“If you think you can, you will. If you think you can’t, you’re right.”
For 28 weeks myself and 100 other recruits shouted that mantra every morning at 0530 as we started our day with PT. Every one of those mornings I prayed for God to strengthen me and push me forward. Some of those mornings that prayer was much more desperate than others.
As difficult as the Academy was, it was still a bigger challenge for my wife, Jessica Ann. Jess CRUSHED things on the home front: staying on top of our finances, raising our daughter, and growing a new little baby who’s due in July. Without the strength and determination of my wife I would not have succeeded.
My parents provided all the support and love Jess and I needed. Babysitting, food, you name it. If it was needed they were there. Glenn and Alexandra, without you I wouldn’t have made it.
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my brother Pawel. Brother, you instilled the warrior’s mindset in me and helped me shape myself into the man I am today. Without you I wouldn’t have the drive that was necessary to complete the Academy. To all my brothers and sisters at Krav Maga Detroit, it has always been an honor to train and be trained by you.
My mentor advised me, just an hour before taking the oath of office, that the badge will feel heavy. It will ALWAYS be heavy. I sacrificed a lot of sweat and blood, anger and fear to earn the right to wear a badge; but that price will follow me for as long as it’s worn. I pray every day that God gives me the strength I need to pay it.
Written and Experienced by KMD Instructor Ari Harris