I am going to start this blog with a story that I have wanted to tell for a couple months now.
First a couple of things you should know, that I've learned about jiu jitsu so far. Keeping in mind, I am no expert. I've never once rolled. That's what they call it- when you grapple with a partner in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I'm just the Mom. Watching, supporting, cheering. But we dove in, so I had to learn quickly.
Regardless... the first and very most important thing I have learned is that this is a family. Also- the lineage is important. Some day I'll have to post about that. But for now, suffice to say that in our family, the Triton family, Professor Piet Wilhelm is the father. Which makes his professor, Renato Tavares the grandfather.
Now, to the story telling.
In June, Master Tavares was in town to attend Piet and Sara's wedding. They also had a seminar while he was in town- with several other black belts teaching as well. I was fortunate to get to gift Jacob a private lesson with Master Tavares.
As Jacob headed to the mats at the appointed time, this is what he saw:
One of the younger students was sitting in a chair, watching. Renato went over to him and asked why he wasn't rolling. The kid said "I can't do it."
Master pointed to the patch on the kid's chest. (Renato Tavares Association- most students wear patches indicating their affiliations.) "What does that say? Do you know who that is?" The kid just shrugged.
"That's me. That's my name-Renato Tavares." He gestured to the mats. "This is my family. YOU are my family. There is a lot of pride and respect in this family," he said gently. "Go out there and show me what that means."
Jacob said it was not forceful at all- just encouraging. And cool. lol
Master made a big impact on Jacob that day. And, I believe, on the kid. Jacob said he did get out there and give it another try. When Grandfather tells you to get out there, you just do it.
