I'm happy to receive the black belt from Eddie! Giving thanks. Laundry list enclosed.

[Brent Alvarez]

Awesome accomplishment Rick!! I'll be down soon for that black belt roll

[Justin W.]

Rick, you've been ready for that black for a while! I'm so happy for you. You do everything the right way. Kind, humble, and you compete more than anyone I know. You're always learning and happy to share knowledge.

Huge congratulations and thank you for being a friend to me.

This is what I respect most about you. Always going down the straight and narrow. I think I was a white belt and you were a purple when I met you and here I am years later about to get my next promotion in a couple weeks and you've always treated me with the same amount of respect from day one, which is also the same way I see you treating everyone else. You're a killer on the mats and always putting yourself out there in the competition scene. You lead by example. Congrats homie, well deserved.

[Josh Passini]

Super pumped for you. You are a die hard savage. Love ya brotha, see you soon.

[TaylorWolf]

Congrats Rick. Absolutely epic. You are an inspiration!

[Slick Rick]

Congrats my brotha!!!

Thank you Robert!! I appreciate the support along the way homie!

[Slick Rick]

Congrats Rick!!!! Slick Rick Da Black Beltch!

Hey Trez! Thank you so much man. I've yet to meet you in person but I'm sure we'll cross paths one day.

[Slick Rick]

Awesome accomplishment Rick!! I'll be down soon for that black belt roll

Thanks Brent! It'll be just like the brown belt rolls we had, except with new colors!! Can't wait to break em in w ya!

[Slick Rick]

This is what I respect most about you. Always going down the straight and narrow. I think I was a white belt and you were a purple when I met you and here I am years later about to get my next promotion in a couple weeks and you've always treated me with the same amount of respect from day one, which is also the same way I see you treating everyone else. You're a killer on the mats and always putting yourself out there in the competition scene. You lead by example. Congrats homie, well deserved.

Thank you Justin. It seems like just yesterday brother. I'm glad I've been able to keep in touch with you and train with you guys the amount I did. I'll be back soon and I'm sure I'll be learning from you and your crazy styles!!

[Slick Rick]

Super pumped for you. You are a die hard savage. Love ya brotha, see you soon.

Thank you Josh! You are the epitome of a cool person and instructor. You lead by example and you are super humble even though you know you are really good! All your guys possess the same qualities. Thanks again and sending mad love to all you Monsters in Chi!!

[Brandon Mccaghren]

Man, Rick took the time to go through and thank every person individually. Not just some generic "thank you," either; a genuine response to each.

A black belt on the mats, and a black belt in life, as well.