10 years ago, on August 1st of 2004, we first opened the doors of the Mario Roberto Jiu-Jitsu Academy. For those of you who were not around back then, trust me when I say that things were quite different. We started with a single student, subleasing space from the old boxing gym, and having to lay down mats on a corner every time we wanted to practice. It was rough. I made $65 that first month, and things did not improve anytime soon. It was my first time running a business, and I made every possible mistake you can think of. I was so broke that my only method of transportation was an used bike bought from the local pawn shop. That was when I truly started to appreciate Minnesota winters. :) The only thing we had going for us was a clear vision of what we wanted the gym to become. This vision was shared by all of our students, and I was willing to follow it through hell and high water. I was fortunate to surround myself with amazing individuals, and to learn early on that the only path to the materialization of that dream involved unyielding commitment and hard work. There were a fair share of obstacles, a multitude of doubters, and plenty of mistakes on my part... but nothing worth having comes easy. 10 years have passed, and look at where we are! We have a world class facility that is easily the best martial arts school in SE Minnesota. We are a bastion of functional, fight-oriented training. We are known to produce some of the best grapplers in the state. We had representatives compete in the UFC, Pride, WEC, Extreme Challenge, Abu Dhabi and IBJJF Worlds. More importantly, I like to believe that we have made a significant impact on the lives of each one of our students, past and present. We have built a community of friends that truly becomes a second family. We support each other inside and outside of the gym. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has changed my life, and to be able to share that gift with others is an amazing blessing. Not bad for a gym in Rochester, MN. This is by no means a solitary personal achievement, but instead a community milestone. I did not build this gym alone. Our students are the true cornerstones and the cement that keeps us together. We stand strong and we have a lot to be proud of and thankful for today. This could not have happened anywhere else but in America. This country has welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to successfully pursue my vision. To the non-believers and complainers out there: the American dream is VERY much alive, and it is there for the taking - for those that are willing to work for it. This is the land of opportunity, and I am very thankful and proud to call it my home. Dream big, have faith, work hard, live clean, always be thankful, never give up. To my students, friends, God and family: thank you SO much. I will see you today at the celebration, and you can bet Im riding my bicycle there. :) #Believe #Followyourdreams #hardworkpaysoff FEEL FREE TO SHARE YOUR FAVORITE GYM STORY ON THIS THREAD!!!
Posted on: Sat, 02 Aug 2014 12:25:42 +0000
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