Testudo BJJ•Judo

The other day a man brought his son to the school for an orientation. When we finished, the father asked, "In one word, how would you describe your school."  Though I think I was successful in giving an idea of our grappling and training philosophy, I think I failed in doing it in one word.  So, Sir (if you see this), I would like to try to do it here while providing more context for my answer.

The picture above is my poor attempt to write the kanji of one Jigoro Kano's (founder of Judo) principles of Judo: Jita Kyoei.  Though often translated as "Mutual Benefit",  I find the direct translation to be more poetic and therefore closer to the truth, ("self-and-others-together-flourishing").  The principle (like all great principles) guides the practitioner not only in the physical aspects of training (i.e. a give and take, combined with an intention to avoid injuring training partners) but also as a guide to one's social life (i.e. helping others). 

For me, what this principle means is also how I would describe my school in one word......Community.

My college wrestling coach, Paul Cotton, and Justice Sotomayor. Right before teaching a class today, my friend told me he had just passed away. Had to "gameface" really hard to finish the class. HU Wrestling season, 6am, walking from New Jersey Ave to Burr Gym (hoping not to get mugged) for practice. Good times...

Me: Young man...what is your plan?

We tell our kids...Every practice. Every match. Set a goal. Make a plan. Then take it beyond the mat--school, family, life. Test discipline, focus, and growth.

You never know how your words could affect someone's life.  The guy in the middle is Maurice Allen, head coach of SportJudo. Back in 1996, my judo teacher, Lewis Cuffy, told me and my judo brothers that we should visit Maruice's place if we have time (this is when he was down near Potomac Mills...so leaving from Howard Univ. to make the trip).  The painful groundwork that he showed forever left an impression on my grappling.  He once told me that as a competitor he never spent more than 3 days away from training.  I was so impressed with this discipline that I adopted the same idea.  From 1997-present (outside of surgeries and sickness),I have not spent more than 3 days away from training.

Thank you my friend. We will do this again...and again...and again...

...and next time, we're coming for you, Hulk Hogan!

Was paid a visit by my man and Chauncey. You can always tell who were students in program! A couple of years back, I had come in to teach a few things, so I'm trying to get him to come back in. Maybe this time, I should have him talk to the teens and younger ones. I've known since he was a kid, and his skill is amazing. Chauncey is a strong and extremely skillful blue belt that would probably make even some higher belt adult competitors question their rank, but he has also been doing this since age 6 with great focus. I think with enough time, most people can become competent in most domains, but it requires a different level of focus and involvement to get to GOOD, and I think both of these gentlemen can speak to that.

Ervin Brandon on Instagram: "Highlights from one of the most exciting Judo finals I've seen in a long while. Life lessons: (blue gi) when you are #1, stay sharp, abhor complacency, know there is someone always eyeing your spot for themselves.... Ervin Brandon shared a post on Instagram: "Highlights from one of the most exciting Judo finals I've seen in a long while. Life lessons: (blue gi) when you are #1, stay sharp, abhor complacency, know there is someone always eyeing your spot for themselves. (White gi) when you really want something o...

I feel privileged to have so many of these amazing younger students. Please help me congratulate Duke....he is my school's first (but not last) National Merit Scholar! He is the example that I want for all my younger students. Congratulations on all the hard work Duke!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/2023-world-title-run?utm_source=fb_copy_link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet

2023 World Title Run, organized by Cory Walker Hello everyone. As you all probably know, I’m a life long martial artist chasing my dream of becoming… Cory Walker needs your support for 2023 World Title Run

I just wanted to give a big "Thank You" to Dimitri Chrisos Jiu Jitsu Academy for the Copa Virginia tournament last Saturday. It has been a very long time since I've attended such a well ran tournament. I highly recommend Copa Virginia and look forward to having my members compete there in the future.