Tyler Proffitt

 

I am a relative newcomer to the martial arts, having begun my training approximately two years ago. I quickly fell in love with all aspects of it. In fact, when I first stepped onto the mat that day in 2013, I had no idea this sport would influence my life in such a big way.

 

I love being in the gym, and I love the respect, the competitiveness, and the discipline associated with the martial arts. I've also met some wonderful people and made great friends.

 

Martial arts is a sport like no other. When you face your competitor it's just you and them. No one else is there to help you, and you know your challenger wants the win as badly as you. And, like you, they've trained hard and sacrificed every single day. But out there on the mat, it's all about who wants it more, who has trained just a little bit harder, and who has given up going to school dances or football games just to spend that extra hour in the gym.

 

I worked really hard during my first three months of training and my coaches thought I should enter the NAGA (North American Grappling Association) tournament. Well, my hard work certainly paid off because I won! I've also been fortunate enough to win several more tournaments, including 1st place (the gold medal) at the 2015 Ohio State Judo Championship.

 

I thank each and every one of you who have joined and supported me in this wonderful journey in the martial arts. I cannot imagine being without it, or you.

 

Thank you!

 

Tyler Proffitt