Rayden is a teenager who is living with autism… And who was jumped and bullied by his middle school peers in a school bathroom. The video of this went viral some time ago; but that didn’t stop Rayden from becoming better.
Namely, he started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA under Rafael Lovato Jr. and his “rockSTAR” martial arts team of instructors.
He recently earned the first stripe on his white belt. Here’s what he had to say about his Jiu-Jitsu journey so far:
There’s something about it [Jiu-Jitsu], that you meet new friends… My emotions build up so quick, I don’t know what to do with them… I’m learning self-control and discipline.
Rafael Lovato Jr. shared Rayden’s story on his Instagram page, detailing the teenager’s greatness and martial arts path:
Remember our brave, lovable, resilient friend Rayden? He’s the Oklahoma boy living with autism who was bullied in a school bathroom and jumped by his middle school classmates.
The heartbreaking video went viral & so did Rayden … thrusting him into the spotlight!Almost 3 years later, can you believe Rayden’s in High School now? AND he’s gone from feeling powerless, to TAKING BACK HIS POWER in life & earning his first Jiu-Jitsu stripe on his white belt. How cool is that?
Rayden started doing mixed martial arts a year ago. He & his little brother Brock received scholarships to train under @lovatojrbjj & his rockSTAR martial arts team of instructors.
Rayden has encountered major support from martial arts stars worldwide:
Rayden is so SUPPORTED & LOVED! @Fightfortheforgotten founder @thebigpygmy has become Rayden’s mentor. He rallied his friends for the 15 year-old’s BIG stripe moment. We’re talking major STAR POWER SUPPORT, @lairdhamiltonsurf @jaredpadalecki @nicksantonastasso @dustinpoirier all giving Rayden that extra boost moments before he took to the mat, which made all the difference!
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