10/26/2025
Van made me proud yesterday. He went out there and showed what real resilience looks like. He jumped into the NoGi division with the adults, lost both matches by submission, but never lost his composure. Then he put the Gi on, dropped his first match by points, came back, won his next two, and finished the day by putting his last opponent to sleep to take home gold.
What makes this story even better is where he started. When Van first reached out, I told him I wasn’t really taking beginners at the time because I was getting ready for a tournament myself. Most people would’ve just waited or lost interest. Not him. He went and took a beginner’s course somewhere else, put in the work, and then came back ready to train.
From day one, he’s been different. One of the only white belts I’ve seen who actually tries to move with technique from the beginning. Always focused, humble, and willing to learn.
Eight or nine months in and already showing the kind of heart and discipline that can’t be taught. Proud of you Van. This is just the start. 🥇🔥