2011 holds great things in store for Small Axe Jiu Jitsu! It is official! We are the first American Galvaobjj/Team Atos Affiliate!
It is my distinct honor to report that Andre Galvao and Tim Sledd agreed that Small Axe Jiu Jitsu would be a great affiliate for Professor Galvao! We look forward to more great instruction from Professor Galvao and will strive to help spread the Atos message!
Out of interest, does that message include religion, given the way Atos competitors often have various christian imagery and slogans blazoned across their equipment? Or is the religiosity just an incidental thing that isn’t pushed on affiliates?
Hey Slideyfoot!
Religion was not an announced requirement for my affiliation with Andre. That being said, his faith, and the faith of the other Atos founders is pronounced. My guess is that given I share being a Christian with them, it made my path toward affiliation easier.
There has never been a single discussion about being exclusive in who we train, allow on our team, or associate because of faith, race, or creed! In fact, any discussion of that sort would have turned me off and away from the possible affiliation. While I am a Christian, I have teammates and students that are atheist, jewish, agnostic and unannounced. It makes for fun and interesting post-sparring discussion to hear my highly educated students (given I teach at a university club as well as my school) discuss the topic of religion.
But my personal perspective is that anything I stand to gain by influencing one’s religion, faith, world view will be better served if I let my actions do the influencing. My interpretation of Christianity is an inclusive interpretation full of faith, hope, love and grace! Given I worship in the Episcopal denomination, I value “reason” when interpreting the meanings of scripture.
So, when you come to my school or to my classes, you won’t be required to buy into any particular religious dogma. You won’t be preached to, shunned, or ridiculed for your faith. You will be welcomed with kind spirits, eagerness to train a fantastic sport, some rough knuckleheads, some gentle monsters, and lots of sarcasm.
I hope that answers your questions.
Happy grappling,
Tim
Tim, Thanks again for having Butter and I up to train. It
was really nice to work a little standup, and having the
opportunity to roll with you (as well as Evan and Paul, an
unexpected bonus) was great and educational as always. We look
forward to coming back sometime soon. Congrats again on your Atos
affiliation. I’m sure it will only bring good things to you and
your school. Tom
Tom,
Great having you two at class. I hope to see you, Butter, Dax and anyone else from that academy that wants to!
You felt tough during our roll! Keep up the good work!
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Poo, I forgot this blog set up doesn’t automatically email notification of responses, so I need to put the comment feed in my RSS. Either way, just wanted to say thanks for the considered reply.