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"
If I had a million dollars… #275
If you won the lottery today how much in your life would change? Would you buy a new house, mistreat people or become dangerously overweight? Would you control your money or would it control you? My good friend and mentor has always said to me “money has it’s cachet”, and this is true when itContinue reading "If I had a million dollars… #275"
Choose Death #274
If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles - Sun Tzu It is easy to sit back and tell yourself and others “what is”, while it is another thing to go out of your comfort zone in order to know your truth. On a dailyContinue reading "Choose Death #274"
The Way of the Professional 