Bringing Japan's Teachings to StandStrong

As I sit back and reflect on my trip to Japan, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and inspiration. The rich culture, profound discipline, and timeless jujutsu philosophies have reignited a passion within me to bring everything I’ve learned back to StandStrong. This experience wasn’t just about training; it was about immersing myself in a tradition that has so much to teach us beyond the mat. The respect, discipline, and philosophies of jujutsu I witnessed firsthand will now be woven into our curriculum, empowering others in meaningful ways. 

I'm incredibly excited to announce a major collaboration that will take StandStrong to new heights. With the support of Pedro Valente and the Valente Brothers, we’re working together to strengthen our curriculum and certify StandStrong’s instructors. Pedro’s commitment to upholding traditional Japanese jujutsu principles has been an inspiration, and his stories about training with Grandmaster Helio and the values instilled in him since childhood have resonated deeply. I’m looking forward to deepening my own training and collaborating with Pedro, Gui, and Joaquim to elevate StandStrong’s mission even further. I know this collaboration will be transformative for StandStrong, enabling us to empower our students with even greater strength and resilience. 

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Pedro Valente, who not only gave me my very first jujutsu lesson but also shared his experiences and dedication, leaving a lasting impact. You can follow the Valente Brothers’ incredible work and latest updates on their blog linked here. 

I’m also immensely grateful to Ryron and Rener Gracie and the team at the Gracie Brothers studio in Torrance, CA, especially Sam Fernandez, for their fantastic training. The instructors were essential in guiding me through the Gracie curriculum and helping me achieve my blue belt. 

Of course, I couldn’t forget to mention my amazing friends and trainers, Ronal and Kyle, who have been with me from the very beginning. Their support has transformed my life, both in fitness and jujutsu, making this journey so much richer. Without their encouragement, this path would have been far more challenging, and I am deeply thankful for their presence every step of the way. 

This trip reminded me of the power martial arts teachings hold, extending far beyond the mat. I’m thrilled to share this renewed passion with the StandStrong community as we continue this journey of growth and empowerment. Stay tuned for what’s next!