I am proud to call you family...Why? Because you all sacrifice so much in order to fight the best fight. Because you refuse to let your brothers down. Because you surround yourselves with coaches and teammates that support you. Because Ironworks is a place that you call home. (One of you nuts often sleeps there!)
Last night I saw solidarity in fist bumps, hugs, and hand shakes. The entourage of coaches, teammates and friends followed fighters to the cage in a show of support. I love watching the final bro-hugs before climbing the steps into battle. Each embrace is a final prayer for victory and safety. It was clear that you were fighting for more than yourself. Your fans, your family, your IRONWORKS brothers and sisters...a higher power helped you prevail.
It is your courageous entry into battle that emboldens my Jiu Jitsu journey. Whether I am learning, competing, or coaching, I am honored to do it as part of the IRONWORKS team. I am eager to teach you tools that will help your fight game evolve. As a result, my training never stops. I am not a seasonal warrior. There is no end to my learning.
Come to class and learn some fundamental grappling techniques. Get back to work and support your brothers stepping into the ring this October. I am sure Alexander Dashkov, Zach Buros-Nash, and Ben Ross could use your support. Challenge your ground game skills by entering tournament. Put on a gi and discover drowning and survival. Last night's battle may be over, but the war wages on! Go to IWTC. Sharpen that iron.
Proudly yours...you savages and savagettes,
Jon