Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Devin and I started our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey together at Aces around early 2018. Jiu Jitsu has a cerebral problem solving aspect to it as well as the obvious physical demands. As white belts, we shared fumbling around various techniques dreaming of the day when we were finally "good." I watched him graduate from a shy and uncertain white belt to a confident and fierce competitor as a purple belt.

Devin was passionate about Jiu Jitsu. He studied it and practiced it incessantly. “The rule is to train, train and train some more. Train until the lamb becomes the lion.” This quote epitomizes Devin - relentless work ethic while chasing perfection in detail.

I recall bringing one of my work associates, who was a competition level black belt, to class one evening. After class he rolled with several of my teammates and when he was done, he reported back:

“Who is that guy?!”

“That’s Devin.” I replied.

“He’s really good, a lot to deal with, like a jacked cheetah!”

Devin always enjoyed that nickname, as strength, speed and agility are certainly desirable attributes in BJJ.

Devin was a perfectionist in everything he did. He would find a move or technique worth exploring, study it and proceed to drill it until he could perform it on you at will. He was a fierce competitor who chalked up many victories but when he did lose he would go back to the drawing board and fix whatever went wrong.

Midway through his BJJ career he became an instructor and as you would expect he was excellent at that too. He had a way of breaking down even complicated techniques into nice digestible chunks that could easily be remembered. It was obvious that he took pride in his lessons as he did with everything else.

In early 2020 with pandemic in full effect Devin started a small group to train with at their house. The “Marauders” were born. A close knit group of friends to drill and roll with. Training there quickly became one of the highlights of things to look forward to in coronavirus 2020. BJJ is one of the few sports where you are literally trying to put your opponent in a position of such extreme discomfort that they have to quit. However, once that “tap” is given the fist bumps and bro hugs of your sweat soaked training partner are commonplace.

Devin had his tribe of BJJ brothers who would do anything for him. We loved him dearly and he made each of us better in so many ways. I will always look upon these times shared fondly and will practice the lessons you have taught me.

By: Matt Orgass