07/25/2024
Cornerstone:
1. something that is essential and/or indispensable.
2. the chief foundation on which something is constructed or developed.
I would like to take a moment to recognize the birthday of someone who has been a cornerstone of the Unlimited family since its beginnings in 2013. He was invited to a class by a friend and as soon as he started moving around, it was obvious he was already a skilled kickboxer. It wasn’t long before I asked him if he might be interested in doing some instruction and he jumped on board. Neither of us could have guessed the ride we were about to go on. Mere months later, we were in a full-time location and within a year, he was standing in my corner for the first time as I climbed back into the ring after over 3 ½ years between fights. He was with me through 13 fights, three of which were title bouts, and I will never be able to adequately express my gratitude to him for his unwavering support.
Coach John has stood in my corner, and the corner of all the Unlimited family, both literally and figuratively, for over 11 years. He is a staple in our community, and he has helped to change the lives of the many people he has coached, cornered, and supported in general. He takes time from his life to show up to tournaments and fights to coach, to support athletes with padwork in the gym, by being a calm and composed presence, and he does it all without ever uttering a single complaint. He is an integral part of this gym and it’s obvious that we would not be here without him. I didn’t want to let his birthday pass without saying just how much I, and all the members of our gym, appreciate what he does for us all.
Happy birthday, John, and again, thank you for everything you do here!
