This October is a special month for our Jiu-Jitsu class here at Franklin Martial Arts in Bellingham. Many cool things are taking place. Our class keeps growing, our students are pumped, and we have some athletes attending tournaments. So many things are happening, yet nothing is as special in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a hard earned belt promotion. So we would like to take a moment to congratulate these guys and recognize all the hard effort on the their part. But there is much more. One of these promotions is a very special one...
In the very beginning of our Jiu-Jitsu program, on a random day sometime around 2005, a humble, quiet guy in his early forties walked into our class for the first time. His name is Tom. Throughout the years, thru thick and thin, this gentleman has not once talked about it, but has shown only thru actions what it means to have commitment and dedication. He became a student of the art, and truly passionate about practicing Jiu-Jitsu. For a long time he has accepted training as a part of life and who he is, embraced the challenge, and we at FMA have had the immense pleasure of sharing the mat with him and learning from him.
Tom Viera, congratulations on your promotion to Black Belt!!!
Congratulations, sir!!!
There is a first time for everything, and the first time always remains special. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is by no means easy. It takes time, hard work and dedication - at a minimum. It takes work from an entire team for improvement, from instructors to teammates, so it's definitely a team effort. This month, not only do we mark a special day for Tom Viera, but it also marks a historical moment for the school - our very first Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt promotion. Tom, your positive attitude keeps more than just you on the mat, sir. It attracts others, too. Congratulations to the entire FMA Jiu-Jitsu program for graduating your first black belt!
Also promoted was Bruno Souza, the head instructor. That day, all students had the pleasure of attending a two-hour seminar taught by Roberto Maia who is Bruno's instructor and also the head of Boston Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The seminar was followed by Tom Viera's promotion to Black Belt, and Bruno Souza's promotion to 2nd Degree. We would like to thank all the students who supported the special event, and we'd also like to extend the biggest of thanks to Roberto Maia for being here with us and supporting this very special day for the school. And by the way, the seminar was Jaw-Dropping!!
Thanks to all involved!
It's a good day at FMA...
