Rafael Sherratt, a valued member of our property services team at Mount Pleasant Group’s Elgin Mills Cemetery, knows the value of discipline – both on the mat and in his work.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art built on the principles of leverage, timing and resilience. It teaches that even a smaller opponent can overcome a larger one through strategy and persistence. For Rafael, those lessons go far beyond the gym.
Starting his career with MPG as a student in 2006, Rafael worked his way from trimming grass at York Cemetery to becoming a full-time property services employee at Elgin Mills. His role today includes marking foundations, digging graves and ensuring every detail meets the highest standards of care.
“Funerals are top priority,” said Rafael. “I put the time and effort into every task – it makes the day fly by.”
That mindset mirrors his journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. A black belt with 16 medals earned between 2009 and 2016, Rafael knows success comes from showing up and never giving up.
“Training taught me time management and perseverance,” he explained. “Even when the day throws curveballs, I stay focused and keep moving forward.”
For Rafael, the steady schedule at MPG allows him to balance work with his passion for martial arts – a lifestyle that keeps him grounded.
“I like the routine, and I like what I do,” he said. “Unfortunately, I had to give up competing because I can’t put the time in to train full-time, but it’s nice to just train and work out stress-free.”
His advice for anyone starting martial arts?
“Find a good gym, commit to the process and don’t quit. The discipline you build will help you everywhere – even at work.”
