Once you go black....

[DougieK]

Hi All,

After the interest a bunch of you showed earlier in the year on my failed worlds quest, I thought I'd make a quick post.

On Saturday Dec 21, After fighting 60 X 3 minute rounds with a fresh opponent each time and no breaks, I was awarded my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Professor Thiago Stefanutti at Absolute MMA.

I am Thiago's 2nd white to black belt in Australia and the first guy who did his first day of grappling at Absolute to be awarded a Black Belt. A few of the guys from the forum came along, with GTShoon even donning one of my Gi's and having a crack at beating me up.


Over the last 10 years I've taken almost 200 full contact fights, I have 7 pan pacific gold medals and I also finished the year as the no 1 ranked Brown belt in country.

If any of you are interested in learning the martial arts, self defence, or already have trained a bit and would like to come and spar, I have my own studio at my house in the South East suburbs and would be happy to accomodate you.

Here's some pics from the day.

With my coach and the Iron Princess



World champion and the youngest brown belt in Absolute history Cooper Burnham



Two of my amazing private students, both of whom are also keen fishos



The love of my life in the 59th X 3 minute round



IP was having trouble finishing a leglock so she employed the 147kg Mountain that rolls to help



My coach reminding me that he's way, way better than me.



The guy who helped me get through the warmup on my first day 10 years ago, and talked me out of quitting about 6 weeks in.



My best friends in the world (minus Cam, who was hiding by this stage.)



Thank you all for your support earlier in the year, I just wanted to share this celebration with you all since I couldn't bring home the goods from the World Titles.

[purple5ive]

Congratulations Dougie .
This is a mighty fine feat..

[StarrangerAU]

Its funny how some of us **cough** know that we need to get our bodies moving, get physical and burn more calories than we consume, but will always have an excuse not too. Too busy, too tired, too this or too that.... and yet there are other folk who dispense with the excuses and gets on with it.
I have a great deal of respect and admiration for a fellow who can motivate themselves to acheive the pinnicale of chosen activity. Top credit to you Dougie for all of your achievements on and off the mat.

[Raulfc7]

Well Dougie that’s a great achievement

[rb85]

Well done Dougie fantastic achievement.

[Redhunter]

King of the cuddles! Haha, only joking.
Well done indeed Dougie, that's a great achievement pal.

[davek]

Congrats Dougie cheers davo

[DougieK]

Thank you all so much.

Awesome Xmas gift from the Iron Princess to match the one I had made for her....

[seephil]

Congrats Dougie and Merry Christmas.
I’ll get Thiago to send you a hug lol

[happyfriggincamper]

Thanks for sharing and congrats on the achievement