02/17/2022
Our hearts are heavy hearing that this wonderful kid has passed away.
Jackson first walked into the studio with Teacher Jeannie and the group from Shady Creek in 2011. He immediately stood apart from his young, energetic peers with his composure and very clear communication skills.
These characteristics were still apparent a few years later when, as an 11-year-old kid, Jackson joined his father, Eli, on the mat for yongmudo with the other, larger teens and adults in 2016. He continued training for several years, participated in the annual open house several times, attended summer camp at Cal, and competed in a few tournaments with his father and sister. After winning gold in his first competition, he said, “Dad, this is the best sport ever! Thanks for getting me into it.”
His was a quiet confidence. He was unassuming about the breadth of his knowledge, often surprising his training partners with the extent of his skills while being relaxed and calm in the face of their increasing frustration.
Above all, Jackson was always polite and kind in the studio greeting everyone with an amazing smile. His patience and gentleness was always appreciated by others as he assisted the kids that followed him onto the mat.
Our deepest condolences go out to his father, mother, sister, brother, grandparents, and friends.
Having spent years on the mat with him, his training partners have many fond and cherished memories.
We will miss him.
Always.
