We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chris Ortiz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chris below.

Alright, Chris thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

Yes on a number of fronts. As an educator I play a game that is very objective and analytically driven. Everything we do in the business is brought back to the numbers and understandably so. With that being said I could care less about the numbers because for me it is all about the journey and growth of my student/athletes. I have learned that there are far too many factors at play and that I am not in total control of my students outcomes. For that reason I have done my best to disconnect myself from that part of the game. Instead of the end result I choose to focus my time, energy, and attention on creating a beautiful journey that my pupils will take with them forever. The kind words bestowed upon me by the students and their parents year after year tells me that I am doing right by the people that matter most. In a world that disproportionately values the bottom line people like myself will stick out like a sore thumb. For better or worse I will continue down this path and take my chances. Because at the end of the day I work for the kids not the educational machine.

Chris , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

By trade I am an educator and coach at Knox JHS located in The Woodlands, TX. On the side though I am a man of many interest and talents. Things outside of school that interest me are writing children’s books, podcasting, and working to get Jiu Jitsu into the public school system. I have written a total of 6 books and may currently at work on number 7. My next piece will center around animal shelters and the precious creatures that are looking for a home inside. Our family has a habit of adopting and rescuing animals in need. Since I write about the things that matter most to me this seemed like the perfect project to embark on. I am hoping to partner with the MCAS here in The Woodlands and drive some much needed money and attention their way. If you have adopted a shelter animal then you know that this is a very worthy cause.

Another project that has captured my attention is getting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu introduced into the public school system. As an educator of 20 plus years I am fed up with seeing some of our young people getting stuck in the same traps. On the discipline side very little has changed. We are using the same archaic measures to deter poor and unruly behavior. I would argue that the current system asks more of our teachers and admin than ever before. One can see how this approach is not bearing good fruit because ISS rooms and reassignment schools are busting at the seams. So much so that often they will deny entry based on not having enough seats. What I am wanting to do is get in on the ground level and work with a school’s most difficult population and provide them with mentorship, community, discipline, and proper exercise. The idea is far more complex than that but that is a good starting point. If anyone out there is interested in learning more please reach out to me and lets get the ball rolling. Sadly a majority of my attempts to communicate with local school officials goes unanswered. It is okay though because the school district that takes a chance on my program will shine bright like a beacon of hope.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal and mission is to do the things that are most near and dear to my heart. As one gets older money starts to lose value and purpose begins to take charge. I am in a strange spot where I love the people that I work for and with but am starting to lose the “purpose” component. Educating young people and helping them along their journey is something that I would do for free if it were financially viable. Unfortunately it is not and there are bills that need to be paid. That is why I have turned my attention to getting BJJ into the school system. I have seen all the good it has done for me in my life and want to spread the wealth. Youth sports is incredibly expensive though and the pay to play system is a literal barrier of entry for a great number of young people. I want to crack that code and help those who need it most. I have been at it for over 2 years now and just now started gaining traction. Fingers crossed that someone will take a chance on me and the vision.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a “creative” is chasing the things that interest us most. So many people will never know how that feels because of risk aversion. Creative people throw caution to the wind and dare greatly. Whether we win or lose at this game which is really hard to ascertain, we at least know that we tried. Having little to no regret is an incredibly liberating way to live one’s life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://coachortiz.com
• Instagram: chrisortiz3946
• Facebook: Chris Ortiz
• Linkedin: Chris Ortiz
• Twitter: @BeSomeone09
• Youtube: chrisortiz2945

Image Credits

Dan Rengifo