My two grandsons, Barry and Harvey Johnston, ages 8 & 10, are Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. They love the sport. Here at the Battleground Houston Championship they both won gold medals in their brackets. The joy and satisfaction is evident on their faces. So proud of them!

What does it take to reach this level of accomplishment? Dedication, love-of-the-sport, great Professors and coaches, and hard work are only the start. The boys have trained primarily for Jiu-Jitsu since the age of 4, and then they added cross-training recently in both Judo and wrestling. Professors Zach, Rob and Trent at Cross Collar Jiu Jitsu, Seabrook, Texas, are their primary teachers. They cross-train in wrestling with Coach Joe at Vici Martial Arts, League City, Texas. The current Greco-Roman Wrestling Heavyweight Champion has been tutoring them in wrestling for the past 8 months, and his influence is noticeable in the improvements in their speed and takedowns in particular. In addition, Professor Alex at Fast Lane Jiu-Jitsu, Pearland, Texas, has contributed to their competition honing. Their excellence has not been the result of just one person, but a team of dedicated professionals, and we thank them all.

How many hours a week do the boys spend practicing? 17-20 on average. Being homeschooled allows this fun schedule, and I do mean fun. The boys simply enjoy it and ask for more, but we do limit it. When they want to take a day off, they do. They make the decision. Days off are far and few in-between by their choice.

Now to see what the future brings.