unprecedented by any competitor) Rafael Jr was named OTM’s BJJ competitor of the year.

“The funny thing about Rafael is that I never intended for him to be a world champion,” says Rafael Sr. “The most important thing to me was that he be a world champion human being. A man of integrity, honor, a man that others would look up to and be privileged to be his friend. Martial arts training would teach him good exercise habits, to take care of himself, and besides it would be a great way for us to bond and spend time together. Honestly his successes don't surprise me, he is talented, but more importantly he has great discipline and drive.”

On behalf of everyone who has children or loved ones in Jiu Jitsu, I had to press Rafael Sr. a little more to the secret of their successes and he shared with me, “The best advice I could give to other parents would be to support your children 100%. Let them know you love them especially through the disappointments. I've always tried to emphasize to Rafael that the most important thing wasn't the titles he won, but what kind of man he would become.”

If you want to visit the new Lovato Jiu Jitsu Academy it is located at

4419 NW 50th
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
405-491-1380
http://www.okbjj.com