This past weekend I attended a memorial service for someone I trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with since my first class. For almost seven years, I had the privilege to train with and be inspired by Tyler Keene on a regular basis. We rolled just a week before he died. As we started our first of several rounds that night, we did the customary hand slap and fist bump, and I said, “All right, Tyler, show me something new.” And he did, over and again. As usual, the always-humble Tyler did not readily accept my compliments and explained techniques without a hint of condescension. We shared some laughs and, out of the clear blue, traded a couple reminiscences about our early days as white belts. I did not know Tyler as well off the mat as I did on it, but by all accounts his character was as unique and tremendous as his jiu-jitsu.
Tyler’s passing has made me reevaluate a lot in life generally, and, of course, it’s made me reflect on our shared passion for martial arts. I am thankful for a great number of things in life, but I want to take an apropos moment here to express my gratitude for the facet we at the Academy share.
I am thankful for the ability to train in the physical activities I love and to do so almost every day.
I am thankful for my instructors and mentors who keep me excited to improve.
I am thankful for my many and varied training partners, from brand new students to my peers and superiors. I wouldn’t have my modest skill sets without the truly terrific people I work with and learn from on a daily basis.
I am thankful that my best and most supportive training partner, Danelle, is also my steadfast partner in life.
I am thankful for the trust and opportunity given to me to teach Krav Maga at the Academy.
I am thankful for the students who keep me from complacency and motivate me to continue my journey as an instructor.
Be well. Happy Thanksgiving.
Marc says
Thank you.
rick says
thank you, patrick, for your inspiration and dedication as an instructor, and for answering all my questions.
Josh says
I am grateful, too. Patrick. For stumbling into the martial arts in general and the MacDonald sphere of influence in particular. Grateful for learning from the likes of you and Danelle, Brian, Matt, Marc, Julian–and soon James? Perhaps grateful most of all that I’ve never had to use a single block, strike, or shoulder roll in self defense–however ready I am to let slip the dogs of war. (It must be the way I carry myself.)
Thank you for your post, and I’m sorry to hear about your friend.
Josh