This post is way overdue, but I got promoted to purple belt last saturday by my husband and coach, Sean Applegate. I just wanted to take a second to say thanks to everyone I've ever met or rolled with along my journey. Jiu Jitsu didn't necessarily save my life, but it sure has changed me and really made me want to grow and be a better and more well rounded person. I want to be the best wife, best training partner, best competitor, and most honest person I can be. I try to be true to myself. I work very hard and I was very shocked to get my purple belt, although I've been a blue for a bit. I love coming to the gym everyday and I love meeting new people. I juggle a lot and it can be a challenge, but I am really just so very happy with where I am and to be a part of this. 10th Planet is one of the coolest things that's ever happened to me.
I've had the chance to hang out with some of the coolest people, to learn and grow from them. Eddie Bravo, mY husband Sean, Brandon McCaughren, Nathan Orchard, Sean Bollinger, Josh Passini and his crew, Ruben Alvarez, Richie and Geo Martinez, and so many others!
I've fought a few people in the UFC and had some all out cool experiences because of jiu jitsu. I am just so very grateful. I hope I can be one of the first five homegrown 10th Planet females to reach black belt in the system! All I want to say is I'm grateful!!!
Last thing, some people think having a husband that is a coach too may be odd or weird or difficult, but I have a functional, fluid, amazing marriage. We work hard together, roll hard, and handle business as a team. Sean has pushed me hard because he has always believed in me, even on my worst day, even when I was a bad sport, or frustrated, or cried, or had an attitude...He's always believed in me when maybe I didn't believe in myself, so my biggest thank you is to him. I could ask for a better best friend and just so y'all know, we're gonna conquer the world. ;)
Much Love,
Tori
