The Journey Doesn't Stop Here

This past Friday at my morning jiu jitsu class at my high school, one of my coaches earned his purple belt! This has been a long time coming! 

My coach's name is Mr. Tomaino, but I just call him Coach. Coach started practicing jiu jitsu at my school, CBA, since 2010. He and my other coach, Mr. Butler, started the CBA Jiu Jitsu team together. Mr. Butler is a 1st-degree black belt in jiu jitsu. Coach Tomaino started out as a white belt. He earned his blue belt in 2013. And now he has the honor to call himself a certified purple belt. 

Coach wrestled in high school, so that gives him a wrestling background. Jiu jitsu gives Coach an advantage since the martial art is based from grappling and wrestling. He is a quick learner; any new move Coach was taught, he would perfect on the first try. It was amazing! He is a naturally gifted athlete. Plus he is very charismatic and helpful during classes. He loves to help others with moves and gives them tips, while having fun and being energetic about it. Coach brings a positive attitude to every class, and also brings his game. He is very competitive and he NEVER gives up, no matter what. Whether losing a match or having difficulty with a certain move, Coach doesn't quit and keeps on trying. That's what I love most about him: his determination and will to win.

Historic moment in CBA Jiu Jitsu

A couple weeks ago I talked about my friend Jack and Coach Tomaino competing in the Pan No-Gi Jiu Jitsu Championship in New York City. Well, believe or not, Coach won 1st Place in his division! All of us on the jiu jitsu team at CBA are so proud of him. So during Friday's class, we congratulated Coach on his hard-fought victory and presented him with a purple belt. Now Coach's focus is on earning his brown belt, but that will take up to 2 years to earn. After a brown belt, Coach will receive the ultimate achievement by earning a black belt. 

Coach's journey to become a black belt in jiu jitsu does not stop here. Although he still has a long way to go, he will not stop trying and will never give up. I am excited to see what the future lies ahead for Coach Tomaino!