This weekend was so special to me.
After 20 years in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu I was able to promote my second BJJ black belt in Norwich. Daddy Kabuiku has been a loyal team member and friend for almost 10 years. He’s won European, ADCC, English, British and other tournaments on his journey. But above all…
He’s been a part of the team and a close friend.
Today, a lot of the martial arts traditions are lost, traditions such as loyalty, respect and honor.
I always look towards these traditions when considering new belt gradings. Yes, it’s important to be at the ability level of the belt, but it’s also important to be part of the team that helped you get there and honor the team and coach’s who walked with you on this journey.
I believe everyone is someone, someone special and that we all have a black belt in us. It’s the job of the coach to bring that out. Which is why you’ll often hear and see Icon coach’s preaching about “TEAM” and family. Because without a strong coach to guide you, without someone who believes in you, you will begin to doubt yourself and once that doubt creeps in, it’s hard to get out.
Icon work hard with all the members of the team, understanding everyone has a different need to bring out the inner black belt. I take great pride in knowing and working with all my team mates, knowing what they need to work on and how to nurture their growth.
Again, everyone is someone at Icon.
Icon’s newest BJJ Black belt Daddy Kabuiku showed he was more than just a competitor, but an Icon family member.
Icon now boast 3 resident BJJ Black belts to help nurture our members, from white belt to black.
But the question now remains – Who will be the next Norwich BJJ Black Belt with Icon?
Steve. C