Terry Clinton, a blind BJJ Black Belt from New Zealand shares his inspirational path to a black belt and his difficult road to progress in Jiu-Jitsu, making all usual excuses people use fade completely in comparison.
The first blind BJJ black belt from New Zealand, Terry Clinton recently shared how truly difficult his Jiu-Jitsu journey has been. BJJ is hard and challenging fro everyone, let alone people who have a specific impairment, like in the case of Terry.
As per a post on his Instagram account, the blind BJJ black belt lost 40 fights before ever tasting victory on the mats. He also had to compete for 7 years before winning his first National Title as well as go through 6 World Championships to end up on the podium.
“The question has been asked: how did I get my black belt as a blind person?
The answer is simple. I DID NOT QUIT.
I lost my first 40 fights and I did not quit. I had people telling me I could not make it and I did not quit. It took 7 years to get my first national title I did not quit.
It took me 6 world champs to get a medal but I did not quit.”
The relentless blind BJJ black belt also shared his hark tank experience from his promotion to black belt:
“90 seconds in to my shark tank Monday I was kneed in the face and started bleeding. I was asked if I wanted to stop but I did not because I hate quitting so rolled 19 minutes bleeding the whole time.”
Terry Clinton’s story is inspirational as it, but him sharing the details about the struggles he was facing and never gave up is exactly the wind some grappler need in their sails:
“If you have a big dream do not listen to doubters. Go chase it as hard as you can and do not quit!
As for my black belt I do feel like an impostor, but at the end of the day it was not my choice and I respect that three people who made that decision.
So, I am going to enjoy the ride keep learning and guess what I will not quit!”
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