lIVING THE DREAM

   Trying to separate my every day life from my Jiujitsu life has been a serious struggle.  When the opportunity was put to me to take over as Head instructor/owner of Davis Martial Arts Academy, I guess I didn't know what I was in for.
   I have spent my entire life working as a mechanic.  Since I can remember I have been working or cars, boats, equipment. You name it, I fixed it. To say the least being a mechanic has taken care of me and my family for a long time. The time and investment I have put into to getting to where I am now has been a 20 year struggle.  I started in a washrack when I was 18, right out of high school. needless to say, I have paid my dues.  I have always wanted more out of every job I ever worked.  Wanted to be the best. Would do whatever I thought it would take. Come in early, stay late, not take lunches, work weekends. I gave up a lot in the pursuit of getting ahead, but I thought that's what your supposed to do as a husband and a father. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change the way my life has gone, its just maybe I would have tried to give or get a little more pleasure out of it.
  When I started training Jiujitsu 16 years ago I had no aspirations to own my own school or coach a Team. I just wanted to TRAIN. The feelings and emotions that come along with training Jiujitsu drove me to where I am now. The love of the Art. Take downs, sweeps, reversals, submissions. I love it all. I love the life. But, trying to make it as a school owner, is tough.
  My family depends on me to lead the way. I have never been big on taking risks. So, right now I live a double life.  During the day I am the service manger for an equipment rental company (BLUELINE RENTAL). At night, Jiujitsu coach. My days start at 430 am and do not end usually til 1030-1100 at night. For the first couple of months it was a struggle. Now, I have gotten used to the long hours. Trying to maintain a Jiujitsu school and run a very demanding service department, tricky to say the least. 
  Right now I am not comfortable enough with the growth of the school to leave my current job. I think about the what if's??? My main goal for the school is to increase enrollment. We have been steady with some minor ups and downs. For the most part, we are headed in the right direction. I know we probably could be doing better if I said screw it and went all in. Quit my job and just go for it. Adversity pushes me to succeed. But still in the back of my mind is the what if's... What if I fail?  That's a question I ask my self daily. There are a lot of people depending on me. Not only my wife and kids, but now MY STUDENTS.
  I am not into failure either. Am I putting too much on myself or is this the way it is for all school owners? I dont usually even let failing enter my mind. Man, but there is a lot riding on my success or failure.
  Becoming a Jiujitsu coach and instructor/school owner for most is a dream come true. For me as well.  Little by little I know I will get there. With the help of our current students, and our advertising I hope to grow Davis Martial Arts into something special.  A place where you want to bring your friends and family.  A place not only to train, but a place where you can come to grow physically and mentally. A place where champions are made. A place everyone talks about. A place where everyone wants to come and train.
  My name is Roy Davis... trying to live my dream.
                                             DAVIS MARTIAL ARTS
                                          Practice Makes Permanent  

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