Unfortunately, there were no decent judo programs in my area, and my parents couldn’t afford private lessons, so my judo career was essentially over before it really got started.
Oddly enough, I didn’t get back into judo until I graduated from college in the late-90s. Though I totally enjoyed getting back into it and found myself intrigued by competition-level judo, I also realized something…
I knew absolutely NOTHING about competition-level judo.
I didn’t even have any clue of where to start!
My knowledge, tools, resources, and budget were all incredibly limited. But even worse, I didn't even know what I didn't know…. If that makes any sense at all.
I was literally walking in the dark when it came to becoming familiar with the world of competitive judo.
Then I watched Jimmy Pedro win the Olympic bronze medal in Atlanta in 1996.
That moment changed everything for me.
EVERYTHING.
I realized right then that I truly wanted to represent my country in the Olympics. It was actually the first time I ever found myself inspired to do anything in my life.