On May 18th, 2010 I was promoted to the rank of purple belt by Master Lloyd Irvin.  It is a great feeling to be one step closer to my goal, which is achieving my BJJ Black Belt, competing against the best, and becoming the best.

When I heard Master Lloyd call my name and told me front and center, my mind was blank, I was shocked and didn’t believe what was going on.  I stood there baffled as he walked on the mat with a my purple belt around his neck.  Not to mention all that was going through my mind was the whippings that I was about to get.  It’s tradition to do the paddy wagon, and I was not excited for that part at all, and the class was HUGE!

I was overwhelmed with joy, holding back tears….I am proud of myself.  I came to Maryland for one thing, and one thing only.  I was fortunate to visit during Christmas time in 2008, also during team training.  At that point in my jiu-jitsu career, I was injured but that didn’t stop me.  I saw the training, the lifestyle and that’s exactly what I wanted, Jiu-Jitsu by day, Jiu-Jitsu by night.  I sat down with Master Lloyd and we discussed what my goals were, and what I wanted to do with my career.  And for those of you who know him, he can be a very intimidating person, boy was I nervous.

Through all the trials, tribulations, and struggles that I have been through during the past 18 months, it was and is all worth it.  Moving here was the best decision I have made.  With that being said, I want to Thank everyone who has helped me get to where I am at today.  My journey continues, and I am following my path to make my dreams come true.

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