We have been competing a lot nationally so it was great to compete locally for a change! I believe in supporting local tournaments, and the US Open is one of the best!
With that said this weekend was a bitter sweet. On the mat, in Kaniela, I saw the skill of a future black belt world champ. His jiu jitsu was amazing. In his 7th match of the day as he was defending a take down he slipped, posted and dislocated his elbow. At the moment l saw it I knew it was a bad one.
Later at the hospital, in Kaniela, I saw the heart of a future black belt world champ. He wasn’t angry or upset. He said injuries happen, he will focus on school, rehab and get better. Through it all he kept his composure and realized that this was just a bump (a very painful one) in the road.
You see if you compete often and train as hard as champions do, injuries, losses and set backs happen. It’s how we deal with them and overcome adversity that makes us champions. These lessons will make Kaniela a winner not just on the mat but more importantly in life.
I’m proud to call Kaniela my student and wish him a speed recovery.
Congrats to everyone who competed, as a team we finished 3rd. A lot of guys competed for the first time or the first time in awhile and everyone looked amazing. Thanks to Claudio Franca for another great tournament, look forward to next years US Open!
~Caio
