09/06/2026
Three wins, one loss, and exactly one match away from standing on the Master Worlds podium.
If I am being completely honest, the absolute hardest opponent I faced out in Las Vegas was my own mind. For weeks leading up to the competition, and persisting all the way through to my second match, I was fighting a draining war against self-doubt and relentless negative self-talk. It is a humbling reality that you can train tirelessly, put in all the grueling physical rounds, and still let your inner critic try to convince you that you do not belong on that stage.
I learned a massive amount about my jiu-jitsu this weekend, but I learned infinitely more about myself. Leaving without the hardware stings, but bringing this immense mental clarity back home is a deeply necessary victory. The physical tools are sharp, but mastering that internal dialogue is my next great frontier.
I am walking away from this experience overwhelmed with gratitude. A massive thank you to Professor for your world-class guidance, wisdom, and leadership. To my entire team at RISE 8 and our G 13 family—thank you for relentlessly having my back, pushing me to my limits in the training room, and believing in me even when I was struggling to believe in myself.
Most importantly, to my wife and my kids: thank you for being there from the very beginning. You are my ultimate anchor through every high and every low, every exhausting camp, and every sacrifice required to chase this passion. I couldn't do a single second of this without your absolute love and support.
We are heading back to the mats to rebuild stronger—mind, body, and spirit.
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