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Paul Walker given honorary black belt by Jiu-Jitsu teacher

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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.

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"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.

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

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