Paul Walker given honorary black belt by Jiu-Jitsu teacher

Image
Press Trust of India Los Angeles
Last Updated : Dec 12 2013 | 12:55 PM IST
Paul Walker has been given a posthumous honorary black belt by the Jiu-Jitsu teacher, who trained him for the 'Fast and Furious' movies.
Ricardo "Franjinha" Miller, who trained the late actor during the 'Fast and Furious' franchise for nine years, has posted a heartfelt message about the star, and has given him an honorary black belt in memoriam, reported Us magazine.
Walker and Miller first met in 2004 when Walker was 31 but they became friends during the course of training.
"A mutual friend had sent Paul my way, but I did not recognize him when he first walked in the door. In part, it was because he did not carry himself like a movie star, or a Hollywood big shot. Without the burden of a heavy ego, he was easy going with a ready smile," Miller said.
"Like the Spartan setting of the gym, he was simple and unpretentious. Although he came looking for lessons in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, our bond went beyond the student and teacher dynamic. We became fast friends," Millar said.
Walker never earned a black belt, but Miller remembers one conversation in particular with the handsome star.
"Paul was like many white belts; he wanted to know about becoming a black belt. I told him that at Paragon we don't give away black belts. I said that I didn't care who he was, I was not giving him a 'celebrity black belt.' He loved that!" Miller recalled.
"But he was determined to become a black belt. He said, 'I will get my black belt, even if I need to get it in my coffin.' Now in the wake of his death, I would like to reward Paul Walker the black belt that he wanted so much during his life."
Walker died at the age of 40 in a fiery car crash in Southern California on November 30 with his friend Roger Rodas, who had been driving at the time.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Dec 12 2013 | 12:55 PM IST

Next Story