Nothing in this life will age you faster than the stress that comes with having toxic people in your life, so as hard as it may be, you need to cut those people off and surround yourself with positive ones instead. Women need other uplifting women in their life to radiate powerful effeminate yet masculine […]
Read moreA sea of sameness all around, and it’s the uniqueness in our constitutions that differentiates us all and sets us apart from the next. The things that distinguished me from a crowd when I was young and insecure and filled me with embarrassment and shame when all I wanted more than anything was to blend […]
Read moreI recently had a conversation with my partner about no longer seeking approval or validation from others, and instead, living life in a way you choose to that makes you happy. After all, if it is causing no harm to anyone at all, why give a pilgrim’s buckle what anyone else thinks. Living your life […]
Read moreIf you let your emotions control you and dictate your behavior, you will never be free from the burdens of the thoughts that chain you to mediocrity. If when in the midst of a high-intensity situation, you “see red” rather than being able to think about the logical next steps, you have already lost the […]
Read moreI write about Jiu Jitsu and MMA a lot, often interspersed with my own feelings, thoughts, and experiences throughout this journey. But I have been unfair to my readers who think they are privy to the innermost workings of my mind and the things that make me tick. See, I don’t often divulge the hard […]
Read moreMove over Pinocchio, there is only one character in the story of my life working hard to become a real boy, and it ain’t some wooden ragamuffin of a puppet, so tell Gepetto to take several seats. The more you publicly put yourself out there in the world, the more you open yourself out there […]
Read moreI have come to the recent conclusion that I must have been a child murderer in a past life, or at least something as equally awful, because as of late, I can’t seem to catch a break, at least from a competition standpoint. Between irreverent calls at major IBJJF competitions, a number of opponents lacking […]
Read moreI guess we’re all performers in one way or another. Whether it’s our work life, or personal life, or the face that we present to the public. There is certainly a part of us that acts, even if it’s just acting like things don’t bother us or that we don’t care. Currently that’s me. I […]
Read moreDiscipline. A simple word in English language, but a complex subject matter not meant for the weak-willed or the mundane or mediocre. Discipline requires mastery of one’s compulsory thoughts, actions, and behaviors, and it takes years of building up the habits and the temperament to be able to accomplish this. Motivation is often fleeting, and […]
Read moreIt’s crazy all of the things that can happen behind the scenes whilst in preparation for a big opportunity or event in your life. In regards to an athlete, it’s often a big game or match (for me, a fight or competition). Whilst others may be a career-oriented opportunity or a networking event. I know […]
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