Team Tooke MMA

5th degree black belt!

When I started my Jiu-jitsu journey over a quarter century ago with , I just wanted to learn this cool, new fringe art form that Royce Gracie was using to beat up big guys in the UFC. Carlos Machado was the only black belt in Texas at that time and we would often travel to Dallas to train with him. I didn’t know that black belt was a possibility, and I didn’t even know what degrees were. I’m grateful to still be on this journey where I learn more everyday. And I’m honored to receive this promotion from Xande Ribeiro whose style has influenced my jiu jitsu tremendously.

Sharing this day with and promoting him to black belt was a special experience. Anthony started at Team Tooke as a 5 year old child. Today, he is a jiu jitsu black belt, a competitor, an instructor, a leader, and an example of excellence to so many. Soon to be graduating college with honors, I can only imagine what the future holds for him. Just don’t get too cocky, Anthony…I will always outwit you in the petty insult department 😂

Thank you to Robby Rabadi Jose Angel Llanas Miguel Castro Alexandre Ribeiro and everyone who has been a part of Anthony’s journey over the past 17 years.

I plan to be there for your 5th degree promotion so keep training Anthony. I’ll have less hair and more injuries but I’ll be there 👊🏼