Just realized I still have this blog and that it has been around two years since I used it.
I spent last year beginning BJJ...been at it just over a year now, and I have four stripes on my white belt. I test in spring for blue and only recently have I felt like my game is where it should be for my rank. It's a solidly good feeling - building a skill from nothing and finally understanding the basics of it all.
I have not stepped in a cage yet - knowing how much ground means and how difficult it can be, I have opted to hold off until my jits is better. In addition, since I really only train gi, I want at least 6 months of solid nogi training before heading that direction, as well as at least 6 months of solid regular Muay Thai.
My team...is everything. They are family. They push me, they support me, the lift me up and they celebrate with me. They take me as I am, make me work to be better and accept my flaws and my personality. I can solidly say not once at all have I experienced any homophobic bullshit that the gay community specifically accuses my sport of having.
Rather, I've experienced more outcry from the gay community at their perceived notions of how gay should look and how I do not fit that mold. It is so sad really, those who should be happy about it are the most vocally opposed. It's no loss to me - I don't get along with those kinds anyways.
So yeah...that all happened. And lots of ink. Most of my back, a half sleeve and some more. Good stuff.
I competed in three tournaments last year, brought back third in my division in one of them. Learned a ton about myself, how I move, how I think and learning to relax under pressure. My game is ever growing and changing, yet becoming familiar and finding happy spots. I am learning to move in totally different ways, to think about things differently and to find different ways to a same end. It is amazing how much jiu jitsu has changed me in such a short time, and how important in my life it has become.
I may use this to keep some regular online notes or something, but I have a technique journal/binder I tend to use after class and so I can tote it with my nasty sweaty gear without anything getting ruined.
That's all I really have for catching up.
---------------------
Competing this Saturday at a local. Not expecting great brackets, but should be good practice. Yesterday, we drilled some takedowns and I was paired with a fresh white belt. Did my best to help him since I've been there before. Plus takedowns are good, but I am a guard puller since that's how my game goes. Trying to diversify it some and yesterday's drills helped that a bit.
Then rolling - competitors on the mat the full time, win or lose. Rolled a few times with a couple of the kids, a few of the women and then some of the guys. Everyone gave me their challenges. The ladies were fast and squirrely. The guys were strong and all of them outranked me/had some weight. They gave me a little room to work, but then took it away which is more helpful honestly. It teaches me what to look for, where to feel for things and how to not move. It was a very, very productive night for my game and for getting my cardio up for the weekend.
T-4 days. Round robin format. Dunno how many I'll have in my division. I'm further than I was last year. I've learned more. I have much to learn. This will just be a test to see how things are before I begin serious prep for NAGA.
These are my last days as a white belt, and I am taking them to the best I can. Learn. Try new things. Breathe. Trust the journey. Oss.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Monday, February 13, 2012
The value of video, cutting weight and adventures in ink!
So I haven't posted in a while since I've been dealing with not only required overtime at work, but some personal things as well.
Anyways, here's the training update:
The value of video:
I never realized how useful video of one's own training would be so good for improvement until I had video of one of my training sessions. Man, oh man, did I find tons to improve on-keeping guard up, form with certain punches, form with some kicks, keeping elbows in, ROM-you name it! However, having that video has made me decide I will have video done at least once a month or so to track progress and continue to identify areas in which improvement can be made.
I also saw a lot that I was doing right-strike surfaces, power, movement/footwork.
Cutting weight-it sucks. Hard. No me gusta! I've been on a reduced calorie diet and taking Hydroxycut to help curb my appetite. Cutting about one to two pounds a week until I hit goal weight. Not doing any of that crazy dehydration crap since it is so bad for me. Instead, I'm focusing on cutting my bodyfat percent down and will maintain a pound or two above fight weight. I'm about 8-9 pounds out as of last weigh-in.
Eating tons of fruit/veggies as filler and making sure to get protein intake from shakes and supplements. I kinda miss real food, though...
Aaaand adventures in ink! Whoooooo!
I now have four fresh tattoos for a total of twelve, and they are healing up quite nicely. Got the Southern Cross on my right shoulderblade, some phrases on Greek on each arm and my Spartan helmet on my upper left arm in honor of my Papou and my heritage. I'm thinking about getting some fill on both arms/pecs done and having quarter sleeves since each arm has a coherent enough theme (left is my heritage, right is my MMA side) and will be discussing it with my awesome and epically nerdy artist to see what we can come up with.
Aside from that, just the normal grind: work, training, relaxing some. Right now, I'm healing up from a pulled hamstring/gluteal chain from the weekend that's manifested all the way up my lower back! Not fun since I hate being out of training, but I have to rest to let it heal.
The other fun thing was I went to a local gay bar a few weeks ago with a friend. Once someone saw my Octagon necklace, he freaked out on me. Like went the hell off and started on about how his TKD training (two years) would allow him to kill me if he wanted. I calmly mentioned my training background and said he probably wouldn't have a chance, but he continued to go off. Later, he let it slip that he was pissed I was doing a "straight guy trashy sport" and as a result "setting back the gay identity" that has been forged because I'm not a stereotypical fag. I'm sorry, but the only "straight guy" activity would be dating and getting it on with women. Sports have no inherent sexual preference of their own, now do they? Yes, my sport is a bit more masculine than most, but at the same time as a younger gay man, I'm part of a newer generation that is coming up with a new identity.
We are ourselves and our sexual preference is but a part of who we are. Some of us are effeminate. Some are masculine. Some are neither. Some play softball. Some play volleyball. Some play football and still others do my sport. Some do drag and some don't. But the one thing that binds us is that we are true to ourselves above all else, and as such, we are changing opinions. Not only opinions of straight people, but of gay people as well-we show the world that not all gays are a lisping, campy stereotype. We show the gays that one's whole identity doesn't have to revolve around that one single aspect of the whole. And those of us in sports like MMA show that we, too, are just normal guys.
I believe this makes many "old guard" gays uncomfortable since it is a huge change in identity and self-image, and it may not be something they are ready for. But my generation is, and we will push ahead as we are for there is only one person we must answer to and that is the one who stares back at us from the mirror. Above all else, we must remain true to who we are, not what society (gay or straight) expects us to be.
Anyways, here's the training update:
The value of video:
I never realized how useful video of one's own training would be so good for improvement until I had video of one of my training sessions. Man, oh man, did I find tons to improve on-keeping guard up, form with certain punches, form with some kicks, keeping elbows in, ROM-you name it! However, having that video has made me decide I will have video done at least once a month or so to track progress and continue to identify areas in which improvement can be made.
I also saw a lot that I was doing right-strike surfaces, power, movement/footwork.
Cutting weight-it sucks. Hard. No me gusta! I've been on a reduced calorie diet and taking Hydroxycut to help curb my appetite. Cutting about one to two pounds a week until I hit goal weight. Not doing any of that crazy dehydration crap since it is so bad for me. Instead, I'm focusing on cutting my bodyfat percent down and will maintain a pound or two above fight weight. I'm about 8-9 pounds out as of last weigh-in.
Eating tons of fruit/veggies as filler and making sure to get protein intake from shakes and supplements. I kinda miss real food, though...
Aaaand adventures in ink! Whoooooo!
I now have four fresh tattoos for a total of twelve, and they are healing up quite nicely. Got the Southern Cross on my right shoulderblade, some phrases on Greek on each arm and my Spartan helmet on my upper left arm in honor of my Papou and my heritage. I'm thinking about getting some fill on both arms/pecs done and having quarter sleeves since each arm has a coherent enough theme (left is my heritage, right is my MMA side) and will be discussing it with my awesome and epically nerdy artist to see what we can come up with.
Aside from that, just the normal grind: work, training, relaxing some. Right now, I'm healing up from a pulled hamstring/gluteal chain from the weekend that's manifested all the way up my lower back! Not fun since I hate being out of training, but I have to rest to let it heal.
The other fun thing was I went to a local gay bar a few weeks ago with a friend. Once someone saw my Octagon necklace, he freaked out on me. Like went the hell off and started on about how his TKD training (two years) would allow him to kill me if he wanted. I calmly mentioned my training background and said he probably wouldn't have a chance, but he continued to go off. Later, he let it slip that he was pissed I was doing a "straight guy trashy sport" and as a result "setting back the gay identity" that has been forged because I'm not a stereotypical fag. I'm sorry, but the only "straight guy" activity would be dating and getting it on with women. Sports have no inherent sexual preference of their own, now do they? Yes, my sport is a bit more masculine than most, but at the same time as a younger gay man, I'm part of a newer generation that is coming up with a new identity.
We are ourselves and our sexual preference is but a part of who we are. Some of us are effeminate. Some are masculine. Some are neither. Some play softball. Some play volleyball. Some play football and still others do my sport. Some do drag and some don't. But the one thing that binds us is that we are true to ourselves above all else, and as such, we are changing opinions. Not only opinions of straight people, but of gay people as well-we show the world that not all gays are a lisping, campy stereotype. We show the gays that one's whole identity doesn't have to revolve around that one single aspect of the whole. And those of us in sports like MMA show that we, too, are just normal guys.
I believe this makes many "old guard" gays uncomfortable since it is a huge change in identity and self-image, and it may not be something they are ready for. But my generation is, and we will push ahead as we are for there is only one person we must answer to and that is the one who stares back at us from the mirror. Above all else, we must remain true to who we are, not what society (gay or straight) expects us to be.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
More questions!
I had some of my friends/fans submit more questions for me to answer.
1) When did you start fighting?
I started in martial arts several years ago now, but have only been in MMA/fighting for about six months. Not terribly long, but we all start somewhere!
2) Why did you start fighting?
I honestly haven't fully figured that one out myself. I started martial art training terrified of even sparring, but after a few years of loving that, something in me just called me to try fighting. I figured I'd give it a shot, and here I am.
3) Do your opponents ever know you are gay, or do you hide that in the ring?
While I don't advertise it, I certainly don't hide it. There is a good chance opponents know I'm gay. My sparring buddies and instructors all do, as does my trainer.
4) Have you ever experienced discrimination while fighting because you are gay?
Once, actually. My second capoeira instructor ended up having some homophobic tendencies which would manifest themselves in his singling me out in class as having "technique like a girl," and telling me to "do it like a man." A meia lua de compasso kick (look up the 20 second capoeira mma knockout on Youtube to see this in action) to his head got him to shut up pretty quick. Knocked him out for five minutes, too.
Aside from that, everyone's been really cool about it. Some guys have asked me some very thoughtful questions and I think that's kind of cool.
5) How much & where do you train?
I typically train six days a week, up to twice a day. Once around noon for 30-60 minutes, usually weights and some cardio, then again later in the evening. Evening workouts will consist of running, forms work, heavy bag work, shadowboxing and sparring.
I currently use the heavy bags and space at Gold's Spokane (both locations) and train with a few friends of mine to the side. Not currently affiliated with any martial arts schools/gyms.
6) Tell me about your self-defense classes you teach to the gay community & why you started teaching them.
I believe everyone should know how to defend themselves. I previously helped teach some volunteer classes for women's self defense, but found that in other vulnerable populations such things were lacking. What really drove me to get it out there was a rash of gay bashings here, all in a short period of time. It had several of my friends and family worried and the community on a higher alert. That, unfortunately, did make them more open to learning these things as so many of them had brushed it off saying they had no need for it.
I teach escapes from most basic attacks and law regarding self-defense in the state of Washington.
7) What do you hope to accomplish in your MMA career?
Truthfully, I just wanna have fun with it. Some extra cash would be nice, but really I'm in it because I enjoy it (which is why I also have a day job).
8) Is there anything that would make you stop fighting?
Nothing I can think of. It is in my soul and me not fighting would be like a singer not singing or an artist letting their talents lie unused. It is a very big part of who I am and I don't foresee myself stopping anytime soon.
9) How many fights have you had & what is your record?
I currently have no official MMA fights under my belt because until recently I only knew striking arts. Now that I have some groundwork and am improving, I hope to have my first match sometime very late this year or early next year. And I plan to win!
Great questions everyone...keep em coming!
1) When did you start fighting?
I started in martial arts several years ago now, but have only been in MMA/fighting for about six months. Not terribly long, but we all start somewhere!
2) Why did you start fighting?
I honestly haven't fully figured that one out myself. I started martial art training terrified of even sparring, but after a few years of loving that, something in me just called me to try fighting. I figured I'd give it a shot, and here I am.
3) Do your opponents ever know you are gay, or do you hide that in the ring?
While I don't advertise it, I certainly don't hide it. There is a good chance opponents know I'm gay. My sparring buddies and instructors all do, as does my trainer.
4) Have you ever experienced discrimination while fighting because you are gay?
Once, actually. My second capoeira instructor ended up having some homophobic tendencies which would manifest themselves in his singling me out in class as having "technique like a girl," and telling me to "do it like a man." A meia lua de compasso kick (look up the 20 second capoeira mma knockout on Youtube to see this in action) to his head got him to shut up pretty quick. Knocked him out for five minutes, too.
Aside from that, everyone's been really cool about it. Some guys have asked me some very thoughtful questions and I think that's kind of cool.
5) How much & where do you train?
I typically train six days a week, up to twice a day. Once around noon for 30-60 minutes, usually weights and some cardio, then again later in the evening. Evening workouts will consist of running, forms work, heavy bag work, shadowboxing and sparring.
I currently use the heavy bags and space at Gold's Spokane (both locations) and train with a few friends of mine to the side. Not currently affiliated with any martial arts schools/gyms.
6) Tell me about your self-defense classes you teach to the gay community & why you started teaching them.
I believe everyone should know how to defend themselves. I previously helped teach some volunteer classes for women's self defense, but found that in other vulnerable populations such things were lacking. What really drove me to get it out there was a rash of gay bashings here, all in a short period of time. It had several of my friends and family worried and the community on a higher alert. That, unfortunately, did make them more open to learning these things as so many of them had brushed it off saying they had no need for it.
I teach escapes from most basic attacks and law regarding self-defense in the state of Washington.
7) What do you hope to accomplish in your MMA career?
Truthfully, I just wanna have fun with it. Some extra cash would be nice, but really I'm in it because I enjoy it (which is why I also have a day job).
8) Is there anything that would make you stop fighting?
Nothing I can think of. It is in my soul and me not fighting would be like a singer not singing or an artist letting their talents lie unused. It is a very big part of who I am and I don't foresee myself stopping anytime soon.
9) How many fights have you had & what is your record?
I currently have no official MMA fights under my belt because until recently I only knew striking arts. Now that I have some groundwork and am improving, I hope to have my first match sometime very late this year or early next year. And I plan to win!
Great questions everyone...keep em coming!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Interview questions
1) How did you get into the sport?
Started in the martial arts to get some inner peace and build
up some confidence...maybe learn something useful, too. I was
dead scared of sparring though.
Over the years, I found the game (sparring) to be really fun
and wanted to get into the most raw form of that competition-
MMA. There's just something in me that tells me to do it.
Can't really describe it, but it is there and it pushes me to
work harder to be a better fighter.
2) What's your favorite strike/submission to use in a fight?
I love my right front roundhouse. Gives me warm fuzzies when
I throw it.
3) Who is your biggest inspriration?
I would have to say Georges St Pierre. The man is a legend and
is very honest about things-his past, his frustrations and who
he is. Not many in the MMA world will admit to being bullied
as a kid or crying out of frustration when injuries pull them
off the card. That takes balls to do.
4) Which team are you training with in preparation for your
next bout?
Don't have an official team at the moment, just some carefully
selected training, sparring and conditioning buddies and a few
supporters pushing me on.
5) Do you like to stand with your opponents or take them to
the ground?
Stand. I'm a striker all the way at this point. Sprawl and
brawl!
6) What does it mean to be a fighter?
I think the Twisted Genetiks fight team said it best:
Some are born to build, to discover, to heal; and there are
those born to fight. They fight for themselves, their
families, their God. It is their nature, it is their genetics.
Those that cannot understand label it abnormal, deviant ...
twisted. It is our twisted genetics that compels us; it is
what separates us from them.
That is what it means to be a fighter.
7) What holes do you see in your next opponent's game?
Don't have an opponent anytime soon-just focusing on my own
training right now.
8) What separates you from other fighters in your division?
My drive, heart and how I combine some irregular styles into my game like Capoeira.
9) If you could have a dream fight with anyone, who would it
be?
Urijah Faber, GSP, TJ Dillashaw or Jon Fitch.
10) What do you want to be remembered for at the end of your
career?
I'll figure that out when I get there.
11) How do you balance your training and MMA life with your
home life?
It helps me keep a level head with my home life. However,
between that and working an 8-5, it does leave me with little
free time and that has impacted a bit of my social life.
Still, those worth my time work with me and we make time to
hang out.
12) How do you justify participating in a sport where you look
to deliberately hurt another person?
Every sport has a risk of injury, even Tai Chi. Yes, I said
Tai Chi-in one class I was in, someone dislocated a shoulder
doing parting the wild horse's mane incorrectly. The idea of
getting hurt isn't fun, but it is part of the sport and thus
worth it, much like getting a tattoo. Pain is part of the
process.
It isn't the same as just a street brawl, either...hate when
people compare the two. An MMA match is two highly-
conditioned athletes who are voluntarily fighting. There are
rules, safety measures and respect involved. The fight isn't
about hurting one's opponent per-se, it is about who has the
most skill and about respect.
13) What are your tattoos and what do they mean?
I have five currently:
-Greek for "under the shade" as in "we'll fight them under the shade" on my left pec as a symbol of my inner strength.
-Greek for "know thyself" on my left arm-a reminder to always and forever stay true to who I am and not what others want me to be. The two tats are in Greek because I'm half Greek.
-A Maori tattoo on my calf that has a ton of traditional symbolism in it representing where I've been in life up to this point. Very intensely personal tattoo and I don't really tell many people what it means.
-Black/green nautical star on my right pec-black and green are my muay thai colors and that star is a reminder it is okay to fly solo. Also, hoping to find my way in life.
-Rush from Megaman on my upper right arm. I am a huge nerd and always thought Rush was the most awesome character ever and one of my trainers started calling me Rush after I would rush through exercises I either had trouble with or didn't like. When I'd rush, my form would tank and he'd yell at me like a puppy, so it seemed appropriate.
Started in the martial arts to get some inner peace and build
up some confidence...maybe learn something useful, too. I was
dead scared of sparring though.
Over the years, I found the game (sparring) to be really fun
and wanted to get into the most raw form of that competition-
MMA. There's just something in me that tells me to do it.
Can't really describe it, but it is there and it pushes me to
work harder to be a better fighter.
2) What's your favorite strike/submission to use in a fight?
I love my right front roundhouse. Gives me warm fuzzies when
I throw it.
3) Who is your biggest inspriration?
I would have to say Georges St Pierre. The man is a legend and
is very honest about things-his past, his frustrations and who
he is. Not many in the MMA world will admit to being bullied
as a kid or crying out of frustration when injuries pull them
off the card. That takes balls to do.
4) Which team are you training with in preparation for your
next bout?
Don't have an official team at the moment, just some carefully
selected training, sparring and conditioning buddies and a few
supporters pushing me on.
5) Do you like to stand with your opponents or take them to
the ground?
Stand. I'm a striker all the way at this point. Sprawl and
brawl!
6) What does it mean to be a fighter?
I think the Twisted Genetiks fight team said it best:
Some are born to build, to discover, to heal; and there are
those born to fight. They fight for themselves, their
families, their God. It is their nature, it is their genetics.
Those that cannot understand label it abnormal, deviant ...
twisted. It is our twisted genetics that compels us; it is
what separates us from them.
That is what it means to be a fighter.
7) What holes do you see in your next opponent's game?
Don't have an opponent anytime soon-just focusing on my own
training right now.
8) What separates you from other fighters in your division?
My drive, heart and how I combine some irregular styles into my game like Capoeira.
9) If you could have a dream fight with anyone, who would it
be?
Urijah Faber, GSP, TJ Dillashaw or Jon Fitch.
10) What do you want to be remembered for at the end of your
career?
I'll figure that out when I get there.
11) How do you balance your training and MMA life with your
home life?
It helps me keep a level head with my home life. However,
between that and working an 8-5, it does leave me with little
free time and that has impacted a bit of my social life.
Still, those worth my time work with me and we make time to
hang out.
12) How do you justify participating in a sport where you look
to deliberately hurt another person?
Every sport has a risk of injury, even Tai Chi. Yes, I said
Tai Chi-in one class I was in, someone dislocated a shoulder
doing parting the wild horse's mane incorrectly. The idea of
getting hurt isn't fun, but it is part of the sport and thus
worth it, much like getting a tattoo. Pain is part of the
process.
It isn't the same as just a street brawl, either...hate when
people compare the two. An MMA match is two highly-
conditioned athletes who are voluntarily fighting. There are
rules, safety measures and respect involved. The fight isn't
about hurting one's opponent per-se, it is about who has the
most skill and about respect.
13) What are your tattoos and what do they mean?
I have five currently:
-Greek for "under the shade" as in "we'll fight them under the shade" on my left pec as a symbol of my inner strength.
-Greek for "know thyself" on my left arm-a reminder to always and forever stay true to who I am and not what others want me to be. The two tats are in Greek because I'm half Greek.
-A Maori tattoo on my calf that has a ton of traditional symbolism in it representing where I've been in life up to this point. Very intensely personal tattoo and I don't really tell many people what it means.
-Black/green nautical star on my right pec-black and green are my muay thai colors and that star is a reminder it is okay to fly solo. Also, hoping to find my way in life.
-Rush from Megaman on my upper right arm. I am a huge nerd and always thought Rush was the most awesome character ever and one of my trainers started calling me Rush after I would rush through exercises I either had trouble with or didn't like. When I'd rush, my form would tank and he'd yell at me like a puppy, so it seemed appropriate.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Reflections on my training...
I've been thinking a lot about my past recently-what led me to the martial arts, where I started, where I'm at and how I grew. What motivated me? How have I changed? Where have I been? I'm putting together a journal for my training, sort of a thing that one day I can hand down to someone and say "this is my life's worth of martial knowledge. Use it well." As such, a start point-almost a resume of my most recent training, very brief but a start nonetheless:
Kung Fu For Life-East/West Fitness World
Started training in May 2009 to reclaim some inner peace and confidence. Did not want to spar or deal with the combative side of martial arts, I instead wanted to focus on classical movements and forms. As I learned more and was introduced to sparring as a game in fall of 2009, I found a liking for it and learning the practical side of martial arts.
I had also become fitter and stronger than ever before and claimed a confidence I did not know I could at that time.
After a period of time, I began cross-training with Capoeira Regional and Yang Style Taiji. I also added personal training sessions at my gym with the aim of improving my explosive power and overall fitness.
Reason for leaving in Dec 2010/Jan 2011-upon much reflection, I found the business practices as a student and instructor immoral at best. Further, the head instructor consistently showed behavior unbefitting a 7th degree black belt-short temper, punishing students for bad eating while eating fast food, racist tendencies toward anything Japanese and homophobia as well. I also found that the style was not Kung Fu, but rather a form of basic Karate-Do/Kempo under a different name where things were being added to make it seem like it wasn't. While having gained good basic skills and confidence, I realized I could not grow within that school alone, so I chose to leave.
Capoira-Axe, general and Senzala:
Capoeira is where I found my niche. It is by far the most difficult, strenuous and most rewarding art I've learned. I learned to fly, roll and do what I thought was not possible for me. I started seeing the world in a new way, both in terms of martial arts and in terms of life and relations. This art became my heart and soul. The music empowers and the art teaches one to deal with things as they come, remain playful and relaxed and to trick others.
I first started with Axe. At that point, I still had no interest in fighting, so their emphasis on the martial aspect did not sit well. Now, I much respect and enjoy that view of training.
General: trained with others from Axe, Ginga and various other groups-learned new ways to look at old moves and grew my game by leaps and bounds.
Senzala: I found Angola here and learned to fuse the two in my own way.
Yang Style Taiji-EWFW
Trained under Shifu Wang and learned to use inner power and translate it to outer force, but gently so. My awareness of chi and how it flows began here, and realizing how to use minimal of my own chi was key. Also learning about timing to "eat" another's energy and redirect was a difficult skill. It took many months to finally understand and apply it in push hands training.
TKD-from friends
Yet another way to look at old moves in a new way and also to improve flexibility.
Muay Thai-from friends
Found a very calming part in the Wai Kru/Ram Muay and the music to pace. Very much like Capoeira and very much becoming one of my base styles.
Much has been glossed over, but for now this shall do as a brief reflection upon my former training. As time goes, I shall expand and add upon this...knowing one's past will help direct and lead one's future. This is where I came from and where I will end up, only time will tell.
Kung Fu For Life-East/West Fitness World
Started training in May 2009 to reclaim some inner peace and confidence. Did not want to spar or deal with the combative side of martial arts, I instead wanted to focus on classical movements and forms. As I learned more and was introduced to sparring as a game in fall of 2009, I found a liking for it and learning the practical side of martial arts.
I had also become fitter and stronger than ever before and claimed a confidence I did not know I could at that time.
After a period of time, I began cross-training with Capoeira Regional and Yang Style Taiji. I also added personal training sessions at my gym with the aim of improving my explosive power and overall fitness.
Reason for leaving in Dec 2010/Jan 2011-upon much reflection, I found the business practices as a student and instructor immoral at best. Further, the head instructor consistently showed behavior unbefitting a 7th degree black belt-short temper, punishing students for bad eating while eating fast food, racist tendencies toward anything Japanese and homophobia as well. I also found that the style was not Kung Fu, but rather a form of basic Karate-Do/Kempo under a different name where things were being added to make it seem like it wasn't. While having gained good basic skills and confidence, I realized I could not grow within that school alone, so I chose to leave.
Capoira-Axe, general and Senzala:
Capoeira is where I found my niche. It is by far the most difficult, strenuous and most rewarding art I've learned. I learned to fly, roll and do what I thought was not possible for me. I started seeing the world in a new way, both in terms of martial arts and in terms of life and relations. This art became my heart and soul. The music empowers and the art teaches one to deal with things as they come, remain playful and relaxed and to trick others.
I first started with Axe. At that point, I still had no interest in fighting, so their emphasis on the martial aspect did not sit well. Now, I much respect and enjoy that view of training.
General: trained with others from Axe, Ginga and various other groups-learned new ways to look at old moves and grew my game by leaps and bounds.
Senzala: I found Angola here and learned to fuse the two in my own way.
Yang Style Taiji-EWFW
Trained under Shifu Wang and learned to use inner power and translate it to outer force, but gently so. My awareness of chi and how it flows began here, and realizing how to use minimal of my own chi was key. Also learning about timing to "eat" another's energy and redirect was a difficult skill. It took many months to finally understand and apply it in push hands training.
TKD-from friends
Yet another way to look at old moves in a new way and also to improve flexibility.
Muay Thai-from friends
Found a very calming part in the Wai Kru/Ram Muay and the music to pace. Very much like Capoeira and very much becoming one of my base styles.
Much has been glossed over, but for now this shall do as a brief reflection upon my former training. As time goes, I shall expand and add upon this...knowing one's past will help direct and lead one's future. This is where I came from and where I will end up, only time will tell.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Why I train and why I fight.
First of all, a quick check-in. Since my last post, I:
-Ran Bloomsday
-Ran my first full marathon in Missoula
-Found out my Papou (aionia tou i mnimi) passed that morning around when I started
-Fell in love
-Went to Japan for two weeks
-Ended up single
-Have four more tattoos
-Have been pushing my limits, growing and becoming stronger every day since I ended up single
-Found out my strength is there, even when I think it isn't
-Found out who my true friends really are.
And now for the main blog post. Enjoy!
The most common question I get once people find out I'm training MMA (albeit in a very non-traditional manner by doing each martial art separately and blending them as suits me) is "why?" This usually takes the form of "wait, you mean cage fighting/UFC/toughman?" "Um...yeah." "Why would you want to do that/bruise that pretty face/get hurt/etc?!" It also goes with the comment "you are so mellow/nice/funny, I just can't imagine you fighting!"
I've been thinking about it a lot lately. I never really gave much reason beyond "it seems fun" or "because I can." Then again, I don't feel I owe anybody an explanation unless I really want to give them one (just like the meanings behind my tats-don't always tell people cuz they are personal. That's a whole different post though).
So some background. I used to be anti-MMA. And afraid of sparring. And afraid of martial arts in general. My, oh my, how I have changed! I still remember how timid I was when I started training, and how I could barely walk up the stairs after my first lesson (and I only did some stance training and basic punches/kicks)! I used to think MMA was for people who "had something to prove, but didn't know what, to whom or why." I was sorely mistaken, and part of it came from the less-than-savory fanbase that simply crossed over from WWE/WWF/WCW. Another part came from my misconception that MMA is somehow "less" than formal martial arts; that it is glorified street-fighting. I didn't understand it back then, and that is a crying shame!
So flash forward a few years and here I am, well-versed in a good few styles of martial arts and teaching one. I love sparring and for a while, something inside me has been itching to put it all to the test. I didn't really think about it too much, but instead just went with it and have been training myself for that. It was only recently that I wondered "why?"
After some soul-searching, I think I might know, and I'm willing to share part of it. I have problems with my confidence. Period. I know this, and so do the people I choose to open up to. My training has done wonders for me physically, which has added some confidence. Knowing I have some awesome abilities also added.
But I still feel the need to prove something to myself. I ran a 12k on a whim It was easy. I started running half marathons...challenging, but easy. Did a marathon this year-tough as fuck, but I still did it. There's a part of me always looking for that next challenge to tackle, and a fight, one on one in a cage seems to be the next one.
I feel the need to rise up to the occasion, work myself like never before (and most people could only wish), learn not only about myself but another, learn my own strengths and weaknesses, grow stronger and have the sheer discipline and will to do it all. Then combine all of that and face another man, one on one, in a contest of skill and strength. This is the ultimate challenge. And it is my challenge because I chose to accept it.
I am passionate about my sport, there is no doubt about it. I think everyone should take some classes-get fit, learn some useful self-defense skills (comes in handy when someone tries to gay bash you), get some confidence and be a better person. I think that it gets a very bad rap from people such as John McCain who called it glorified cock-fighting. And I refuse to give it up for anyone or anything. It is an integral part of who I am. I eat, sleep and breathe my martial arts. Day in and day out, I play scenarios in my mind, train physically, come up with combos and even dream about it. I even have fun with it doing things like BODYCOMBAT, a cardio martial arts-based workout class I will be certifying in soon.
My enthusiasm rubs off on others because I've helped get some numbers up in classes by talking people into it and just enjoying the hell out of it all. Attitude is infectious and apparently mine's like an STD on a college campus!!
Not everyone is meant to compete, though, and I fully understand that now. Few of us have the drive or desire to compete this way. Even fewer can physically handle the demands. And even fewer have the fighter's heart.
It is something inside of me that I just instinctively "know" I'm meant to do. I'm perfectly happy knowing I could get knocked out, sustain a concussion, break some bones/joints (myself or my opponent's!) and otherwise get injured doing this. It is something so few people understand, or even try to understand, and I don't really expect people to. It isn't something for them to know...it is something only a few of us will ever fully know and experience, and that makes it truly special in my eyes.
I may still be working on my discipline and lack a ground game (which is being fixed, I might add). I might still be learning how my body best works, what the best fuel for it is and what workload it can handle. I might be sustaining the odd injury here and there, too. But through it all, I have heart. I know I'm not the best fighter out there, but I'm damn good at what I do and will work and work and work to improve.
Sometimes I get down because I'm stiff or my flexibility leaves a bit to be desired in some spots. Sometimes I get down about life and overdo the training resulting in an injury. And sometimes, even I don't fully understand why I do what I do...but I do it anyways because it eventually makes sense.
Why do I fight? Because it'll help me prove something to myself. Because I enjoy it. Because I can. I'm not sure. Because I have heart.
I am a fighter, and this is MY mind, my motivation and my drive. These are things for me and me alone to experience, though my friends and family may be there to support me.
My name is Nick. I prefer Rush (my nickname). And I am a fighter until the very end.
-Ran Bloomsday
-Ran my first full marathon in Missoula
-Found out my Papou (aionia tou i mnimi) passed that morning around when I started
-Fell in love
-Went to Japan for two weeks
-Ended up single
-Have four more tattoos
-Have been pushing my limits, growing and becoming stronger every day since I ended up single
-Found out my strength is there, even when I think it isn't
-Found out who my true friends really are.
And now for the main blog post. Enjoy!
The most common question I get once people find out I'm training MMA (albeit in a very non-traditional manner by doing each martial art separately and blending them as suits me) is "why?" This usually takes the form of "wait, you mean cage fighting/UFC/toughman?" "Um...yeah." "Why would you want to do that/bruise that pretty face/get hurt/etc?!" It also goes with the comment "you are so mellow/nice/funny, I just can't imagine you fighting!"
I've been thinking about it a lot lately. I never really gave much reason beyond "it seems fun" or "because I can." Then again, I don't feel I owe anybody an explanation unless I really want to give them one (just like the meanings behind my tats-don't always tell people cuz they are personal. That's a whole different post though).
So some background. I used to be anti-MMA. And afraid of sparring. And afraid of martial arts in general. My, oh my, how I have changed! I still remember how timid I was when I started training, and how I could barely walk up the stairs after my first lesson (and I only did some stance training and basic punches/kicks)! I used to think MMA was for people who "had something to prove, but didn't know what, to whom or why." I was sorely mistaken, and part of it came from the less-than-savory fanbase that simply crossed over from WWE/WWF/WCW. Another part came from my misconception that MMA is somehow "less" than formal martial arts; that it is glorified street-fighting. I didn't understand it back then, and that is a crying shame!
So flash forward a few years and here I am, well-versed in a good few styles of martial arts and teaching one. I love sparring and for a while, something inside me has been itching to put it all to the test. I didn't really think about it too much, but instead just went with it and have been training myself for that. It was only recently that I wondered "why?"
After some soul-searching, I think I might know, and I'm willing to share part of it. I have problems with my confidence. Period. I know this, and so do the people I choose to open up to. My training has done wonders for me physically, which has added some confidence. Knowing I have some awesome abilities also added.
But I still feel the need to prove something to myself. I ran a 12k on a whim It was easy. I started running half marathons...challenging, but easy. Did a marathon this year-tough as fuck, but I still did it. There's a part of me always looking for that next challenge to tackle, and a fight, one on one in a cage seems to be the next one.
I feel the need to rise up to the occasion, work myself like never before (and most people could only wish), learn not only about myself but another, learn my own strengths and weaknesses, grow stronger and have the sheer discipline and will to do it all. Then combine all of that and face another man, one on one, in a contest of skill and strength. This is the ultimate challenge. And it is my challenge because I chose to accept it.
I am passionate about my sport, there is no doubt about it. I think everyone should take some classes-get fit, learn some useful self-defense skills (comes in handy when someone tries to gay bash you), get some confidence and be a better person. I think that it gets a very bad rap from people such as John McCain who called it glorified cock-fighting. And I refuse to give it up for anyone or anything. It is an integral part of who I am. I eat, sleep and breathe my martial arts. Day in and day out, I play scenarios in my mind, train physically, come up with combos and even dream about it. I even have fun with it doing things like BODYCOMBAT, a cardio martial arts-based workout class I will be certifying in soon.
My enthusiasm rubs off on others because I've helped get some numbers up in classes by talking people into it and just enjoying the hell out of it all. Attitude is infectious and apparently mine's like an STD on a college campus!!
Not everyone is meant to compete, though, and I fully understand that now. Few of us have the drive or desire to compete this way. Even fewer can physically handle the demands. And even fewer have the fighter's heart.
It is something inside of me that I just instinctively "know" I'm meant to do. I'm perfectly happy knowing I could get knocked out, sustain a concussion, break some bones/joints (myself or my opponent's!) and otherwise get injured doing this. It is something so few people understand, or even try to understand, and I don't really expect people to. It isn't something for them to know...it is something only a few of us will ever fully know and experience, and that makes it truly special in my eyes.
I may still be working on my discipline and lack a ground game (which is being fixed, I might add). I might still be learning how my body best works, what the best fuel for it is and what workload it can handle. I might be sustaining the odd injury here and there, too. But through it all, I have heart. I know I'm not the best fighter out there, but I'm damn good at what I do and will work and work and work to improve.
Sometimes I get down because I'm stiff or my flexibility leaves a bit to be desired in some spots. Sometimes I get down about life and overdo the training resulting in an injury. And sometimes, even I don't fully understand why I do what I do...but I do it anyways because it eventually makes sense.
Why do I fight? Because it'll help me prove something to myself. Because I enjoy it. Because I can. I'm not sure. Because I have heart.
I am a fighter, and this is MY mind, my motivation and my drive. These are things for me and me alone to experience, though my friends and family may be there to support me.
My name is Nick. I prefer Rush (my nickname). And I am a fighter until the very end.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Enlightenment...jock style!
There comes a point in every athlete's training where they reach a certain level of performance that even they didn't know existed. Some call it the zone. Monks might call such instances a form of enlightenment. I call it enlightenment jock style. And it happened again earlier this evening.
The first time I experienced this was when I took my yellow belt test: I was at the end of my test and had to only do my two forms and things were done. By that point, I was drenched in sweat and my nervousness had died down. I chose the softer style form first and when performing it, something amazing happened: my body did exactly what it needed to without effort, it remembered and did every motion flawlessly. I felt every single muscle contract and release in harmony as I performed it and my mind was perfectly clear the whole time.
The second time was training capoeira up here. I was in class after having done two hours of martial arts beforehand, so I was tired. Still I chugged along and at one point in the roda, my instructor started calling out moves and I just did them. There was a direct link between words and my body, no thought, just performance.
The third time was amazing as well: I was in a roda in Seattle and all I remember is hearing a single berimbau playing. The other instruments, singing and clapping were like fuzz in the background. I didn't even notice the people around me, just my opponent's eyes and being in sync with her those moments. It was like pure perfection; once I saw a hand in front of me (someone buying the game), reality rushed back as I stepped back to the edge of the roda, but I will never ever forget that experience.
Tonight was similar in many ways, but also its own creature. I was in my Bodycombat class (a martial arts-based cardio class through Les Mills) and during the warmup I didn't need to think too much as I've done this release a couple of times now. What was fun was in the thick of class, combos would get called and my body just did them. Usually I have to think a lot, even if I had done the release a few times, but not tonight. I felt the beat of the music in my body and the moves just happened. I didn't have to think, I didn't miss too many beats and it was another example of pure performance.
Many of us train day in and day out, fatiguing and figuring out our limits. What so few of us know is that those limits are merely mental and that there is a plane of practice that is so difficult to reach that when you get there, it is almost like a spiritual experience. I know it is for me; perfect sync with my body and sparring partners, calm mind and complete reaction. My body does what it was trained to do and I remain in a zen-like state. There really is nothing to describe this; you have to experience it to grasp it.
It is at this level, those moments, when something that is normally physical and grueling becomes empowering, energizing and takes you to a different state of existence. You transcend the normal boundaries of your body and become something you never thought...and it sticks with you for as long as you train. These moments are what makes it worth it; not winning, not repition, not the idea that you're beating up your boss after a bad day...the moments when you become the athlete you never knew you were.
The first time I experienced this was when I took my yellow belt test: I was at the end of my test and had to only do my two forms and things were done. By that point, I was drenched in sweat and my nervousness had died down. I chose the softer style form first and when performing it, something amazing happened: my body did exactly what it needed to without effort, it remembered and did every motion flawlessly. I felt every single muscle contract and release in harmony as I performed it and my mind was perfectly clear the whole time.
The second time was training capoeira up here. I was in class after having done two hours of martial arts beforehand, so I was tired. Still I chugged along and at one point in the roda, my instructor started calling out moves and I just did them. There was a direct link between words and my body, no thought, just performance.
The third time was amazing as well: I was in a roda in Seattle and all I remember is hearing a single berimbau playing. The other instruments, singing and clapping were like fuzz in the background. I didn't even notice the people around me, just my opponent's eyes and being in sync with her those moments. It was like pure perfection; once I saw a hand in front of me (someone buying the game), reality rushed back as I stepped back to the edge of the roda, but I will never ever forget that experience.
Tonight was similar in many ways, but also its own creature. I was in my Bodycombat class (a martial arts-based cardio class through Les Mills) and during the warmup I didn't need to think too much as I've done this release a couple of times now. What was fun was in the thick of class, combos would get called and my body just did them. Usually I have to think a lot, even if I had done the release a few times, but not tonight. I felt the beat of the music in my body and the moves just happened. I didn't have to think, I didn't miss too many beats and it was another example of pure performance.
Many of us train day in and day out, fatiguing and figuring out our limits. What so few of us know is that those limits are merely mental and that there is a plane of practice that is so difficult to reach that when you get there, it is almost like a spiritual experience. I know it is for me; perfect sync with my body and sparring partners, calm mind and complete reaction. My body does what it was trained to do and I remain in a zen-like state. There really is nothing to describe this; you have to experience it to grasp it.
It is at this level, those moments, when something that is normally physical and grueling becomes empowering, energizing and takes you to a different state of existence. You transcend the normal boundaries of your body and become something you never thought...and it sticks with you for as long as you train. These moments are what makes it worth it; not winning, not repition, not the idea that you're beating up your boss after a bad day...the moments when you become the athlete you never knew you were.
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