Fast forward 11 or so years, after starting a family, career, buying a home, etc. I walked into Rebellion Jiu Jitsu to sign my two boys up. After watching them train for a couple weeks, I could no longer sit and watch. The loss of martial arts had been a void in my life that I thought of everyday, but fear held me back. I told Jamie I was hesitant to walk onto the mats after such a long time off with a Brown belt on my waist, that I’d rather start over as a white belt, but he wouldn’t allow it. The next 6 months were the most humbling time of my life. My coaches and teammates were immensely helpful in re-fostering my abilities to a point that I didn’t feel like an imposter.
The responsibility Coach Jamie placed upon me to coach a few years ago certainly helped me stay motivated. The youth program we have brings me an immense sense of pride.
Being promoted to Black Belt under coach @jfiler18 at @rebellionjiujitsu is one of the biggest achievements in my life. 24 years in the making. He’s an amazing coach, friend, and mentor. My teammates there are also some of my best friends, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
I also wouldn’t have achieved any of this if my mom, @moen.rhonda didn’t sign me up for Karate when I was in elementary school.
4 months agotulgey_wood13
Congrats Brandon! Love that you rediscovered your passion and did the work to realize it!!
4 months agotheoperationalstandard
Love it brother. Everyone's journey is their own, and even after time off the mats are always there for you when you're ready to get back to training. Each season of life, the mats teach us different things
4 months agobwness21
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the amazing coaches and training partners I’ve made along the way. @nsbjj_lakestevens was my first and primary home for many years. @graciebarraseattle and all the OG’s from the old Ballard firehouse days, @charliescombatclub ,@granderson33 for being a great friend, training partner and mentor, Andrew Solheim @cascadejiujitsu for cornering me in my fights, @clvtch79 , @aldenglenlee for the hardest death match training sessions I’ve ever had. Coach Wheaton @wmaacademy9 along with Kru Hoi, for reigniting my passion for Muay Thai, and being an awesome team I’m proud to be a part of as well. My dawgz @rebellionjiujitsu , @tio.flow.roll @cunningryanham for the hours on Saturdays helping me, @eddyhume one of my BFF’s @lamonche_kys for being our moral beacon, the rest of my homies @tom.beirne @bradjosephearl @dougdynasty14 @bear.briscoe @marlon_marl0n @mz_thien @oldcountrystrong @warriorse7en and everyone else I’m leaving out. I wouldn’t trade you all or our team for anything on this world. He doesn’t have a profile, but Brad Kihm is the best friend I could ever ask for. He’s always been there, even when I was a total shitbag. @shelly_kihm can tell him I love him
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