"Thursday Night Grading — Two purple belts and a blue belt — three stories worth telling"
Let's start with Keith. Because Keith deserves to go first.
Keith is 60 years old. Last Thursday night he earned his purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — one of the most physically demanding martial arts on the planet. But what Coach Rodney mentioned on the night wasn't Keith's age or even his belt. It was this: Keith almost never misses the warm-up. In fact he often leads it.
In a room full of people in their 20s and 30s who are still figuring out how to be consistent, Keith is the one setting the standard. His purple belt isn't just a rank — it's proof that showing up, every week, no excuses, compounds into something extraordinary over time.
If you're reading this thinking you're too old to start — Keith started his BJJ journey well into adulthood and just earned his purple belt at 60. What's your excuse?
Shane received his purple belt with his father watching from the side of the mat — having flown over from Ireland just a few days earlier. If you've trained BJJ you know how long the road from blue to purple is. Years of showing up, getting tapped, getting back up. To have your dad in the room when that belt gets tied around your waist — that's a moment that doesn't need any commentary.
Nick's path to blue was a little different. He'd missed the blue belt checkpoint due to being away for work, so instead of a single grading night, Rodney worked through it with him quietly over several consecutive Thursday sessions, filling in the gaps properly.
That's how it works at SCJJA. There's no schedule, no grading fees, no ceremony for its own sake. When you're ready, Coach Rodney will let you know. Nick was ready.
Congratulations on your blue belt Nick — the journey to purple starts now. 🤙
Two purple belts and a blue. One dad watching wondering what was going on. One 60-year-old leading the warm-up. One guy who got there his own way, on his own timeline.
This is why we train. Congratulations Shane, Keith, and Nick. 🥋
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