My name is Matt Cram,
I live in boulder CO and train at Brazilian Jiu-jitsu boulder with Amal Easton. This past weekend, I drove to Sterling CO to visit a friend. While I was there, I decided to check out Mark Smith's IMB Academy and train in some jiu-jitsu.
When I showed up at the school, I was told that Mark Smith had died a couple days before. Everyone seemed very down. I was then approched by one of the assistants and it was requested of me that I teach their jiu-jitsu class that evening. I accepted and felt very honored to do this.
Mark Smith was a Purple belt representative under Carlos Machado. He was also a certified JKD instructor. In fact, upon visiting his school, the man had so many plaques of certification and achievement that it looked like wall paper.
It was relayed to me after class, that Mark had in fact committed suicide. I was then asked if I would pass on the news. I had only met Mark one time. He was a hect of good grappler. Such a tragedy to lose such a great martial artist. Mark was cremated in his jiu-jitsu gi.
My condolences to his family and all his students.
Matt,
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