To Many of you looking at this picture, you just see just a BJJ Black Belt !

To me this signifies notable traits and characteristics that have taken me 43 years to develop. 22 years in the Royal Marine Commandos as a heavy weapon specialist and Physical Training Instructor, 4 Operational Tours of Afghanistan and Iraq, Teach, Coach & Mentoring Royal Marine Recruits, Royal Marine trained ranks, BJJ students and surfing students.

A Brazilian Jiujitsu black belt can take between 10-15 years of practice to achieve. The words don’t do it justice, the consistency, robustness, commitment, versatility and courage it takes to show up to wrestle, grapple and fight each session is hard work, even when you dont want to, can’t be bothered or feel tired. Your body takes a beating as well as your mind.

Serving as a Royal Marine Commando for 22 years was also taxing, pushing the mind body and soul to its limit when it was expected home and abroad.

I started Jiujitsu when I was in the Royal Marines and now as a civilian it is my job. Teaching and running a Brazilian Jiujitsu academy, I love my job, it is something I am deeply passionate about and have grinded to get where I am today

What do I see in this picture ?

It reminds me that all this experience has given me resilience, courage, grit and determination, but above all, something im eternialy greatful for. Something that makes me humble daily but get to work with amazing people.

That is what I see in this picture !

What do you see ?