Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has always been a respite for me, no matter what craziness the universe brings, jiu-jitsu is shelter, warmth, and perspective.

Tuesday I had a church group come into West Side—a group of young ladies and their chaperones (one of which was the Mayor’s wife). We did a little self-defense, but mainly we laughed and choked each other.

Jiu-jitsu for me has always been a safe place, a place to have fun, and learn, and grow, and appreciate each other, a place where the universe takes a break and enjoys the company of good people.

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There seems to be a lot of interest in the dress code thing. I think I’ve given five or six interviews so far. I realize it’s not really about me. It’s more about freedoms and control and art and world views. I want to tie this all into jiu-jitsu, but for now my mind is digesting the whole calamity.

It’s sort of sureal, but not scary, just sort of strange. I will add this though, jiu-jitsu has helped my patience, breathing and calmness without a doubt.

I’m on chapter 3 “Sifu Bob”; I like it even though it’s about kung fu. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have anything against kung fu; I’m a fan of the Shaolin monk, I’m just saying I think I’d like it more if it was all about jiu-jitsu, but we’ll see. So far, it’s funny and down to earth.

I think sometimes we get stuck studying are own loves so much that we don’t branch out and study other things. I’ll admit this is not a huge stretch, a book about martial arts that has two chapters about jiu-jitsu in it—it’s more like baby steps for me, but still it’s something different. Books to me are always the first step in expanding our knowledge; they’re the catalyst for thought.

I would like to put together a book list, a list that is comprised of great books. Not the classics, no Moby Dicks or To Kill a Mockingbirds the books that jiu-jitsu people like to read (which could be the classics, I guess). If you could spare a couple of minutes and write down the titles and authors, if you know them, of six books–your favorite books– three on jiu-jitsu or martial arts and three about anything. I’ll start:

Martial Arts:

Mixed Martial Art: The Book of Knowledge by BJ Penn
The Gracie Way by Kid Peligro
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique by Royler and Renzo Gracie

Others:

The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff
Linchpin by Seth Godin
The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey

In college I got my first dog-a pit bull named Haiti, a little red-nosed puppy with golden eyes. She was awesome. When I first got her, she was petrified of doorways—yep doorways. She would not voluntarily go through any doorway; she would have to be carried, and if she was on a leash I would drag her through any doorways out of pure frustration. She would protest by crying and lowering her hips—poor dog. I finally realized that she was afraid of what was on the other side. She was afraid of the unknown.

I am not like that. I’m not sure what the future holds, but I’m not afraid of it; the universe knows what it’s doing; I’m along for the ride.

Thanks,
Mr. Johnson

Well, school-wide emails aren’t really my style, but I would like to explain my actions concerning my tattoos. As my wife and mother can attest I can be very hard headed at times. Although I can be stubborn, I’ve never been a fan of conflict nor confrontation—I’m more Martin than Malcolm.

That being said, I believe in standing up for yourself, in being who you are, and in voicing your opinion. I obviously don’t agree with the dress code, frankly it’s asinine, but I’m not in the position to fight the good fight. My pride is not bigger than my family’s welfare. So, under extreme protest, I will cover my tattoos, but please realize that under those sleeves smolders discontent. Please recognize that I am no sheep baaing compliance; I am a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

So let my long sleeves be a symbol, a symbol of oppression, close-mindedness, and everything education is not.

Sincerely,
Mark Johnson

I’m excited about the art work, these guys are super talented. If you’re interested in Brent or Lionel doing some work for you send me a message and I’ll get you the info. I’d like to thank them for their time and efforts, both are upstanding dudes with bright futures. One Love.

* conception and drawing from Chicken Bone Custom’s Lionel Hogan.