When I was a white belt, if you ever told me I would win the Pan American Games I would say you’re crazy. Today it happened for the third year in a row and the feeling is amazing, the only thing that would have been better would have been to close out my division with my teacher and friend Felipe Costa.
Leading up to Pans we had a phenomenal camp. Today’s victory couldn’t have been possible with out the training thanks to Leandro Lo, Formiga, Vincente Jr, Ben Baxter, Marcus Antelante, Carlos Melo, Marcos Torregosa, Samir, Flavio, Queixinho and the countless others who came out to help us.
Tonight I have to leave for my Asia tour, but am excited and looking forward to returning to San Jose in April. I really want to focus on building our team and that starts at home at the Institute of Martial Arts in San Jose. I plan to reconnect with everyone and start teaching on a regular basis when I return. I also want to continue to work with our affiliates so that their jiu jitsu grows as well.
I’d like to thank my family for supporting me through life’s journeys. Win, lose or draw you guys always are by my side and give me a greater purpose for life. I’d also like to thank everyone in the jiu jitsu community. You guys are amazing and with out your support we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. I AM VERY SORRY FOR NOT TAKING PICTURES AND HANGING OUT AFTER WITH YOU GUYS. I had to rush to the airport (where I’m writing this) for my trip to Hong Kong.
Lastly, I’d like to thank Bruno Malfacine. Through out my jiu jitsu career you have pushed me to be better on and off the mat. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be as good as I am with out you.
