Paragon Team Leader Ricardo "Franjinha" Miller further addresses his decision to award Paul Walker a Black belt in memoriam:
"I hope this clarify a little be my "haters" out there. Not that a give a S, But at least I can try to help them to improve their miserable life. Paul Walker was an old friend and fellow martial arts student of Paragon BJJ dating back to our studies in the middle of 2000. Paul was both an actor and unique person/martial artist. He understood in a depth that few men have. He was tasked in the past few years to spread in the big screen the martial art that we all love. While he knew and understood the Bjj moves, Paul's kindness and actions in life on and off the mat showed that he had a far greater understanding of the martial art spirit as a whole. For that reason and conversations between us in later years, I believe that Paul was the true modern father of this particular martial art system and honors him as such.
Paul, like so many other great people in this world, was taken from us way early. He will be sorely missed. Unfortunately, only people with a young soul as these haters still not understand how big he was for our community. How much he was helping to spread Jiu Jitsu around of the World and consequently help others get access to the benefit that only our art gives to who practice It. In other words makes people have a better art if you know what I mean and If you really do the right Jiu Jitsu. Jiu Jitsu is not just tournament medals or showed moves in the proper way. Is not just "bust your ass on the mat every single day". It is about commitment to the art, to help others in need, keep always improving your soul until you die and the more important one avoid get stuck in the sins of life. God Bless the haters out there.
In my heart and vision PW is the Paragon Black Belt (in Memoriam) and for who doesn't know the mean of our name; Paragon means Model of Excellence Paul was a person that a lot of us should use as a model in our live. Please fell welcome to share and spread for them understand It.
Respectfully yours,
Ricardo "Franjinha" Miller Paragon BJJ