Catalyst's picture
Catalyst
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Finally achieved my second black belt

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Today is a special day for me. Tonight I finally get awarded my black belt in BJJ, (Jiu Jitsu). I'm excited to have earned it, but also excited as it gets presented to me by a multiple world champion and a guy deemed by many to be the best grappler on the face of the planet. For those familiar with the sport or MMA, a member of the Gracie family.

I already hold a considerably higher degree in Judo, but this one has taken a huge amount of work and a LOT of genuine pain.

Xrated's picture

That's a very good achievement. I'm sure that makes u proud. I have a brown belt n judo and along the way started bjj and got a blue belt. Took me six years to accomplish all that.
U aren't kidding about the pain u have to go through. I trained w so very old school, no mercy, proud u n to the ground type guys. They literally beat the shit out of me 4 years. But, when I went to a competition I would destroy my competition. And they were always proud of me and it felt good to give those beating out.
My sensei was a 9 degree and competed on the Olympic team back n the 80's. I'd go to work limping,black eyes, messed up feet,hands. I look back and would do it all again if I could. Had to give it up to raise my 3 kids and take care of my wife. She is pretty bad off health wise.

Congrats brother

In a promo × 1
TheFlash85's picture

i got black belt in rhees taekwondo when i was 14, decided that was for pussies and changed over to muay thai, got my black tank top when i was 23, fought in the ring at age 24, got smashed in knees of fury 2nd bout, smashed solarplex to pieces and broke 4 ribs on one side and 3 on the other, took year to recover, still have pains there in the winter, never did it again.

bjj is hard and quite technical. congratulations brother, snap those limbs!

kodiakGRRL's picture

congrats that is not an easy accomplishment ;-)

Catalyst's picture

It's definitely been way tougher than it was to earn my judo black belt.

Believe it or not I'm considering dropping some bulk after getting it. I'm way too immobile to compete at any decent level, but according to many technically good enough. If I dropped to 230ish.......

Engineereddisaster's picture

As a competive wrestler, my 215 lb self would mop the floor with my bigger stronger 250 lb self

Catalyst's picture

That would definitely be the case here too. I couldn't compete at a decent level at current size, I'd get hammered irrespective of strength.

cdyrdes's picture

Damn cat i had no idea you trained in that aspect, congratulations big man I'm sure you've earned it and had fun doing it

Catalyst's picture

Martial arts was always my first real passion. Judo basically ruled my life as a teenager, lifting weights started purely to get stronger.

Gymjunkie01's picture

Congrats

Owes a Review × 1
humpnpump's picture

Congrats big guy, very high achievement. Hope that shoulder surgery went well for you.

Catalyst's picture

I'm still avoiding it. Surgeon says it's not going to fall apart, just pain so I've chosen to live with it st least for the short term. No more hospitals, at least for a bit.

bolt781's picture

Congrats brother! Now I understand where your calm and calculated demeanor here stems from. A very honorable feat to arrive at that level! Knuckles!

Catalyst's picture

Most of the time mate, not always though. Had some guy put his hands on my 9 year old daughter when we were on holiday earlier this year. Wasn't particularly calm then ;)

bolt781's picture

Just reading that sends a hostile emotion through me! There are some situations where our physical stature warrant the stereotype! And it is known and felt swiftly! Again though, congrats brother!

Theophany's picture

Congratulations brother Catalyst! What a really great achievement! I sincerely share in your joy!
Unparalleled focus and dedication! Cheers! :))

Darkhorse777's picture

Very impressive bro to do that plus competing in bodybuilding takes it to another level ....great commitment and dedication congrats

Pale's picture

Congrats. That is a very big deal

Goose24's picture

That was my first though!!!(Gracie) family. That's amazing brother! Good for you!

Catalyst's picture

Just over 9 years, but bare in mind I already had a 4th degree black belt in Judo. That speeds up the early stages considerably. You'll know like I do they don't rush through grades in BJJ, 8 years is great progress.

I still keep my hand in with Judo but disc injuries and a destroyed shoulder make it almost impossible to compete.

Off home, belt in hand from the big guy.

SenseiMiagi's picture

Grats, very impressive indeed. Now you are ready for me to teach you the Crane Technique. If done correct "None can defend". Smile

VIKING EVOLUTION's picture

Congrats my brother from another!

Leave some food for the other guests when you hit that ceremony tonight lol!

iFit's picture

Congrats. I'd run the other way.

irongame427's picture

Thats awesome man. I remember how it felt to be awarded a new belt after proving your worthly of it. I only made it to a brown belt in karate, I was so close I wish i stuck with it. One of my few regrets in life. Congrats brotha, thats a great accomplishment.

Catalyst's picture

Getting a brown belt was still a great achievement, most give up way before that. I had a go at karate for a couple of years, never really got into the striking martial arts. I like the thinking required in grappling and the way I can still get destroyed by a 140lb guy who knows what he's doing.

Engineereddisaster's picture

Congrats bro. That's excellent.

MedDx's picture

Thats awesome bro...way to go...i knew u could kick some ass on the down low....lol...:)

Catalyst's picture

I'm on the mat with him tonight which will be a real honor. Be sore tomorrow after the beating though. 100lbs lighter than me and about ten times quicker.