There is something special about an athlete earning their black belt — especially when they do it the right way.

Earlier this week two of the original members of Pedigo Submission Fighting, AKA Daisy Fresh, did just that. Jakob ‘Spatchy’ Brooks and Alejandro Wajner were promoted to black belt by Heath Pedigo.

In the promotion video you can see Alejandro receive his black belt and Heath calls the team in to celebrate such a monumental moment with Alejandro. The first guy you see running into the frame is Spatch. He runs in to pick Alejandro up and get the celebration started, obviously stoked for someone who is more than a teammate to him. Then Heath being the showman that he is, pulls out the second belt to promote Spatch alongside Alejandro. 

It might seem like a coincidence that Spatch was the first guy to run out there and celebrate, but if you know these guys at all, then you know it isn’t a coincidence at all. I have a feeling Heath also knew that is exactly how it would play out.

Alejandro and Spatch are two great representatives for not just living the jiu-jitsu lifestyle, but also always making themselves available to support the community whenever they can. 

Here is part of what Alejandro had to say about the promotion on his Instagram:

I’m proud as ever to say that I received my black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Heath Pedigo. It’s hard to put into words what this means to me, but I’ll try. Getting my black belt isn’t just about technique, time, or matches. It’s about loyalty, sacrifice, friendship, and trust in a vision. I’ve spent nearly a decade under the roof of Pedigo Submission Fighting. From the mats inside the Daisy Fresh Laundromat to countless hours training, sleeping, grinding, and growing—it all shaped me into the man I am today.

Living that life wasn’t always easy. It demanded everything. But I had Heath in my corner every step of the way—not just as a coach, but as a mentor, best friend, and a constant example of what it means to lead from the front. What he built at PSF changed my life.

Since starting out at Daisy Fresh sleeping on the mats ten years ago, Alejandro now helps lead the PSF Wrestling program in Mount Vernon where he is helping shape the next generation of elite wrestlers and grapplers. He and his partner are also expecting twin boys — a couple future black belts in the making.

Spatch has risen the ranks and help shaped the culture of Daisy Fresh from the time he initially joined the team. No matter who is competing or where, you can always count on Spatch to be in their corner rivaling some of the top coaches in the game with unmatched support and coaching.

These guys support each other more like a family than a team, and that is what made this moment feel so special.