth having and the most memorable achievements come with a cost. You will sacrifice time and comfort to get what you truly desire, and the only one who can stand in your way is yourself. And once you reach the peak of your journey it’s up to you to pay it forward by helping others navigate through their own hero stories. One team, one family!