Dan and his seeds
When I opened the doors to American Top Team Port St Lucie 7 years ago, I started with some mats, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt instructor named Gigueto, and a bank account with $600. After 7 blessed years we have grown considerably. I have seen many folks come and go…some of the same folks come and go many times. I have seen many self proclaimed future champions never fight. I have had many staff members move on to other things. And to everybody that I have ever shared a moment with, I wish you the best. But there is one man that has been a staple in ATTPSL’s existence and quite frankly if it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t be where we are today. That is Daniel Donaldson.
The very first day that the doors opened, he was there. In fact, even when I was still living in Boca Raton training as a full time fighter, he sent me an email asking me when I was moving back PSL to open a school. Since then, he has fought under the ATTPSL flag (the very first person to rep ATTPSL to be exact), he has taught classes, trained and cornered fighters (including myself), served as program director, and managed the academy for the last 5 years or so. And within that time he has never asked for time off. 3 years ago, I asked him to take a week off and he told me “No”. And he has NEVER taken one…and I have never asked him again either. The sacrifices that he has made through the years have allowed us to move strong and remain the best academy around. You can not put a price tag on the loyalty and dedication that Dan Donaldson possesses.
Today is Dan’s birthday. While some people need a few weeks of celebration for their birthday, rest assure Dan will be at ATTPSL working and probably holding pads for somebody. Since we know where his celebration will be, make it a point to show your appreciation to the real backbone behind ATTPSL – Dan Donaldson. Lets party tonight!!! Happy Birthday
(Now Dan, stop reading this and get back to work)
Dedicated to hard working individuals
Din Thomas
P.S. Next up…The top 6 moments in ATTPSL’s 7 year history!!!!!!
