For some, training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a steady and consistent journey through the belts. There will be challenges no doubt, and some time away from the mats here and there, but they will be fortunate enough to avoid any major obstacles or extended absences from training.
For others though, the experience is much harder. Life circumstances may force them to miss training for long periods of time. Career, family, or other obligations can make training difficult or even impossible at times. If they get too discouraged, they may even quit.
Zach Fahrenholtz, Jim Mattson, and Rob Diteodoro, each faced the latter scenario. They began in the early years of Paramount BJJ, around 2007/2008, but for various reasons spent years away from the mats. However, when they’d get a chance, they’d return to training.
(From left to right: Zach, Paramount BJJ head instructor Brad Court, Rob, and Jim)
Their stories are perhaps the most impressive and inspiring of all. More so than the phenom who reaches black belt in 5 or 6 years, or the students who trains weekly for 8 or 9 years and is promoted, they did what many people would assume doesn’t happen. Many would assume that once you stop training, you move on to another endeavor. These men proved than you can always return to the mats, and there is no reason why you can’t become a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt.
On Saturday, June 10th, 2023 each of them accomplished that feat.
Congratulations gentlemen!