Success is not a given in this world. Everyone who has ever been successful has had to fight tooth and nail for that success. But what separates successful people from unsuccessful people? Successful people have no quit in them.

People know me as a successful martial artist, instructor, and coach. But what many don’t know is that I almost quit before I even got me black belt.

Though I can’t remember the exact time, it had to have been late 2007/early 2008. I was in the midst of red belt phase testing. These tests were grueling, lasting 5 hours, and run by our Sensei. I was tired and wanted to quit. But, my parents wouldn’t let me. They reminded me that I promised them that if I committed to starting martial arts, I would stay until I got my black belt. I pushed through and, on August 30th 2008, I earned my 1st degree black belt.

Now, you’re probably wondering, “how can he claim to have no quit when he was forced to keep going?” Simple. I learned from my parents. I learned that I could push past my perceived limits. Ever since, I have had no quit in me.

While most of my quit after getting their 1st degree, I held on and got my 2nd degree. I took a break with the intention of returning. I did and almost quit again because I never thought I could catch up with my class attendance being so low. But I doubled my attendance. I kept going and kept training. Eventually, my Sensei waved the remainder of my classes and promoted me to 3rd degree black belt. After leaving my original Sensei, I thought I wouldn’t be able to get my 4th degree. But, I found a way and was promoted to 4th degree black belt on August 15th 2022.

I placed last in tournaments for years. But I didn’t let it stop me. I trained, I improved, and, with the help of my talented, teammates, and coaches, I started placing. I won the bronze medal at the world championships in 2018, my first NASKA division in 2019, my second NASKA division with a perfect score in 2020, and have been top 4 in my divisions for the past two years.

Many people, myself included, thought that I should take up a secure job to feel safe, even though I wanted to be a martial arts instructor and personal trainer. But with determination and after honing my craft, I have become a successful and sought after coach.

Remember, as long as you are unwilling to quit, you will achieve anything and everything you put your mind to.