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 wondersContinueContinue reading “The Secret to Getting Ahead in Training is… Well… Training. #281”
Tag Archives: bjj
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. ADCCContinueContinue 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”.ContinueContinue reading “Relationships in BJJ #279”
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 asContinueContinue 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 itContinueContinue reading “If I had a million dollars… #275”
Acceptance #271
In Jiu Jitsu, one of the most challenging aspects that we face is learning to accept force or energy from your adversary. This valuable tenet stems from the understanding that in order to manipulate your opponent’s energy, you must first absorb it rather than meeting it head on with your own strength and energy. ThisContinueContinue reading “Acceptance #271”
#270 What is legacy?
My brother Steve (right) and I (left) after winning the 2022 IBJJF National Championships in July – An incredible moment to share. It was in 2016 when I started to hear the term “legacy” used in great frequency around me, just shortly after I had began training under Sensei Saulo and Xande Ribeiro at theContinueContinue reading “#270 What is legacy?”
Arm yourself with knowledge #267
Many of you will find yourselves familiar with the adage “knowledge is power”, and while that statement may hold true for some, others find the objective of collecting information as the optimal way to traverse through this adventure we know as life. By examining the lifestyles and traits of those who carried out some ofContinueContinue reading “Arm yourself with knowledge #267”
What is love? #263
Meet Ninja If you were looking for a deep dive into what loves is, you will likely find yourself deeply disappointed. Rather you should think Will Ferrell classic “Night at the Roxbury”. I recently got a dog which as it so happens just sort of fell into my lap. For those who know me, thereContinueContinue reading “What is love? #263”
The Mind of a Martial Artist #262
Recently I was on a security team for a well known organization, during which, I was positioned by another guard who asked me if I could explain the effectiveness of Jiu Jitsu in a street application with one or potentially more attackers. Since his question carried a deal of respect and humility I obliged. IContinueContinue reading “The Mind of a Martial Artist #262”
The Lifelong Professional 