Chris Holmes was one of my very first Jiu-Jitsu teammates.

At 19 years old I just wanted to learn how to not get ground and pounded again. 🤕

There wasn’t many of us who remember that small room inside Oakwood Gym, but the aura was something else. 😮‍💨

There was no “Welcome desk.” 😊

No onboarding.

No announcement board. 🗣️

Hell I’m not even sure I signed waiver. 😂

The turnover was something else, but the men who stayed and trained were tough as nails.

As the years went on and we ranked up, some of us opened gyms. 🥋

Mohammad & I opened Metro Jiu-Jitsu.

Chris founded ELITE JIU JITSU.

Chris is arguably one of the most iconic and outstanding members of the Jiu-Jitsu community. 👊

He’s selfless, present, and charismatic while still continuing to compete. 🥇

There are definitely parts of this industry that I HATE. 😡

But I’ve built and crafted some deep connections with amazing people.

It’s people like Chris that help keep me on the mat. 🤼‍♀️

If you haven’t started training Jiu-Jitsu yet……it’s time to find your tribe.

Whether that be with Metro or somewhere else.

See you on the mat,

Written by Coach David Fox

- 🦊

📸: Sky King