The fabric of fighting speaks to me on a level so deep that I feel as though my uniform has become part of who I am. What role do your closest material possessions play in your identity as an athlete, fighter, or martial artist?
Is getting your hand raised at the end of a fight the only way to know you’ve won? Is it possible to benefit from competition without winning?
As I prepare to compete in the IBJJF European Championships in Paris this week, I’m focusing on practicing gratitude. In doing so, I see my entry into this competition as an opportunity to win, to grow as an athlete and as a person, and to bring back lessons for myself, my teammates, and my students.