Shannon Kitchen wears the uniform, but he does not look like the traditional Jiu Jitsu performer. However, looks can be very deceiving. The 26 year-old’s life change forever after he suffered a car accident due to a drunk driver that almost ended his life. According to this company, drunk driving crashes cause more than 10,000 deaths every year, almost 30% of all traffic-related deaths. Drinking and driving costs more than $44 billion in deaths and damages annually.
Shannon told dailyindependent he was asleep during the time the wreck occurred. He died three times and was left disabled. The doctors had to perform surgery in order to repair his aorta. He also lost use of his legs. When Shannon woke up, he had an idea of what happened. He was unable to see. He regained some of his vision after going through rehabilitation, but he is still considered legally blind.
Shannon credits his survival to his family and the military style rehabilitation program he attended. One person stated Shannon would commit suicide within the next five years. However, Shannon has defied him and others who did not believe he would survive.
A short time after starting physical therapy, Shannon was discharged for being too healthy. Shannon longed to find a way to keep himself fit and active after physical therapy. He did an online search for Gracie Jiu Jitsu and discovered Phil Clark’s Martial Arts Academy.
Shannon gives a lot of credit to Phil because he was willing to help someone who could only use half of their body. Jiu Jitsu was not easy, but Shannon says jiu jitsu was an escape for him. It has helped him overcome the frustrations that came along with being confined to a wheelchair and dealing with rude stares from people.
Phil Clark says he is impressed with Shannon’s skills. He also says he does not see Shannon as a student, but he sees Shannon as a friend. Additionally, Phil says many of the other students in his class love and respect Shannon.
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