I had been working with GU (Gracie University) since early March. Rener Gracie is my Jiu-Jitsu Instructor and knows that I shoot video and other creative things. They had an opportunity for me to got to New York with them to film some content for their new apprehension system, SafeWrap. It’s a patent pending technique of safely wrapping people that helps prevent injuries on both the person involved and also the people who are tasked with apprehension of them.
The opportunity took me to New York and inside the NYPD Police Academy. How nuts is that? It was a great experience and I never thought I would ever be someone who would end up there. I had a time in my life where I was getting pulled over a lot and had more than a few bad experiences with Police Officers. I was not a fan and continue have some suspicions of Cops and their intentions. Its taken me years to evolve and understand the problems they face every day. I can also thank my brother, who is a Police Officer in Hawai’i and the Gracie University Survival Techniques for Police as helping change my views.
While on this trip I was able to steal some time with my immediate Supervisor/Boss/Manager. He’s a photographer/videographer and an amazing editor. He and I were able to steal a day and walk around and take some pictures of the city. We also visited REI and the Aer store where he purchased a sling bag. Aer bags are awesome pieces of gear and one of my favorite gear companies. And REI…not only am I a member, I a fan of there offerings across the board!! I was looking at a Sea to Summit packable backpack there and ended up finding it when I got back at the REI Garage. It was a great trip from front to back. I felt very fortunate to have been able to take advantage of the opportunity.
- Digital Ninja®