Coach Keith started training in 2017 because he believes in a story, that has a few names, but he knows it as “Two Wolves.” A grandfather explains to his grandson that there are two wolves fighting within him, which is a metaphor for the grandfather’s inner sense of conflict. The conversation goes like this:

“I have a fight going on in me,” the old man said. “It’s taking place between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other embodies positive emotions. He is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. Both wolves are fighting to the death. The same fight is going on inside you and every other person, too.”

The grandson took a moment to reflect on this. At last, he looked up at his grandfather and asked, “which wolf will win?”

The grandfather gave a simple reply, “the one you feed.”

Coach Keith continues training because BJJ is a constant battle that requires you to open up to your own fears and frustrations. He also helps others navigate that battle as a coach and training partner. He often covers morning classes when coach is out and is known to train multiple times a day in many cases.

Outside of BJJ, Keith has played soccer competitively.