Congrats on the BJJ Brown Belt promotion Wiktor Svensson

D’arce Vader…LOL!

I still remember the first day this white shoe, black sock wearing Euro stopped in to train with me at Tiger Muay Thai.

It was 2007, and truth be told he had been at the gym before, although left to go train with Ole Laursen at the legacy gym in Ubon Thailand because of the lack of “mma” training tmt had at the time.

Coming to me as a white belt, Wiktor had some formal training from his military background, and even ran a small club in Sweden for himself and his friends to train at, but technically was very much still a white belt (albeit with some tricky leg locks…lol)

Looking for guys who were reliable, honest, trustworthy, Tiger Muay Thai and myself eventually created opportunities to help him stay long term while he developed his skills, and evolved as an instructor and fighter.

Eventually earning his Blue Belt under myself and Professor Tony Eduardo Lima of Brazil, Wiktor went from BBQ Beatdowns, and Local grappling tournaments to International MMA fights in Taiwan and Singapore
Before eventually earning his purple belt after putting two straight opponents to sleep inside the cage!

While not the UFC, Wiktor has always had the talent to compete on that scale if he truly desired, however being blessed with the art to teach, he is a true definition of the word “martial artist” not just “fighter”.

When I left tiger it was with bitter sweetness, as truth–some of the personalities made it unrealistic to think we could coexist in a mutually beneficial environment, however many of the other friends, students, and teammates made it feel like my soul was being stolen from my chest during the initial divorce.

I made Wiktor wait to get his brown belt. Even while “new instructors” at the gym were being promoted for achievements they didn’t earn, I asked Wiktor to wait until the time was right and I was ready to recognise him as my first Brown Belt. With honor and dignity he agreed, showing his true integrity and the value of receiving the belt from me.

Xmas eve 2012 I set up a lunch with UFC star Jake Shields, Bellator Fighter JJ Ambrose, Korean mma star Tommy Yang, and a few other close friends to formally present Wiktor with the promotion…a bit overdue I’m sure—but after seeing him handle more then his share of visiting Black Belts…I can assure you it was well earned and deserved.

Promotions under me are more then just an ability to teach, or medals on a podium…they are something much more spiritual and I don’t expect most to understand the significance of a 2″ belt that goes around your waist to hold your pants up…

But this promotion and all the gym wars, family tears, and life experiences that have gone behind it is what it truly exemplifies.

Congrats Wiktor. I’m proud of you and look forward to one day promoting you to black belt.

Happy belated Xmas