05/06/2026
FRESH BLUE BELT AND BROWN BELT ON THE BIG GREEN MAT OF AWESOMENESS!!!
Massive day of achievement in many things comes from all the small moments that got you there. The first thought to try something new, the moment you choose to go back again, the small promises you made to yourself to turn up when the motivation has left the room, the body hurts more than normal and life on and off the mat are both challenging you, then the self discipline along with positive team culture can go along way to staying the course, embracing the suck, and next thing you are more confident and resilient than ever.
Locky has invested a decade into not only embracing the challenges BJJ could give him, but also the endless people who also love him so much for every bit of passion he invests into those around him too. One of those is Ben Wood, a local Judo black belt that has also reinforced the Judo techniques we already have in our BJJ program, but also his years judo comp experience has added so much to our competitors and gave Locky extra confidence in specific takedowns for his style of grappling. Judo black belts have to compete as blue belts in BJJ comps, so he’s had to do that for a while anyway, but now his Newaza is extra spicy for both formats.
Super proud of them both and I do love the odd surprise belt gradings.
Look forward to our next post open mat meal at Integrity’s official lunch room too.