Promotions( a lifetime commitment to martial arts)

For those of you that follow me or Allison on Facebook you see the pictures I post of martial arts. What those pictures don't show are the hours I spend away from my Wife and kids training with my Extreme martial arts family. I have been doing martial arts since I was a little kid and continued to practice in some way shape or form since then. This winter I was asked my Sensei and Head instructor if i would test for my second degree black belt in EMA. EMA is a form of martial arts that combines all aspects of self defense and different martial arts. In a way its like MMA without all the continuous blows to head and cutting weight(lol). There are not very many people outside of the staff at Extreme martial arts who posses a 2nd degree black under professor Ty Garrett.

 During the test i was asked to perform a series of self defense moves of which i was not aware until that day such as a gun take away and being grabbed by multiple attackers. It was an honor to perform and demonstrate the skills I have developed over a lifetime of martial arts training.

 These two people are both amazing individuals and martial artist whom i look up to greatly. This year stepped away from martial arts for almost six months. I was angry and lost focus on what it means to  be a true martial artist. I spoke with Professor Garrett for over an hour and he listened to me and talked with me not as my sensei but as a friend and after that talk and some soul searching I walked back  on to the mat with a whole new outlook. when you see a martial arts instructor like Ty and Colin what you don't see are the times they spent talking to kids about  their grades and about treating their siblings nicely. They care about all people who are under their roof which is a rare quality.

 I have been doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2007 and after several years I was awarded a Brown belt in Jiu Jitsu. For those of you that do not realize how long it takes to earn this belt and the time it takes making the skills of this form of martial arts sharp, I probably could be a doctor or a lawyer. Jiu Jitsu is my release and my therapy for PTSD. If I spend to much time away from the Mats I can tell in my mood and general outlook on life.It is an honor to be a brown belt in Jiu Jitsu and the weight of this belt is not lost on me. I fly the flag of my school and my instructor every where I go.

Martial Arts has made me a better person and continues to improve me Physically and mentally. There is a person right now who will not be named but is walking and talking fine because martial arts has given me the humility and patienence to deal people who pose no threat but like to run their mouth.