To the left is Sensei Lee Whitby of Samurai Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Chadderton (Manchester). Lee has devoted himself to Jiu-Jitsu for the past 18 years.
I myself have known Lee all this time and used to train with him when I lived in Manchester back in 1998. I was shocked to receive a text off him yesterday to say that after 18 years he has to hang up his belt due to health reasons.
Lee is one of the most genuine people I have had the privilege and honour to meet. The reason for this blog is not only for me to say a personal thank you to Sensei Lee but it comes as a reminder that we are only here once.
We are all brilliant at saying "it doesn't matter, I will do it tomorrow" but life is so fragile you never know what tomorrow will bring.
I hope that Sensei Lee will be able to continue to have an input in his Club even if it's in the background as he has done so much for his students.
So my advice to you is this:
- Don't live by regrets as this is not living.
- Surround yourself by people who make you happy.
- For those people who try and put you down, get rid as they are not worthy of you.
So if you have been saying for ages, "I fancy having a go at learning Jiu-Jitsu or weapons" don't put if off. Get doing it today!