Hello, friends! Today I break my long and unfortunate silence to report that I received my blue belt last Saturday. It was a surprise and an honor to be promoted by two inspirational coaches whom I deeply respect and love. Receiving this blue belt represents everything I’ve been through in the 15 months since I started my BJJ journey: Depression, anxiety, panic, pain, injury, surgery, fear, doubt, ego, and failure… I am grateful for the instruction of my coaches Mayko Araujo and Karen Antunes, and humbled by their belief in me.