Earlier this year, I made a promise to myself: I would return to my martial arts training. It had been eight years since I last stepped foot into a Muay Thai gym—eight long years since the loss of my father-in-law, Pedro. His passing was a heavy blow for my entire family. I vividly remember walking into the gym back then, sitting down with Coach Manu, and letting him know that I needed to take a break from training to support my loved ones through that difficult time.
As the years rolled by, I found myself gravitating toward my home gym, which I personally call the dojo. There, I would continue training in bits and pieces, trying to stay connected to the martial arts in my own way. My good friend Mike, a fellow martial artist, would often join me for sparring and grappling sessions. These sessions became more than just practice—they were an outlet, a way to release the stress and frustrations of life while building an even stronger bond with a close friend. Though these moments were valuable, deep down I always knew something was missing. The feeling lingered that I needed to return to the Muay Thai gym, to resume training under the guidance of a teacher.
This past summer, during one of my reflective moments while enjoying a cigar, I made the decision. It was time to pay Coach Manu a visit. I initially thought I would just catch up with him, talk about coming back, and maybe start training the following week. But as soon as I stepped into the gym, something clicked. The familiar sights and sounds immediately drew me in, and I knew I wouldn’t be waiting until next week—I’d be training that very day. The energy in the gym felt right, as if I had never left. Even though many of the faces were unfamiliar, I didn’t feel like a stranger. The other students introduced themselves, and the sense of community I had missed so much quickly enveloped me.
Every time I leave class now, I feel rejuvenated—mentally, physically, and spiritually. I find myself looking forward to the next session before I’ve even left the parking lot. What excites me most is knowing that with each class, I am improving. Each session is a small building block, and when I look at it over the long haul, I see the potential for tremendous growth. That excites me—the idea that this journey is ongoing, and I’m just getting started again.
This time, my training isn’t driven by the need for quick achievement. I’m fully embracing the long-term journey ahead, with patience and dedication. There’s something deeply satisfying in knowing that I’m growing, little by little, with each step and every day. Martial arts isn’t just a practice—it’s a way of life. And I am grateful to have found my way back.
