Lost Principle

Ok I wasn’t going waste my time on the situation but by the request of some people looks like I going to step up and put my two cents in on this horrific incident that transpired 2 days ago. This will be the one and only time I talk about this so check it out.

I am not going sit here and waste my time bashing the two particular individuals that obviously have gotten an ear full from thousands of other angry people ( if u want to know what I’m taking about  check the link to the story here http://www.wjla.com/articles/2013/01/matthew-maldanado-nicholas-schultz-accused-in-new-year-s-eve-rape-83850.html

Or

Center this blog another incident the sprung up which relates to the person who teaches these guys (if u want to know what I’m talking about check out the link to that story here  http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/1/10/3856994/team-lloyd-irvin-rape-case)

 

However what I will focus on is the forgotten principle that so many people have overlook/ignored when stepping into Martial arts. Since my return to competition as you have read in many of my past blogs I have talked about how experiences and practice in BJJ should be used to better yourself. When some people read my views they called me a HATER because I am not a medal chaser or compete at the highest level. Hmm pretty valid stand I guess. However let me tell u the problem with people’s opinion on my views.

There are A LOT people from different timelines that come into martial arts ( BJJ in this case) for the wrong reasons. Back in the early 90’s people saw Royce Gracie and wanted to be tough and break arms like him. Today one glimpse of the UFC boom everyone want to learn BJJ. As some of these people start to grow  (most likely) their ego gets bigger, the accomplishments/ medal stack rises then all of a sudden they have this “I’m feeling myself” attitude about themselves. The sad part is a lot of you Man fans/ Stans in BJJ end up falling in love with these people because they are WINNING and are such “GREAT PEOPLE” not knowing the truth behind the medals and happy faces in their moment of glory.

Now how does what I say relate to the incident. One’s attitude during practice and as an martial artitst transfers off the mat in their daily lives which causes them to make bad choices some of which lead to serious consequences. These clowns that did this to the girl are an example of  people that exist in our sport that have learned nothing but how to chase medals, brag about hurting people, and wanting people to adore them. Then when shocking news like this pops up everyone is so shocked and say it a “sad day for BJJ” no genius it’s not a sad day for BJJ.. BJJ is literally sad by the minute ….

If anything It’s a Sad day for the Victim.

There are two points I want to make concerning my above analogy…..

1.       We as a community need to focus on what this sport original purpose was which is to help you grow as a person in a positive way. Don’t get a wrong it cool to win in competition and learn stuff however acquire that through your journey of your purpose of becoming a better person. I can’t begin to talk about how much this sport has helped me. Also instructors need to start promoting the sport properly to prevent problems like this. The biggest problem I always had with Lloyd JJ marketing is he  promotes it as a way to draw people to become “champions” nothing else which is all a person will think about no matter if they grow positively on the inside or not. I learned long ago u can have all the money and all the medals in the world. But when you die and leave this earth your real legacy will be defined by what you have done for your fellow man.
      

        When it come to Monta Wiley (ME) Everyday of my life I am always striving or finding a way to become a better person than I once was yesterday.  Am I perfect.. NO......however it doesnt mean I cant attempt to move one step closer at being just that.Correcting my  mistakes, learn how to treat people, and make decision for a positive change. These are things I learned through martial arts.

2.       For you people admiring these rising stars who are medal chasers or top BJJ personalities  this is a prime example of what you don’t know will shock you.  Alot of these people you ended up adding on facebook because they great don’t give a damn about your friendship. You have NO clue who these people truly are or what they do are after the grappling medal festivities is over. If anything start focusing on being inspired by your instructors who actual have hearts that care about you, training partners you bleed on the mat with, or people stories that actually have some personal struggle in their rise to the top you can relate too.

 

 I’ll end this blog with a quote from a great martial artist i did an article on. Learn it well folks

 

"There's a lot more to it than just learning different techniques on the mat and winning medals in competition. What Jiu-Jitsu really is at the end of the day, is a vehicle to better your life in every single aspect.”- Harryson Franz

Monta 2012 Top 10 Moments (5-1)

5. Colton Smith Article- Writing Send Off ( taking a break from writing) : Although helping people with articles has been a great feeling for me, there are some things that comes with being a writer that can prove quiet stressful. 2 years deep of writing on a weekly basis I yearned for a break from writing to refresh my mind and build myself as an individual. Around August through September of this year a few a birds chirped me in the form of MMA instructor Jarrod Clontz, Army Personnel, and even his wife talking about this guy name Colton Smith. Reading his story I knew this was the way I should go out this year as a writer and boyyyy did I ever. Not only did the article get a lot of attention it really helped get another amazing story out to let everyone know WHO Colton smith really is ( there are Internet blogger who attack his character for what he did on the show). In the end Colton took a bunch of weight off my back and he went on to become the winner of The Ultimate Fighter Show that season.
Thx Colton and best wishes…don’t be a stranger K.I.T brother !!!

4. Academy Special Guest ( people I did articles on coming down to train at my academy) : There is one thing I ask for from the majority of the people I write about and that is simply to one day train with them. This year my academy had a lot of top stars stop by. Amongst this stars were also great guest I did articles on. Although they are not big yet having Ricky Johnson, Kyle Stewart, Jarrod CLontz, Tom Barlow, and Brock Gorang was super exciting for me on many levels. Every personality offered something different and training with each of them was off the hook!! I put this in the top 5 mainly cause it really gave me the opportunity to interact with the individuals I spent sleepiness nights writing articles on while also them getting to know the mystery man behind it all..

Thanks for coming down guys…...wonder who will be # 6?!

3. Getting Promoted by Xande from Blue to 4 stripe Blue Belt  : When I became a blue belt 5 years ago it was a great moment for me. But during that 5 year journey ( due to me living in different parts of the city and unfortunately having to switch school except for the last one) I never got anything. For years I stopped caring about getting anything and just focused on my growth in skill which helped me in the long run. Then along came the night on November 13th when Xande gave me 4 stripes in one night on my blue. As crazy as it may sound I was shocked a person at his level thought that much of me (to be honest I thought I wasn’t gonna get anything at all). Overall I felt vindicated for all those years I didn’t get any plus it gave me a since of that feeling “my instructor appreciates me as his student”.

2. Northwest Adventure (trip to Portland and Seattle) : One trip symbolized a dream come true. The other one can be considered a Revelation. A couple of years ago I saw this post card of a Space Needle and told myself “one day I will visit that place and be on top of that tower. Flash-forward to 2012 I found myself traveling to Seattle, Washington were my lifelong dream came true. While there I got a chance to do some great sightseeing which consist of Saceo Filed, the waterfront, and stand on top of the space needle. In addition I also got some training down there that took my game to the next level courtesy of the Foster BJJ team, everyone at Ivan Salaverry’s, and the best unknown grappler around Andrew Perkins.
Now on the other side of the coin you have Portland, Oregon. I never really made any intention or interest in going there, however with so many friends I did articles making the countless statement “Let’s Train” I figured it be a cool idea to go down there to see what’s up. To be perfectly honest I didn’t know what to expect when I went up there to visit Portland. While Seattle I was excited Portland I was more nervous if anything. I quickly found out that that nervousness I had was more curiosity which was revealed in the following 3 days I was there. Meeting those people like 10th planet Oregon Peeps, Brent Primus, and Tommy Leisman pretty much changed my life forever, it was almost like meeting long lost brothers (from an interaction standpoint). It really put into perspective and made me realize the impact my articles have on people. At times as a writer it can be hard but through meeting them it really motivated me to continue what I do and helping others.

1. My Return to Competition : Carrying over 5 years of baggage and demons to due past competition experience. With a little bit of motivation I finally decided to step out and give competition one more try. If you read my 2 part blog on this you know the details of my story on this matter......

http://monta-wiley.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-return-to-competition-war-from.html

http://monta-wiley.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-return-to-competition-war-from_9.html

Writing the 2 part blog was the toughest thing I ever had to do because for the 1st time I was letting everyone know who Monta was. To say the least I was scared because I didn’t know how people were going to react. Thankfully it was not only well received but other related to it. Through this it allowed me to launch as series of blogs and even Facebook wall post helping to motivate people concerning this matter and even life in general. I feel this is the # 1 moment of the year because in one moment it built me to become a stronger individual capable to tackles anything the world throws at me with no fear…while also inspiring other to do the same.

Monta 2012 Top 10 Moments (6-10)

10.      Attending a UFC event Ground Floor no Bleachers: Overall it was a new experience for me in many ways. Being on the floor side offers a spectator with a whole range of advantages. Not only did I see great action close up but also got a chance to see some fight personalities like Ronda Rousey and Royce Gracie…IMO the biggest celebrity I got to meet was my boss from fighthub.tv Marcos Villegas. Overall great experience that I will never 4got.

9.      BJJ Legends 1^st Magazine Publishing Article: This was big for me in many ways because one of my goals as a writer was always to have one of my pieces in a magazine. Not only was it great to have my work published in a book sold worldwide but to also have my instructor Xande on the cover was even cooler. This would have been at a higher # if it weren’t for some errors I saw made in the article by head editor…but overall I’m just very appreciative for getting the chance to accomplish a writing goal of mine.

8.      Kenny Florian Seminar: It not really much to say about this but in terms of MMA fighter that does bjj..Kenny Florian has been one of my favorite. The experience was very amazing training with him and his brother. Every time I had a question I called them over to soak all the knowledge I can get, plus so Bruno and Phan can get a lot of pictures of me with Kenny and Keith so I can have something to look back on.

7.      Starting at Xande JJ- Day 1 :  Taking a gamble I decided to give so cal jiu-jitsu one last shot and train with Mr. Xande Ribeiro..The Key word here is “DAY 1”. Coming in with some extra baggage from my previous academy although I was excited to train with Xande I was also very nervous. Every day I had this crazy thought that something bad was going to happen and that day will be my last. But as time passed along I began to loosen up and embrace my new team and instructor which has been a great time this past year.

6.      Training with Judo great Chuck Jefferson:  It has been over 3 years since I’ve done any Judo and for one time only I made my return to train with my all-time favorite judo player Chuck Jefferson. It terms of my visit to Chuck Jefferson's Judo it was an awesome. When I walked in and saw the layout of the facility I had to ask myself for a second...is this the right place? (Mainly because it didn’t look like your typical judo dojo).  The class went great that night but it was the following day that would remain a memory forever. The following day I was able to take judo private from him which was also amazing. At time we would sit on the mat and talk about the judo/jiu-jitsu problems and other things about my experience and his experience. Never in a million years had I thought I would be sitting down talking normal with my favorite judo player. Thank for the friendship Sensei Chuck hope to see you next year!!  also shoutout to ..Sensei Lee Heitzman!!

Competitor Analysis: The Strong vs. The Weak

Since returning to competition one of the biggest things I have been thoroughly investigating is the “Mental” element of fighting. When you think of this topic it truly correlates with the Battle Within. From the nerves to being in the fight itself every aspect of a person’s emotions can reveal not only their purpose but also the outcome of the match.

Just recently I got a chance to see this first hand through a series of events that happened in the last 7 days. In this piece I will cover the separation of strong and weak in competition. Widely overlooked it is something that really tells the story of a competitor. Last Sunday I got the opportunity to be a scorekeeper at the No-Gi NABJJ tournament . I thought it would be a dull experience but I was wrong. Sitting courtside allowed me to interact with the competitors before/ after their matches and also witness their transformation as they get ready to fight in battle.

Analyzing each competitor I can pretty much tell which one was going to win (and 90 % of the time I was correct). When they walked out each competitor was game but as anything in life when shit hits you in the face that is when one finds out how tough you are and how bad do you want it. One thing I looked at was the fighter’s eyes (I know weird). In the heat of battle some guys looked like they gave up when they first got taken down by their more purposely driven opponent as their eyes pretty was telling those in attendance  “What the Hell am I doing here wish I was at home watching the Sunday football game” !!!

This all goes back to my promotion of having a purpose when going out to compete. Whether it be to a better man, winning gold, or making the best of your experience it really helps you carry something with you into combat so you wont become weak in the fight. First lets take a look at the strong side of the competitor spectrum.
 

A great example of this theory is a video I saw on the web of an in-house gi tournament featuring Brett Weekly who also took 2^nd place at the NABJJ No-Gi tourney I was score keeping at. As you can see in the video it really showed who wanted it more and who was looking for the madness to end. Which explains the reason Brett beat this opponent.

Seeing him compete at the No-Gi tournament myself he went in with the same attitude and purpose of doing well and although he lost in the finals Brett Still seemed happy with his performance and what he accomplished that day.

Now the weak. Example of this can be seen from yesterday’s UFC event in the fight between BJ Penn and Rory McDonanld. Regarded as a fearless competitor whose killer instinct allowed him to devour the opposition  it seemed as though the tables were turned on the Prodigy that night. Looking at the fight it was very hard to watch as BJ clearly told thousands of viewers he didn’t want to be there. On many occasions in the second round from his facial experssion to him not defending himself properly it is as though he was begging McDonanld to finish him off. However being the arrogant fighter he is Rory did what BJ was known to do in the past and publicly humiliating him prolonging his suffering going on to earn a unanimous decision victory.

Looking at these observations I’m trying to show you the difference between someone who wants it and someone that doesn’t.

So the next question lies how do you maintain a predator mentality hunting for what you want instead of being the prey all the time ? Here are some tips.

1.       When signing up for any tournament start off by asking yourself why are you entering this event (purpose)- if it just  to have “FUN” or just to "Compete"you're as good as dead b4 you step on the mat. You gotta have a reason (purpose) for putting yourself in harms way which will allow you to make the best of this life changing expereince.

2.       Strengthen you Purpose- This formula you may have to go deeper and may be the toughest for anyone  going to compete. Start off with a purpose and start breaking it down to something I call the “Why Reaction”

Ex: I want to be a world champion Why? Because I am the best Why? Why? -If you can get pass the 5^th time you ask yourself Why you are practically game for success.

3.       Develop a Sentence that will stick in your head throughout the event- It allows you to eliminate all worries. You might be nervous but the sentence you create centered on your purpose will carry you through the war.

Ex: my sentence at grappling x event was- “I don’t have to be Champion, Just a better man than I once was”

4.       Make sure it’s about you- I hear a lot of people say I’m doing this for my team. Instructor, to prove something to someone…make someone else proud of me….F that. That is one of the main reason why competitors get destroyed in tournaments because they are trying to live someone else dreams and not their own.

5.       Make sure to train (which is obvious) :-) and keep you purpose in your mind while training

If you follow these steps you will notice a totally different person in battle (trust me). In all this entry is meant to show competiors mindframe in combat but also meant to show you how to develop a stronger mentality for competing with a purpose to see you through.


-monta


 

Return to Writing- ( New Features & Changes)

Next month I will make my return to writing articles. The time off has been great so far  and if you been keeping up with what I been doing it has been an amazing journey. Time-off has allowed me to do many things such as practice my writing skills, read, meet people I did articles on, and also build myself as an individual. All of these things have helped in my return. Looking back on the past 2 years as a writer I have made a lot of great decisions and also made some bad choices. In an effort to correct those mistakes and make my good decisions greater I have set out a list of standards for myself  .

In this blog I will be going over the new features and changes I will be doing as a writer when it comes to doing interviews. The new changes will ensure everyone is given an equal chance, I can maintain a gradual pace without getting burnt out, and other aspects of the spectrum.

First the New Features

1.       Military Spotlight will now happen once a month- this has been my most favorite part being a writer. Although it cools giving props to our favorite bjj/mma fighter I think it’s important we give these people the respect they deserve for their ultimate commitment.

Note: all articles must go under the military spotlight title. So for example Colton Smith was titled fighters heart while Jason Norwood was military spotlight. In other words  two military personal are game for being feature in the same month.

2.       Phone Call Intros- Slack off on this in the past and sadly I know a lot of people have classified me as a mystery man helping people (until you meet me)  but not anymore. The call is just a standard greeting to help me get a vibe of who im doing the article on while also them knowing who I am... questions will still be sent via e-mail.

3.       Self-Request – people are now allowed to put in a request to do an article on themselves. However MAKE SURE YOU BRING IT!!! NO BS. I don’t care about your medals or how many people you KO’d I want to know what makes u..YOU

4.       Open Inbox- my page now has given me an inbox so u are now open to send me any request, name drops, questions or concerns. or feel free to email me at monta_193@yahoo.com

5.       Full Stories!! (No MORE Q & A interviews on people)- I have been given small complaints about this in the past about how I given full story to some people while some have gotten q & a …well this will happen no longer. Everyone will get the opportunity to tell their story. It’s time I step up and pledge 100 % to Note: depending on the matter Q &A articles may pop up at times in regards to product reviews or upcoming events.

6.       Interviewee’s Choice- Continuing where # 6 left off the person being interviewed now has the floor to request what the article will center on.. after all it is YOUR STORY.

Now the not so fun part…….. Restrictions/ Changes

1.       4-5 articles Per Month Limit- In the past I have done 6-8 articles per month. I have decided to chop it down to 4 the minimum and 5 the max. This new implication is more to help me maintain a flow without getting burnt out and generate more focus on one person at a time.

2.       8 Month Gap Clause- For those that I have done 2 or more articles on you will now have to wait 8 months until I do another article on you (unless you are making a major transition  in your life/career). I can’t do a new article every time you have a fight (there are other ways I can support you off course) because while I’m doing a 4^th and 5^th article on you There is another hungry unnoticed talent that may need my help. EQUAL OPPORUNITY!!

Ex: Brent Primus I have done an article on him once a year  (2 articles total) so he is still game for a future article….while if I have done an article on you in 3-5 month period in the same year. You have to wait a bit just to see where you are at in your career.

3.       14 days courtesy notification- Note all articles do NOT have a time limit however I had many problems where people have not keep me up to date or don’t say anything to me about the status of the answers. Some end up not giving them to me at all while some have even submitted them a month later while I’m already working on other people’s article and even on vaca. Depending on whom you are and interaction with you. If you don’t give me a status update after 14 days don’t bother turning in your answers. It unfair to me and addition to the people that I am writing on.

Note: This rule may sound confusing so if u has any questions please e-mail me or comment!!

4.       No  Disrespect- although I had minor incidents concerning this issue the one’s I had really made me feel upset and regret doing the article on them. SO any sign of disrespect toward me as a writer before, during, or after the article phase your article will be deleted. (and u might get called out 4 being a a-hole)

Note: if you want to hear some stories feel free to ask I have some crazy ones.

Well folks these are the new features and rules. Hopefully they aren’t to major. And once again if you have any questions or concerns feel free to hit me up.

Monta

p.s- Also just know with my return to competition it will not affect my article writing in any way. Already set 3-4 tournament plan for next year. So in other words my writing is being put FIRST because after all if it wasn’t 4 the people I write about I wouldn’t be able to compete.

The New Grappling Journey: Fresh Start

It always great to have a fresh new start in creating a new path for yourself.. With my baggage and vices left on the mat at Grappling X I now found myself on a new beginning with my entry into the International Grappling Championships (aka Technique Challenge) and BOyyyy was it something from a mental, physical, and even unusual standpoint.

Coming along with 2 other teammates this swing, we all found ourselves facing the first challenge THE LONG ASS WAIT.  I have been to tournaments that have ran behind but man this was ridiculous 4 hours late. Going through something like that makes you want to say  4get this shit I’m leaving  or just go out there to “get it over with”. As the clock struck 4pm with the kids division still going one of my teammates was thinking about leaving ( won’t say his name) but after one of my motivational angry rants basically telling him…

If you going run off at least get on the mat and half ass it to a least say u went out there to “compete” but don’t run away !

I think squared him away good (funny outcome he had). Looking at it from my standpoint I just saw it as a delay of the inevitable great battle that will go down that day on the mat. It made my blood rush with elevated heat, it made my mind more focused, my heart pump out of my chest to see what will happen when I stepped on to the mat !! After all I knew what I was there for and nothing was going block me from c’n that.

After waiting countless hours and greeting some BJJ friends through the process it was finally go time  Waiting in the bullpen I was surrounded by my 3 other competitors. One from the Mendes Brother gym, Another from Leo DAlla), and….holy shit!!! Manuel Figueroa (the same guy I fought in the finals at the last tournament). Another interesting day was about to unfold !!!

With other 2 teammates already fighting there battles (and doing well I may add) the pressure seemed follow the pattern.So the first match saw the Mendes Brothers student vs. the Leo Dalla fighter. The match was very intense but sadly ended with a controversial leg lock submission (knee reaping I dunno) giving the Mendes brother blue belt the win. Boy was the other guy pissed so much so he went to 3 referee’s with the video to demand a reverse decision (which didn’t go in his favor).He stormed off in anger and disappeared. As I watched that I told myself I never want to become that way again. I know what I’m getting myself into and I got to accept whatever comes with the individual bringing his version of pain to me.

So I guess it was my turn next. As I stood on the side of the mat heavily focused I was surprisingly interrupted by the shocked that the scorekeeper said my name correctly (people rarely get my name right on the first try something is up) as I turned around he stood up to great me and shook my hand. In my mind I was like who is this guy ? Then when he said his name it was hella crazy but a true honor to meet IAN LAWLER (the very first guy I did a military spotlight article on). Sux he was done for the day would have been awesome if he could have stayed to see my matches.

So the first round found myself going up against a familiar opponent in Manuel. When I saw him at the first tournament I didnt get too much interaction with him got a chance to actually talk to him b4 and after the fight this time around. As I kept telling myself that oh familiar lingo “ I Will give it everything I have 2day to be a better man than I Once was” and praying in my mind for strength, protection (for me & my opponent), and personal growth ; at the corner of my eye I saw something that had my heart almost sink to my ass. Manuel Figueroa got on his knees and started praying to God almost for the exact thing (strength in battle). The sight really made me kind of sad that we couldn’t fight in the finals. 2 individuals out there not 4 prizes but to become better. However in this slight time of being soft-hearted I quickly thought positive and realized this is going be a great match.

In short the match started off aggressive. I did not abandon my strategy and I Pulled guard working endlessly for submissions attacks. 6 minutes passed matched ended 0-to-0 ANOTHER OVERTIME …Déjà vu… I laughed out loud. This time around we weren’t tired. Knowing the rules I did the exact same thing eventually with me winning the fight as the most aggressive fighter. (Manuel eventually took third due to the other grappler leaving)

As I made my way into my 2^nd match against the fighter from the Mendes bros academy I knew this was gonna be a fight. The guy was the definition of a individual with no conscience ready to murder anything in his way ( saw his demeanor through the whole process). With me not having a coach for a short period of time and at his corner was the oh so great ( I say that sacarticly btw) Rafael Mendes in his corner it seemed the deck was stacked against me. The fight did not start off great in my favor as for the first time ever in a grappling competition (including JUDO) I was thrown…man not good. During the heated exchange I suddenly got accidental clocked with a knee to the mouth. Dang this again me tasting my own blood L instead of fearing it I wiped it on my face and continued to battle on ( n by the look in rafa’s face he probably was saying to himself “this dude is nuts”).

Colton Smith said it best- We are going go out there, we are going fight and bleed, and I do what I can to come out on top. A phrase I took going into this.

As I continued to struggle in the battle I begin to hear the coaching of my teammates helping through it all it made me work harder. Although I was losing I knew I had to finish this fight strong, I had to see the fight through to the very end. End results me losing in the finals (got 2nd place). Shook my opponents hand and congratulated him on the win.

Overall it was another great battle which helped me to become a better man. A lot of lesson where acquired and this chapter showed me the true test of my heart which prevailed.

One a side note the teammate who almost had left because the tournament running late…end up winning his division. Super happy 4 him and my other teammate (although he didn’t medal) did a sick job and almost went to the semifinals n a great match.

It always funny how people advice quotes tell the story of my experience, So I will end this blog with a Kyle Stewart line.

“it is not the finish line that matters but the overall journey to look back on “

The Battle Ahead: Pushing Forward-"It's Always Personal"

Well it seems like the no-gi worlds has come to an end. While everyone is reflecting on their current triumphs or mistakes as for me I am getting ready to step back into the fire once again. A little over a month has passed by since my last personal victory in September now I am prepared for another “Battle Within” this coming Saturday at my next grappling tournament.

Since the Grappling X event a lot of things have changed. Aside from me training harder, feeling like a stronger person and completing my last article for the year one of the biggest shocker was the responses I got from the "2 part blog I wrote on my return to competition". It was surprising that so many people supported/ was inspired by my story {especially with me being just a normal guy} and how some even go through similar trials in their competition endeavors. The kind words definitely touched my heart which made me more motivated to compete more to REPRESENT for those people who go through their own personal battle in competition/life .

A lot of times a “Battle Within” can merely be to prove something to yourself whether it be becoming the best or facing a fear. Sometimes people get caught up in a fantasy land { things/goals that look great} such as medals, sponsorships, and lust for attention -etc.- which are all materialistic/narcissistic values that don't mean jack shit in the long run as you get higher in the ranks or in life.

Now on the other side of the coin you got a person who goes out there for personal reasons (like myself). Although getting a medal is great all of that gets override by the purpose embedded in their heart each time they goes onto the battlefield which as a result makes one stronger{win or lose}.

Carrying a personal purpose while going out there and giving it everything you have {making yourself vulnerable in a way} IMO is the true victory . You never know this personal journey may even bless you to becoming a world champ one day.

Going into my last tourney {coming off a 3 year absence} I obviously had a lot of baggage on me which got uplifted. This time around it’s all about building myself into the man I want to be...and no matter how many times I fall or medal  I won't stop until my goal is accomplished. So how do I keep myself focused on this you ask...when the ultimate mission is to get gold {from a competitive standpoint}...simple I reflect back to 05 and 09 incidents say this to myself.

"I've been down for over 3 years I refuse to coward in my own grief and be broken like that ever again by any man. I will always strive and not let any hurdle get in my way from bettering myself"

It kind of crazy I know. However to anyone who knows my story you would know why I feel this way.  It fuels my desire to prove to myself Im strong, it helps me to overcome another obstacle, and most importantly it allows me to get it everything I have (whether I win or lose) which allows me to see the battle through to the very end.  Overall it’s merely a way to keep me on soild ground while going into a fight because trust me it is and will ALWAYS be a nervous/hard ordeal getting ready for an unknown confrontation against someone you have no clue what/why they want to do something  to you.

In all I'm looking forward to the event. Overall it about building from the victories, to maybe losing, and facing new scenarios that will test me mentally and physically.

I guess for me in the end As long as my 5 prayers from what i mention in Part 2 gets answered I am fine with whatever happens.


Let see where it will take me this time around.

Finally wanted to say Thanks again for every1's support and most importantly to all the fighter's/friends that motivated me every day in my goal of becoming a better man. I couldn’t have taken this road again without your help (You know who you are !!!!).

Keep you ALL updated on the results....

Monta