Its weird to call it a career, but I guess at 10+ years and performing it as a full time gig makes it a career. Above is a photo taken from earlier this year and was one of the coolest moments I’ve ever had as a teacher. This was a night when we were doing a promotion and we assembled a solid group of guys together for it. The total count that night was 55 which is not the largest group I’ve ever had on the mat but it is in the top 10. I’m not sure if you’ve ever been in this situation, but the energy in a group like this is incredible.

I guess the reason I enjoy the photo so much is that its a reminder that I don’t have to be a sleazy marketer, world champion, instructor who gives out belts too quickly or whatever I think I “need” to be, in order to be successful. Instead, I just need to be myself and remain a dedicated friend, instructor and training partner. Ready to jump on the mats and mix it up with my students, ready to do whatever is required in order to help them achieve their goals. 

Just for the record, my students are awesome!