What a beautiful day filled with love, hope, and gratitude.  I was deeply honored by everyone who took the time to come out and support me—your presence meant the world to me. 

From patient to partner in hope, this has marked a full-circle moment as the Ted Schwartz Family Hope & Healing Park officially opened. Being part of the @CityofHope community has been one of the most humbling and meaningful experiences of my life. Their unwavering care and expertise during my cancer treatment gave me strength and hope when I needed it most, and for that, I am forever grateful.  

This park isn’t just a space—it’s my story. During my CAR-T cell therapy, the serene views at City of Hope gave me the strength and peace I needed to push through. I promised to create something that would bring that same hope to others, and now, that dream has become a reality.  

Sharing my journey at the opening of the Hope and Healing Park was an absolute honor. Seeing the impact this space will have on patients, families, and caregivers for generations moved me beyond words. ✨ The progress City of Hope continues to make in the fight against cancer is extraordinary, and I’m humbled to have played a small role in supporting their vision.  

As I reflect on my journey to Japan, I am filled with gratitude and renewed inspiration. Immersing myself in Japan's rich culture and timeless jujutsu philosophies reminded me that martial arts extends beyond physical practice—it’s a way of life. This trip wasn’t just about training; it was about embracing values of respect, discipline, and resilience that I am excited to weave into StandStrong’s mission. With the support of Pedro Valente and the Valente Brothers, we’re elevating our curriculum to empower our students with greater strength and purpose. This journey has only just begun, and I can’t wait to share it with the StandStrong community. Stay tuned for what’s next!

Our day trip to Nara was a perfect blend of history and nature. We visited the majestic Todaiji Temple, home to the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world, and took in the breathtaking view from the top of Mount Wakakusa. The free-roaming deer throughout Nara, considered sacred in Shinto tradition, added to the city’s serene atmosphere. Our final stop was the enchanting Kasuga Shrine, with its beautiful lanterns, before we returned to Kyoto for a memorable sukiyaki dinner. Reflecting on the trip, Pedro and I felt deeply connected to the rich culture of Japan, an experience that exceeded all expectations.

Today was a mix of tradition, history, and unforgettable experiences in Kyoto. After breakfast, Pedro and I had the incredible opportunity to join a Kendo training session at the Butokuden, where we were amazed by the energy of senior practitioners—all over 80 years old. Throughout our journey, Pedro has been treated like a celebrity, with everyone bowing in respect after learning about his and his brothers' work in jujutsu. We spent the afternoon exploring the historic Nijō Castle and the tranquil Zen gardens at Nanzen-ji Temple. The day ended with a fantastic teppanyaki dinner, wrapping up an enriching day in Kyoto.

Today was a perfect blend of history and culture as Pedro and I traveled from Tokyo to Kyoto on the Shinkansen bullet train. Our first stop was the historic Butokuden site, where legendary jujutsu masters once gathered for challenge matches. We spent the afternoon exploring antique shops filled with samurai katanas and armor before checking into the Park Hyatt. In the evening, we had a private dinner with the renowned Soba Samurai, indulging in an unforgettable soba experience. As we ended the night, we passed by a famous spot from The Last Samurai—a fitting close to an incredible day in Kyoto.

Today was an unforgettable day in Tokyo. After a morning workout at the Aman Hotel, Pedro and I were honored with a visit to the Tokyo Police Department, where Special Agent Sorci invited Pedro to teach a Valente Brothers seminar at their historic dojo. Later, I had a private jiu-jitsu lesson from Pedro at Axis Jiu-Jitsu Academy, followed by a special training session with Sensei Watanabe and Special Agent Sorci. We ended the day with a teppanyaki dinner in Roppongi, sharing stories and reflecting on the meaningful connections we’ve made. It was a perfect close to an amazing day.

Our fourth day in Japan was an exploration of jujutsu’s rich history, starting with an insightful meeting with martial arts researcher Mr. Yasu. From discussing the evolution of jujutsu to a peaceful visit to the Meiji Shrine, the day was filled with moments of reflection and connection. The highlight came in the evening during a seminar at Axis Jiu-Jitsu Academy, followed by a captivating roundtable discussion with experts in martial arts history. These experiences reinforced how jujutsu, like life, teaches discipline, respect, and resilience—values that resonate deeply with StandStrong’s mission.

Our third day in Tokyo was filled with rich history and unforgettable moments. From exploring the Imperial Palace and bustling Ginza to a surprise invitation inside the serene Eishoji Temple, each experience offered a glimpse into Japan’s deep cultural roots. The day ended with a fantastic teppanyaki dinner, a perfect close to a journey of reflection, connection, and the beauty of tradition.

Our first full day in Tokyo was truly special, coinciding with Yom Kippur, a day of reflection for me. Pedro Valente and I had the honor of visiting my longtime friend, Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, at the U.S. Embassy. We discussed the fascinating connection between jujutsu and military training, and Pedro shared how President Theodore Roosevelt even practiced jujutsu in the White House. The day was filled with meaningful moments, from exploring jujutsu’s history to ending with a powerful Kol Nidre service with Rahm and his family—a perfect blend of tradition, history, and friendship.