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 A testimonial given by Blue Belt Mark Galinas
I began my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in November of 2009 at age 45, together with my 9 year-old daughter. Having never done anything like this before, I wasn't really sure what to expect . I knew my daughter would warm up to the challenge quickly, being young and athletic. Myself on the other, well let’s just say I had my work cut out for me.
Barely even able to make it through the warm-up, the first couple classes were quite a wake-up call. More than once i found myself questioning my decision, but i did promise my daughter that we would do this together, so i persevered.
Quickly, I became absorbed with the art and wanted to learn more and more. Before I realized it, none of my clothes were fitting anymore. I had lost 20 pound! I started coming to train as frequently as I could. I would remind myself often, “Its only one hour a day”, surely I could commit to that.
Well, all the hard work is starting to have an effect. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has unquestionably become part of my life. It’s brought my daughter and I much Closer together, and made us feel welcome in the extended Gracie family here in New Mexico.
Thank you Professors Tussa, Rafael, Gustavo, Don, Instructor Brian, and all my new friends and team members for keeping me Motivated
Professor Don Ortega comments:
“Mark has perfect attendance and the most tenacity I have seen from someone in their 20’s much less someone in their 40’s” |