Photo byCharlein GraciaonUnsplash

Rhode Island, an enchanting little gem of a state, is the smallest in the USA. But don't let its size fool you, because Rhode Island - or RI for short - is packed with more awesomeness than a chipmunk's cheeks are packed with acorns! Its rich history and natural beauty are like a secret handshake known only to its residents, and the rest of the world is left guessing. In this radiant realm of RI, there's a group of cool kids who have taken up the challenge of practicing Jiu-jitsu, a martial art that is as intriguing as Rhode Island itself. These aren't your average Rhode Island Rugrats; they're the Rhode Island Rolling Raptors! Now, let's introduce our imaginary character. Meet Rambunctious Ricky, the Ring-tailed Raccoon of Rhode Island. He's a fun-loving furball who decided one day that he wanted to be a Rolling Raptor. Imagine a raccoon in a karate suit. Yes, that's Ricky, our lovable RI hero, toppling over his own tail more often than not. Do you want to know the fun part? Ricky wasn't good at Jiu-jitsu at all. He would roll the wrong way, fall over, and then grin like he meant to do that. Every. Single. Time. But Ricky kept practicing, rolling around like a furry tumbleweed, and became the funniest, most lovable Jiu-Jitsu champion the Rhode Island Rolling Raptors have ever seen. So, if you're ever in RI, keep an eye out for a karate-chopping raccoon and a group of kids who know that in Jiu-jitsu, just like in life, it's not about how big you are, but how big you dream. And, in Rhode Island, dreams are as big as the ocean that laps against its shore.