I just wanted to take the time to personally thank all my island people who have influenced and encouraged me to go after my dreams with jiu-jitsu. I just wanted to thank these certain individuals for their continued support and contributions that have helped me to grow in one way or another. First, I would like to thank my long time friend, pare and former training partner, Gabe Baker, for if it weren’t for him, I probably would have never walked into the doors of the Guahan Warriors Jiu-jitsu Academy. It was he that first introduced me to the sport of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Thank you Gabe! Secondly, I would like to thank coach Tony San Nicolas for helping to pave the road to my success. “Coach Tony, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the opportunity to succeed. It was with you that I built my foundation and grew, thank you!” Thirdly, I would like to thank James Quan, for it was with him that my game has found its direction and has tailored my style. “James, thank you for all the beat downs, for it only made me a better and stronger player. Also, thank you for the times we spent together working on technique.” Next, I would like to thank Big John Calvo. Even when others disagreed (back in the day) with us working together, I appreciate and admire you doing what you do best - that being helping and seeing others grow in the movement with the sport. You believed in sharing the knowledge. It was with you that my understanding of the game came about. “Thank you Big John!”

Next, I would like to thank the following people who have also influenced the growth of my game. Melchor Manibusan; “Melchor, thank you for allowing me to train at your academy and thank you for sharing the knowledge.” Despite what others had to say and the different flags we fly, you still welcomed me without passing judgement. “Thank you Melchor.” Mike Ulloa; “Mike, thank you for all those times you made an appearance at my academy. It was always an honor to have you training on our mats. And despite the different flags we fly, you were always willing to help and share the knowledge. “Thank you Mike!”

I would also like to thank Liza Goranson. “Liza, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your continued support with all that I do and all that I want to achieve. Thank you for all your contributions and ideas that has helped get me to where I am today.” I would also like to thank my childhood and good friend Earl Bost and his wife Sarah, for always welcoming me into their home every time I journey to Las Vegas. “Thank you both for the kindness and hospitality shown.”

I would like to thank my long time and good friend and sponsor Ron Fejeran with Chamorro Punch Kennels. “Ron, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for believing and trusting in me and my dreams. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.” Also, to all my other sponsors: Jade and Linda Templo with Rush Gear 671, Tony Sgro with Paradise Fitness Center, Steve with Shades Auto Tinting, Jackson McMurray with Sukebe International and Ed Cruz with Lead Design.

Most importantly, I would like to thank all my success to God. For it is he who keeps my mind strong, my journeys safe and my body healthy. To all my family members, most especially my mother, Frances Blanco, “Thank you for all your moral support and wisdom. Without you guys by my side, all would have been harder to accomplish.” To my daughter, Gabrielle, “Thank you babe, for you have helped me realize the importance of being an ideal role model and inspiration with all that I do. I do all this, so that maybe one day, you will continue daddy’s legacy.” To all my friends, “thank you for all your continued support with my dreams.” To all my fans, “thank you for all your support, without you, the sport alone would not exist” To all my students at The Pound(lb.) Jiu-jitsu Academy, “thank you all from the bottom of my heart for believing in me. Thank you for all your support, your hard work training and your desire to learn. For without you guys, I am nobody! You all make me very proud. Special thanks to Joshua “the truth” Poblete, Justin Benavente, Neil Aquino, and Tessa Simpson - thank you all for your continued loyalty and commitment throughout the years - most especially for your commitment to the evolution of jiu-jitsu and our academy.

Humbly yours,
Luis O. Blanco