A tribute video for my best friend, Michael Zaniewski.
Rest in Peace brother.
I first met Mike in fifth grade when he transferred to my school. We quickly became friends and bonded over our shared love of sports, athletics, and video games. His family lived just down the street from mine, so for the next several years, we would walk home from school together with a group of friends. During these walks, we would talk about everything: life, ideas, homework, and relationships. Often, our conversations consisted of us goofing around and coming up with ridiculous scenarios and jokes that only we found funny.
If you had Mike Z in your class at school, you were always in for a laugh. He effortlessly found a way to crack a joke that would make the whole class burst into tears. I was constantly amazed at how someone could be so intelligent without even seeming like they were trying.
Mike always had an abundance of passion and energy that needed an outlet, and in eleventh grade, he discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It quickly consumed all of his attention and became his life. I vividly remember him jogging all the way home and back during lunch breaks in high school just to stay in shape. He would even drink only a Slim Fast to make weight for his next competition.
At the time, I couldn't comprehend how someone could be so fascinated and obsessed with something. As he spent more and more time training Jiu-Jitsu, I saw him less after school. Looking back now, it was truly remarkable to witness someone find their passion and be extremely dedicated at an age when most of us didn't even know what we wanted to do.
I didn't see Mike for a few years after high school, and it seemed like we went our separate ways. However, when we reconnected at Toronto BJJ, he had already achieved numerous accolades and become an instructor at the academy. He was one of the first Canadians to earn international medals at the world championships, putting Canadian jiu-jitsu on the map. He trained, traveled, and competed at as many tournaments as possible.
As accomplished and talented as Mike was in Jiu-Jitsu, he was an even more remarkable instructor. I firmly believe that Mike's true calling was to teach and inspire others through the art. He possessed an incredible mind for Jiu-Jitsu and saw it in a way that nobody else could. He would break down matches and movements to the smallest detail, as if he had invented them himself (which he would often jokingly claim, saying that even Helio Gracie stole his techniques).
We would often daydream about having our own successful academies someday. I always admired his ambition, and I felt immensely proud when he became the head instructor of Riverdale Martial Arts. Mike had a profound impact on so many people's lives. Each and every one of his students could see his passion and dedication. It meant a lot to him when he witnessed their improvement, and he would often call me to share their successes.
I distinctly remember how invested he was in ensuring my own growth and understanding of what real Jiu-Jitsu was. He taught me the value of hard work and what it truly takes to be an athlete and a coach. He was a perfectionist and always his own toughest critic.
It amazed me that despite teaching hundreds and hundreds of people over the years, he could remember everyone's names. He left a positive and lasting impact on every single person he met. Whether we ran into Mike on the street, at the academy, or at a tournament, he would always greet you with a loud "Hey, what's up!" and was always willing to engage in conversation about absolutely anything.
I'm sure everyone who knew Mike will always remember his voice. He had only one volume: loud. I don't think he was capable of whispering. It didn't matter if we were on public transit, on the phone, or even in temples when we traveled to Japan-EVERYONE heard him. I will miss our long phone calls and our commutes home together after training, just as we did when we were younger.
A couple of weeks ago, I taught a Jiu-Jitsu seminar, and one of Mike's former students, who had moved away, attended. After the seminar, he said to me, "That was awesome, man! It reminded me of Mike Z, with the way you joked around and taught the techniques!" At the time, I just laughed it off. But looking back now, I can genuinely say that it is the single greatest compliment I have ever received.
Mike, you will always be a part of me. You were truly an amazing friend, mentor, instructor, and business partner. You were greatly respected and loved by everyone around you. I will never forget you, and I hope I make you proud, brother. OSS