10/29/2025
In our sport, degrees on a black belt are generally a function of time served (survived). That we continue to polish our skills and explore growth is assumed to be part of what being a black belt is.
Nevertheless, it's an opportunity to reflect on the path taken so far. As such, a few mentions are in order:
Nadie llega solo -- no one gets there alone. Whether it's teammates, students, instructors, or just people we happen to share the mats with from time to time, no one gets anywhere without the help and support of others. I've learned from a list of athletes too long and disparate to ever do justice in a post. If you've shared the mat with me, I'm grateful for you.
Still, a few people must be mentioned as milestones:
Yuki Nakaii was my very first BJJ instructor, first at SuperTiger in Higashi Ōmiya, and then when he opened Paraestra. He's a Japanese national treasure and a legend in the sport.
Chris Nardi was kind enough to train me as well while I was in Tôkyo, and his early support was pivotal
Damus Fry was a blue belt in Cairns, Australia with a love for the sport who opened an academy sonata to share BJJ in an area where, at the time, there were exceptionally few options. It tooke eight months to pass his guard for the first time, at 200lbs vs what was probably 140lbs soaking wet. Really drove home the efficacy of this sport.
Dan Higgins put together a crew of savages around the time I was training with Damus, and it was he who set me up with my MMA fight through Rings. Great times!
Back in Canada, I was lucky enough to train under Waggney Fabiano and then Fabio Holanda, both of whom were brought in by Phil Gélinas, who was an OG supporter of BJJ and who should always be thought of as foundational to the growth of the sport in Montreal.
Ahmad Zahabi deserves mention as well, as he took up the reins when Waggney left until Fabio came and thereby kept the program alive and the team together. He was a purple belt at the time and I don't think I ever came close to passing his butterfly guard.
(More in the comments, as there's not enough room). Also, I'm missed a bunch of tags, as not everyone follows this account, and vice versa)
