When I first started training my goal was to get to Black Belt, about 1/2 way though my Blue Belt I realized how much I had grown and changed my life. My goals have changed dramatically as well. I will still get to Black Belt but not because it's a goal, because I love what Jiu Jitsu has done for me... and don't plan to ever stop!
Thank you Andrew Gardineer for your patience, love and encouragement! Thank you to ALL (far too many to mention individually) who have beat me up, said positive things, pushed me, let me teach them and share the knowledge I have gained in the past 6 years!
I spent 3 years as a Purple Belt, It was an amazing time in my life but, a very tough time as-well. Those of you who know Andrew and I well also know the extremely difficult times we had a few years back. It wasn't until this past year that I got back on my jiu jitsu game, competing, pushing my limits, testing my skills again! I never stopped training but, stepped back from the competition scene.
Andrew and I got engaged, married and spent our honeymoon in Punta Canta, we opened our own school, we grew our incredible jiu jitsu family, we traveled and competed and made some great new friends all during my "Purple Belt Reign"
I am VERY excited to see what this new chapter brings my way! I am also excited to wear my beautiful new Brown Belt, which btw looks great with leopard print, burgundy and army green (Purple is my favorite color so I have been working making this new color fashionable) ;)
*Thank you