“A black belt is a white belt who never quit”.This saying echoes through the halls of jiu-jitsu gyms globally, reminding us of the perseverance needed to reach the pinnacle of martial arts.
At the Athlas Training Team in Fort Lauderdale, we recently celebrated the promotion of four remarkable students to black belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, marking a significant milestone in their martial arts careers.
Meet Our New Black Belts
Alexandre França
We gathered to witness the heartfelt black belt ceremony for Alexandre França, led by none other than Professor Júnior. These two started their Jiu Jitsu journey together on the vibrant mats of Rio de Janeiro, and seeing them reunite for this milestone was truly touching. 
GABRIELA FRANCIS
Meanwhile, over in sunny California, celebrations were just as joyful. The owner of the Jiu Jitsu Foundation, a pillar in our martial arts community, proudly received her fourth stripe. Her perseverance and skill continue to inspire us all.
Master Antonio Ricardo Liborio was present too, adding his legendary spirit to these festivities. His presence reminded us of the deep roots and broad reach of our community.
These moments are what our sport is all about—passion, friendship, and the continuous journey of improvement. Cheers to Alexandre and our friend in California! Here’s to many more years of rolling, learning, and growing together
Coach Dilano Taylor, who joined us straight out of high school with a background in wrestling, discovered his knack for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu early on.
His journey didn’t stop at jiu-jitsu; he expanded his prowess to MMA and striking, swiftly climbing the ranks to headline major events, including at Madison Square Garden. His journey from a white to a black belt has been inspiring, not only as a competitor but also as a dedicated instructor for our kids’ wrestling program.
Jonas Fernandes
Tansitioned to jiu-jitsu after a brief career in MMA. His goal was clear: achieve the black belt. As a father, his passion extends beyond his practice, having enrolled his children in our jiu-jitsu classes, fostering a family of martial artists.
Dan Mulvey
Started as a white belt at our Fort Lauderdale academy and became known for his competitiveness. He has since moved to Las Vegas, continuing his training and carrying on the legacy of Master Junior Fernandes across the country.
Coach Luke Stafford
Began his training journey with us back in 2007. Throughout his career, Luke has been a stalwart competitor and a beloved instructor, teaching both kids and adults fundamental jiu-jitsu classes.
The Essence of a Black Belt
Understanding what a black belt represents is crucial before delving into our athletes’ accomplishments. It’s not merely a rank but a symbol of discipline, experience, and proficiency. A black belt signifies the wearer’s capability to effectively teach and pass on their knowledge to others.
Path to Black Belt Mastery
– Fundamental Understanding: Every black belt’s journey begins with mastering the fundamental techniques and principles of BJJ.
– Regular Training: Consistency is key. Our team members engage in regular practice to refine their skills continually.
– Progression Through Ranks:Advancing through various belt colors signifies mastering more complex techniques and deepening one’s understanding of the art.
– Mentorship: Experienced black belts provide mentorship, playing a pivotal role in guiding athletes on their path to mastery.
– Competition:Testing skills in competitions is essential, helping refine techniques and strategies against diverse opponents.
– Teaching: Sharing knowledge by teaching others solidifies understanding and helps cultivate the next generation of practitioners.
Athlas Training Team proudly holds over 31 black belts, each exemplifying unwavering dedication to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Their journeys underscore that achieving a black belt is more than reaching a destination; it’s a testament to lifelong learning and mastery.
If you’re inspired by our athletes’ stories and interested in starting your own journey towards a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, remember that it’s about the path as much as the goal. Visit our academy or contact us to learn more about our programs. Let the Athlas Training Team guide you through your martial arts journey, every step of the way.
