“I am dying of boredom because there are no more worlds left to conquer.” This phrase is often incorrectly attributed to Alexander the Great after he supposedly conquered the known world. In reality, he knew there was much more out there, but it still serves as a perfect metaphor for today’s topic. Some people appearContinue reading "You’ve conquered everything… except your body. #285"
wake up calls and enemies #284
Lungs screaming. My heart feels like it’s expanding against the walls of a steel cage. Head spinning. Fighting to give my best while the barely audible inner voice is telling me to quit. What keeps me going…… Is my latest enemy. The ultimate opponent. The top seed in the next tournament. A rival business inContinue reading "wake up calls and enemies #284"
I Am a Breaker and So Are You. #283
Today I share with you my dark side, or as Jung would refer to it, the shadow. It is important to understand that we all possess this nature and that is what makes us capable of power. This is why, I believe, it is necessary to live by principles to avoid being run by yourContinue reading "I Am a Breaker and So Are You. #283"
They want the life but not the work… #282
Something that I try to remind myself of constantly, is what my long time friend and mentor has stated in so simple an utterance, “everything is hard”. The significance of this understanding can hardly be overstated as it is the bedrock of our ability to survive. Years ago, life was hard, and it still is,Continue reading "They want the life but not the work… #282"
The Secret to Getting Ahead in Training is… Well… Training. #281
We all want to get ahead, whether in life or in our respective craft. As a kid, how good did it feel to be first a race, win a board game or get the most answers right on a test? This is the benefit of friendly competition or just competition in general. It does wondersContinue reading "The Secret to Getting Ahead in Training is… Well… Training. #281"
Setbacks and the grandiosity of ego #280
Me getting my elbow dislocated after dealing with an ACL/meniscus and shoulder surgery the past two years… When you play with fire, sometimes you get burned. Recently I was set to compete in ADCC’s Open tournament just days before the highly anticipated and prestigious Pro Event for trials winners and returning champions or medalists. ADCCContinue reading "Setbacks and the grandiosity of ego #280"
Relationships in BJJ #279
My mom, my brother and my three nieces. My family is pretty awesome, wouldn’t you say? A man is not measured by age but by his achievements. -Robert Bradley Not too long ago, a friend and BJJ student of mine, suggested that I write a blog about “relationships within the BJJ or Jiu Jitsu community”.Continue reading "Relationships in BJJ #279"
Start writing your tombstone. #278
Have you ever wondered to yourself what your tombstone might read? What got me thinking along such mortal lines was a business course I took years ago which encouraged setting three, five and ten year goals before picturing yourself in a coffin and planning out the details of your funeral from what kind of foodContinue reading "Start writing your tombstone. #278"
Motivated by Our Fear #277
Just less than a month ago I sat sweatily in my assigned corner, waiting for my name to be announced, then signaling my entrance to the stage where I would face my opponent in a submission only no gi (without the traditional uniform/kimono as seen in karate) match. These types of events differ from aContinue reading "Motivated by Our Fear #277"
Get over yourself… #276
The awesome part about being a white belt is the sole expectation of trying hard to get better. Me with Olympian Judoka Jimmy Pedro trying to become more dangerous on the feet. When I started Jiu Jitsu as a teen, I had the privilege of seeing my brother Steve experience success in the cage asContinue reading "Get over yourself… #276"
The Lifelong Professional 