New American!

Just some quick congratulations to my BJJ coach, Megaton Dias. Last friday, he was sworn in as a U.S. citizen. I think it was more important to him than even the day Royler Gracie gave him his black belt.

He came to this country about 13 years ago with only a small ability in English, nobody that he knew here, and $450 in his pocket. With only his dedication, hard work, and integrity, he has become a succesful small businessman, husband, father, valuable member of the community, and an important mentor to many people. He has worked hard to become a citizen. He has definitely earned it and is a great example of the american dream.

This is cool, as well. All of us students at his academy have chipped in together and as a welcome to citizenship gift, we are sending he and his wife to Washington D.C. for a weekend vacation to see all the important sights. That was a cool idea, courtesy of senoir student and black belt Michael Sillyman.