09/30/2026
A (Martial Arts) Life Update!
A few weeks ago, I earned my purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 🟪🟪🟪◼️🟪.
The BJJ belt progression is white → blue → purple → brown → black, so I’m about halfway through the belts. Added context: a purple belt usually takes 4–6 years of consistent training, which puts it on roughly the same timeline as earning a black belt in many other martial arts systems.
So, to quote Anchorman, it’s “kind of a big deal.”
I actually debated making this a semi-permanent post vs. just putting it on my story. Mostly because I try to let other people brag for me, 🤣 , and Quest Jiu-Jitsu and Self-Defense | BJJ and To-Shin Do did a fantastic job putting the promotion on blast across the socials. But I decided to throw this up for a couple of reasons:
• Martial arts has been part of my identity for most of my life. It’s actually THE main reason I got into sports massage therapy. I wanted a skill set that would help my training partners get back on the mat faster.
• It’s good to do hard things. BJJ is challenging.
• It’s good to celebrate when you’ve done hard things, but it’s even better to share those celebrations with people you care about.
• Most importantly, this is another opportunity to give thanks.
Thanks to my instructors: NinjaEveryDay, Jon Spellman , I.A.M. , and Mr. Brett. (There are many more people who belong on this list, but this is a start.) Thanks to my training partners. They’ve taught me just as much, if not more, than my instructors.
But here’s the fun part: it doesn’t change me. My sparring/rolls haven’t magically gotten any better. I still get on the mat hoping not to die…I mean, hoping to learn something new.
Anyway, if you read this far, thanks! Come join me on the mat sometime.