The Influence From Writing

When I look at elements of things created in the world it's very interesting how it can be connected in some way. Putting the pieces of a puzzle, traveling by plane to a great vacation spot, or developing you BJJ strategy every sector is formed to create something great. 2010 marked a prominent year in my life as I discovered I had the ability to write. Took a little encouragement and mastering but to say the least been gradually building to become better.

Like a puzzle or anything that has a beginning everything starts from scratch. Then step by step it transforms itself into a grand work of art, in my case as a writer its pretty much vandalizing a clean sheet of paper with written words aimed to send a message. Revealing enough when the smoke clears the written artwork has centered on a discussion of various hard working individuals in the MMA community.

When I first started writing it was really use as a way to kill time and for fun purposes. As time progressed it has always been about just helping people. There are many hardwork and great people who train out there n due to their popularity status or less achieved accolades they dont get the attention they truley deserve. Although it was unclear to me at the time ( still to this day) I never understood why people either liked my articles or people who I did articles on appreciated my help. Overall I was just honor to have helped them however way I did.

As my adventure as a writer continued (this also included people I may have mentioned in the montblog) things started to take an interesting twist. I truly cant speak on the help/gratitude my writing has done for some people but it seemed that through the process it backfired on me through reading their stories and analyzing their personas. There were some periods in my life where I would go through sad moments about particular stuff whether it be competing or just areas I wish were better. Through reading countless stories and watching people fight I saw traits buried within myself that I wanted to make better. Being a strong competitor, humlity, and most importantly staying strong in this crazy world these individuals have helped me out BIG TIME.

A mirror reflection of what I saw myself It fueled my ambitions and motivation toward making great articles on people to make sure they were presented for the great people they are for the world to see.

This year alone through meeting some at tournaments recently, I also took it upon myself to travel to see the world and meet/train with some of these individuals. Being on the road as of late has been an experience of a life time as I got the opportunity to do just that and it has been a major special moment for me.

Rolling with many BJJ worlds champs has been a great experience for me, a privileged not granted too often. However although I was appreciative of the experience. It doesn't compared to the people I got the chance to meet and train with (that I did articles on). Sure they may have ( or haven't yet) are small amateur fighters, local BJJ guys, Muay Thai, -etc-. Nevertheless they are hardworking people I can relate and that have inspired me which in it has been the greatest opportunity to able to train, talk, and get my butt kicked on the mats more than you ever know.


So to end this blog I will say 4 those that I ever did an article on especially the ones I'm super cool with {u know who you are}...thank you for allowing me to try and help you cuz in term you have helped me.

-monta'

Finding Contentment

Not too long ago during my trip to Phoenix, Arizona I remember climbing the Infamous Camelback Mountain. I honestly didn’t know why I exactly wanted to climb it to be honest. Whether it was making the best of the trip or just to try something new yet it was something deep inside as a looked up high at the top that made me want to tackle it.

At first the walk up seemed very easy. Then as I got higher the elevation, fear of highest, darn bees, and temp of 95 degrees began to take its toll on me. Getting high on the mountain I looked down and that is when I realized…how long and how tough the climb was to get there. At that moment as I looked down on the entire city I toured I felt Content with myself of being able to do something I never thought I was able to do.

Content- satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.


When I think about being Content it is something that is really personal. A life time of growing from childhood to those confusion stages as a teen to adult years all accumulates through the process of figuring out who and  what we want in life. Twist and turns of course come with the territory along the journey however I believe it is the intriguing mystery of what lies at the finish line that allows us to go through the brunt in order to get where we want to be.

So why is all of this even important?  SIMPLE, Deep down everyone wants something in life whether it is athletic aspirations, financial stability, relationships (love, family, friends), or personal building with ourselves. No question we all strive for something that is meaningful to us.

 Questions that comes to mind during this process have to be............

• what exactly is it you want
• where are you at now in your situation
• what are you doing or going do to make it to your goal
• why is it so important for you to go through the storm along the quest

Once one evaluate in answering these questions it becomes a moral compass in hopes of getting you to where you want to be.

Aside from my own personal story which some of you are aware of this year’s BJJ Worlds gave me a glimpse of an athlete putting it all on the line to move one step closer to feeling content from all the years of dedication being involved in the discipline.{aka becoming a world champion}. Hundreds showed up, 97 % hit another road block, 3 % gained something meaningful that day {sorry had to poke fun of the percentages concept-haha-}.

In the end whether you are on the winning or losing stick it’s all about opening ones understanding to unknown theories about themselves, embracing the scars sorta speak of what you’re going through, and most importantly never giving up on something that you hold dear to your heart.

Like the climb up the mountain I shared earlier...it super hard but when you reach the top you can look down below and appreciate ride as you stand tall satisfied with the place you are currently and where you came from. I can speak from certain experiences in my life the surging feelings relief, redemption, gratification, and success are some of the greatest emotions you will ever feel when you accomplish something  you work for to becoming CONTENT.

So if any of the information is sinking in any just do yourself a favor if you want something in life. Have faith, have a Purpose, Have personal Goals, and of course work hard on reaching contentment in whatever you desire to improve.

Also with that being said this month I will be back in action competing hoping to acquire more knowledge and becoming a better/stronger man. Still is a long road in the making but hey all a part of the process

Keep Up the Good Fight Folks !!!!

-Monta

 

 

Fighting

Laying in my bed with my head looking up to the ceiling on many sleepless nights I sometime ponder to myself about why does problems or quarrels enter into our lives, Why does bullshit like the Boston incident happen?, Amongst other uncertainties that the world presents us with. Whether its evil that just happens to creep up on us or God’s big master plan, the fact of the matter is everyone at some point stricken with a heavy dose of wrong that put them in a state of helplessness .

There were times in my past life where I have curled into a ball wishing it would be over for me…and with the way things are these days it gets harder with worry after worry that piles on your back. However just when that cogitation creeps into my mind, I am always reminded of something very important… “The Fight”.

 When I speak of fight I don’t mean the individual you may find yourself competing against or even a person you may have a beef with. I am speaking of “The Fight” to be the best you can be through the pains and struggles this worlds comes at you with.

I’m going get straight to the point in this blog and start off (with something my instructor said) “Every day you wake up it is a battle “. It may be on your job, c’n something that just makes you angry, sadness within yourself, and every piece of shit this world throws at you. Nevertheless it is the strength within yourself that determines your heart though it all.

Strength in taking a stand against wrong. Strength in making a positive difference in other people lives. Strength in becoming better than you were yesterday and Most importantly strength in staring hardship dead in the face ready to kick it ass to the max.

It is one of the toughest daily grinds far rigorous than any pursuit for a gold medal or pay check (yeah u knew that line was coming –haha-) because this is a fight that leaves an everlasting effect on yourself. Even if we have to help each other through the storm it is always beneficial to both our growth  during our fight. For instance some of the people I have done articles on and people I have met on my travels have taught me great lessons I use today in my building as a man.

In all I understand with all the stuff that is going on these days  and within ourselves life gives us a lot of pain shoot I go through it every day occasion. However as frustrated as I get with things one thing I am reminded is to never give up. Staying strong being ready for whatever comes my way by always living my life to the fullest with no fear whether it is competing, traveling, or making myself useful in the world through assisting others in the journey...Now that is what you called buidling a legacy that makes you a true fighter combating the world that frequently wants to bring u down.

well enough of the deep stuff time for bed...in closing.................

Stay strong Friends and Never give up

monta

Grapple-A-Thon Afterthoughts

Well as everyone is quiet aware I always write blogs on cool events that happen whether it be tournaments, travel trips, or anything that pops into this strange mind of mines and yesterdays event should be no exception.

On March 30 2013 at the Xande Ribeiro's BJJ academy (my training facility) I hosted a grapple-a-thon event in an effort to raise money for the family of my friend Rustle Laidman who passed over a month ago. Planning the event was last minute and with all the weekly articles, regulard work, and other things going on I can truly say it was a tough challenge for me planning the event.

I was super nervous going into the event for various reason. Will alot of people come, will there be any problems on the mat between people, amongst other outside concerns...but like my past tournament expereinces my nervousness quickly deteriorted as time moved along.

Originally and from a financial standpoint the event was just a way to raise money..however as the event was at its begining stages looking at the various people over 30 people (from different gyms) interacting on the mat with each other...I thought to myself "hmm this may turn into something bigger".

As everyone lined up the bossman xande said his few words then I said my open speech.
Although looking back at it I thought the speech was kind of corney -lol- to sum it up it really was from the heart and reflected what I learned these past month which mainly talked about the people you meet help you grow no matter what your goals are.

In terms of the atmosphere itself it was REALLY something to be apart off and wayyy exceeded my original vision and expectations. Great training, No-Ego, Learning Something, and Having a great time all while helping for a good cause.

It was almost a mirror image of what it was like years ago at the CSULA BJJ open mat....A Place of Fun and Learning.

Even after the event everyone walked away from the event with something. Some people won gifts but most importantly made new friends along the way ( i saw some of the facebook adds and comments amongst the participants) so I  guess my corny speech worked in some way.-haha-

In terms of the feedback afterwards I got alot of great reviews. Originally this was going be the only one I do. However I have decided that. .....there will be another Grapple-a-thon event in the near future !!!! (maybe in June or July)

My rough draft idea at this time is to do a charity event raising money for a group of people or individual every 3 months that needs help that is in our martial arts community ( off course I am open for ideas). One thing I learned about my trip from Denver is the value of helping others and although we sometimes get verrry distracted with drama and other BS going on...I think it can be really beneficial for not only someone in need but also for yourself because you can gain alot out of it.

In closing I want to ask.......... "How Do You Really Want to Take a Stand ?"
you can standout with your pick-it signs giving negativity attention it actually wants or put it down and show those lames what this community is all about bring some light in dark circumstances.

I know what I want to do.

monta

also in terms of how i was able to complete my 120 minute challenge..well if u read my tournament blog u should know how i was able to do that ;-)

Colorado Tournament Expereince aka "THE LEARNING"

No matter what event happens in life each event always has a way of teaching us something. Due to the unexpected death of my friend I never got the chance to write about my Episode 3 of the “The Battle Within” from the “Fight to Win” tournament I competed in Denver, Colorado two weeks ago.


Unlike my last two tournaments, I ended up losing in the first round to (from what people told me afterwards) one of the top blue belt light featherweight in Co. It was probably the craziest fight I ever been in because I don’t remember anything that happen. All I remember was a lot of defending, a sharp sec of pain in my finger, and me getting sub in the end (YEAH IM NOT AFRAID TO ADMIT IT).

After congratulating my opponent as I walked off the mat I felt serious pain in my right middle finger. When I looked down my finger was shaped like the letter “V “which meant it got dislocated during the match. How I was able to keep fighting and not feel any pain is beyond me but overall walking off the mat I was at peace with myself knowing I gave it everything I had and just lost to a better fighter that day.

Since I returned to competing 6 months ago after a three year lay-off, every tournament is personal. Not personal in a sense of wanting to beat the person bad across the mat from me but rather a personal development experience toward growing and learning about my strength as an individual. Looking back on this event I can honestly say although I did not bring home a medal a reflection of my growth and attitude was revealed that day. Years ago I would have been vengeful, butt hurt, and probably be scared to compete again.

This time I felt different. I stepped out on the mat, went through a bit of bloodshed, experienced setback, and walk off the mat knowing I went through a tough situation which taught me some things. Boy has my attitude changed since 2005!!!
 

To be honest about it all I wasn’t mad at all about losing or even getting hurt. I was upset because due to the injury I wasn’t able to compete in the submission only absolute.

In terms of my injury situation the recovery has been going well. As a matter of fact it’s not a serious as I thought it would be. Although I have been in this aluminum brace for 2 weeks it hasn’t stop me from doing what I want to do. I’m still able to write articles and even train which includes sparring (with caution off course). I even have developed a one gi on no-gi grip strategy until I’m fully able to make a fist with my hand. So overall it hasn’t been bad. I’m just looking forward to recovering 100 % so I can compete again to see what else I can learn through this fighting experience.
 

So that is what happened. I know everyone likes to hear when I win but I wanted to be openly honest about each tournament experience I go through didn’t want to seem like a sore loser cause I’m far from that.
 

To end this blog I want to talk those who make fun or misjudge my views on competing. I know a lot of haters as of late have been quite vocal about my blogs about how deep which is fine.
 

I guess that is why I see some of those same people getting emotional when they get silver instead of gold, constantly being male groupies to these top rising stars, getting discouraged cause they aren’t progressing in skill and have nothing better to do that worry about what Monta is doing or saying.

Trust me I didn’t see it either until I was encouraged by a group of great MMA friends who taught me what competing is really about.
 

One thing I learned these past couple of weeks especially with the death of my friend and all the other crazy things going on in the world "Life is not sweet". As a matter of fact it’s hard to the point where it will drag you down making you feel very miserable where you want to give up at times...just like competing.

I’m not going to apologize because some of you don’t see things the way I see it. I’m not going to apologize for not crying like a bitch when I lose a match. I not going to apologize for staying strong through the tough hurdles I come in contact.
 

However what I know I will do keep fighting, keep growing, and off course (I know some don’t like when I say this but...strive in becoming a better man than I once was.

-monta 

 

Rustle Laidman: Warmth from the Cold

“The World is Cold So Wear a Sweater”.

On a drunken night in my college days at the 118 dorm with my roommates this was an expression we used to describe what was going on in the world we dwelt in. In fact the world is evil due to the corruption and ideology that comes with the society will live . However being blinded (negative) as we were at the time we never talked too much about the sweater which in fact symbolizes warmth from the blizzard showcasing there is some sort of good/ light to every dark situation.

Being in martials arts for almost 9 years I have had my share of  many experiences  that have shaped me into who I am today and who I continue to strive in becoming. My trip to Denver oddly enough molded the above quote I said 6 years ago into a reality. Cold Weather, Blizzard Snow, losing my bjj match, and a dislocated finger all became the unkind session from my time in The Mile High City. Luckily this trip offered some warmth from the storm as I made great new friends in the form of the people from Relson Gracie Colorado Crew who took care of me like I was one of their own (more on these individuals in future articles) along with meeting some other friends like Josh Cavan, Nick Laney, and old friend Kwai Long.  Its people like this that put things into perspective and make me blessed for the individuals that enter into my life .It also times like this that allow you to reflect  see how far you come and the people that got you where you are today.

After my loss at the “Fight to Win” tournament in Denver sitting at the hotel with a dislocated finger I got a phone call that literally sent my world crashing down to the abyss. My lifelong friend and martial arts mentor Rustle Laidman passed away. It was news that shocked me and for the first time ever I broke down as I curled in the corner wondering WTF was going on. I was confused as to how a great person could leave my life so swiftly with no sign whatsoever.

The Monta Wiley you see before you was not always the nice, mellow, charitable, hardworking guy you know him to be today. Flashback to my humble beginning at CSULA Martial Arts Program  due to some personal problems off the mat (death of my dad and other life quarrels) , on the mat trials as a martial artist, and just a little bit of having a child-adult like arrogance I was not the easiest person to be around. Although I was “trying” my attitude was negative and it wasn’t “Accommodating” with the instructors. No1 would dare step to me or u would most likely get cursed out or even physically violated but then there was this old guy name Mr. Rustle Laidman. A man of fearlessness, wisdom, humbleness, and darn right honestly opinionated (for good reason).

 Like myself, he was once an individual trying to find his own way in the world and has also battled his own demons. We were both rebels from different time periods using our own wits and cunning to become better and positive men through each hurdle in our path. At the time as negative and as nuts as I was I didn’t understand why he took a liking to me so much ( mind you I was very paranoid/untrusting of people at the time) he would stay after and spar BJJ with me, teach me judo moves when my sensei’s wanted nothing to do with me, give me a ride back home 20 minutes to the project Hood I lived in, He even protected me from getting booted from the judo program after a 2006 incident I did at a tournament which got me put on judo parole. Even to this day I never understood why he did it. I guess it was my blindness of that sweater (warmth) that existed in the cold world I was living in.

A couple of years later I found myself a little more mature and walking across the stage to receive me degree in Aviation. I don’t know what it was that day but for some reason I asked myself a question. I said who was my best friend during my time here in CSULA.. the name that instantly popped up first was Rustle ( true story no BS). I sent him an e-mail later that day and thanked him for being a great friend which he gave me a great reply letter on my growth. Oddly enough as I made my exit from CSULA he was making his own exit as he and his wife Janel moved to Oregon. It was as if IMO his work of helping so many people at the college was done.

After college we still kept in touch. He would always spy on my facebook waiting for the right time to Pounce putting me in check to get me back on track like he has done many occasions in the past and on one occasion boyyy did he ever which would be the next step that would take to a place I never thought I would find myself. Depressed and out on my luck in 2010 I use to write my thoughts and opinions on a creation I made known as the montablog venting my frustrations with martial arts and the world in general. On one occasion Rustle made his move making a harsh comment “ Your good with words but  I don’t feel you’re a great writer”. WTF I didn’t understand where this shit came from I wasn’t trying to be a writer I was just getting my thoughts out. Once again I found myself in a position pondering what my friend’s motives were. 3 years and many typed words later that “honestly harsh” statment from Rustle allowed me to produce hundreds of articles helping many people and making many friends across the globe (some of which I have become really close with)…WOW he did it again –lol-

As time moved later in life I found myself in a good stable condition. My training was going good, stable law-firm job, trying to touch people lives with my writing , amongst other blessings coming into my life it seemed like that troubled young goon from CSULA was gone and the MAN Monta Wiley came into being.

Well situated I decided to take a cross country trip around the U.S. One stop I made back in November of last year was to Portland, Oregon. The main reason for the trip was for two reasons which were to meet the people I did articles on and secondly too personally thank Rustle once again for helping me so much in my life. Sadly due to schedule conflict that meeting never happened with Rus.

Flash forward to January after a scandal that shocked the martial arts community ( I don’t need to say what it is). Being a well-known writer I voiced my opinion and got some great feedback. Later that day I received a message from my friend Rustle. I thought it was going to be another schooling lesson from my OG friend. On the contrary this is what he told me in a message…………….

Rustle Laidman: JJ been bery, bery, good to you also, Monta. You were painfully shy, unable to look people in the eye. Some instructors were not as accommodating of your personality as they were of Arun, so you've had to make your own way. But you have made your way. And in fact you're taking it in directions other people can't because of your talents. It's an ongoing process. I think it's harder for me and you than it is for somebody like Arun, but still, we have a lot to be grateful for.

Looking back at this message when I think about it he was letting me know I am on my own now and he had nothing left to teach me.

As I sit here typing this blog against doctor’s orders with my dislocated finger the physical pain I feel is nothing compared to the hole that is in my heart right now for the loss of my friend. I have had a lot of deaths come into my life over the past decade ( family members, friends, childhood idols, and other sad stories that touched home) which I was able to come to grips with and move on quickly due to the circumstances that what present in front of me. This however is a death that strikes the core literally makes my heart curl as I type each word.

My martial arts mentor, my friend, the individual who is responsible for my great writing career, and father figure..gone like that. Dang –smh-

However like the people I have meet in Denver and across the world I am so blessed to have had such a great person in my life that helped me become the man I am today who asked for nothing in return. I guess aside from my mother I now know where I got my charitable traits from.

It may take some time to get over but I know Rustle wouldn’t me acting this way. Guess this is another part of the Battle Within I promoted so highly off.

I once had an arrogant saying back then every time I ended training back at CSULA… “Monta Has Left The Building”.

As I continue down my life to becoming a better man each day. I just hope GOD see’s my effort.. so I can enter his building and see you again. Farewell my friend and thank you for being a part of my life.

From yours truly,

Monta Wiley

The 97 % vs. 3 % ( The Reverse Truth)

The past 3 weeks has been a rocky moment for the BJJ community. From rape allegations to ethic/ moral beliefs it clear that this is a sad and intriguing moment for everyone involved in BJJ. Emotions have definitely erupted over the past weeks causing a serious separation in two classes almost like a religious war –lol- which pits the proud 97 %ers against the almighty 3 %ers.

For those that don’t know what these #’s mean let me give you a brief synopsis. (don’t worry I will be unbiased)

3% er- is one that strives to reach his highest potential at all cost. In our world it is those competitors who aspire to be world champions with no other obligations but toward himself and his ascension in the ranks.

97% er-  a person who isn’t concerned with glory or gold medals but more centered toward personal growth. They carry a strong since of “martial art values” which upholds the standards of those who love the martial arts, and train to build strong Character, for Sport and to develop skill and awareness for Self-defense.

Each class carries a sense of pride in what they believe in. And with the recent letter from Ryan Hall and the picture of Keenan shown here, it is clear even the top dogs are choosing which class best fits them.

Reflecting back on my 8 ½ years of being in BJJ. I think it has evolved a lot especially with the rising stars many of us look up to, the world championship tournament now being in America, and many other components which got us to where we are today.

C’n all this change in front of my eyes Itruly believe the 97 % and 3 % is a little mixed up in terms of their classification. I truly believe that 3%er’s are really the 97 % and vice versa. Before you blow a fuse let me explain why.

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is not a sport it is technically a martial art and if you know anything about martial arts you know what is true purpose is intended for. As this martial art progressed turing into a sport  especially with the rising popularity of MMA there became a shift in a practitioners mind frame from becoming martial artist to more of a competitor practicing martial arts. Even BJJ schools have shifted their philosophy to the point where $$$, becoming popular, and making prized athletes   is the central survival goal intheir expansion.

When I started BJJ in 04 the promotion for most schools was “learn techniques, lose weight, life changing, honor, integrity, -etc-“  NOW with the rise of competition teams you see promotions of a guy holding 50 medals and belts around his neck, Competition Team references, and all things closely related the sport aspect of being the best.( with no emphasis on growing as a person – at least from what I c these days-), which clearly displays what 97 % of the community thinks these days.

I guarantee you if you walk up to any person ( especially from a major competition team) they will tell you their goal is to become a world champion.

Then you have the 97 %ers ( aka IMO 3 % ers) these are people who carry the same values they were taught years ago . Although expansion and being good in competition is a plus for their team, above all else they carry strong values they were taught when they first started which centers on having integrity and respect for their fellow brothers and sisters - on and off the mat (along with the stuff I mention at the begining of this blog). With the state the community is in now reflecting back on their growth these few competent individuals realize more than ever what being in martial arts is all about. This is why they choose to take a stand for the foolishness going on today.

Being in this practice myself and looking back on my life in it I am most certainly a 97 % ( aka 3 %). Experiences, people I meet, and other concepts have molded my mind to believing this practice is made for helping people on a personal level bring positivity and strength in a person’s life. Sure it nice 4 me to learn new stuff or win a medal. .but lifelong friendships and personal growth is the biggest prize I’ve been blessed to obtain.

Some people (mainly those who chase gold) who aren’t from my time or understand my story might see things differently, just as I will never understand what make getting Gold so important in a person’s life as a martial artist. But hey everyone has opinions and views of things based on what they see or think.

Overall it is a serious fight going on now.

·         Beliefs vs. Glory

·         Medal Chasing vs. Personal Chasing

·         Competitor vs. Martial Artist

·         Good vs. Evil

However you want to call it this situation of 97 % vs. 3 % is on and popping…which is a battle I believe will never go away. Like hungry politicians grappling for supremacy  or Crips and Blood banging it out…if someone feels strongly about something in their heart they will fight 4 it to the bitter ends. Sux it had to be this way..but in my opinion it was coming eventually

In closing all I gotta say is dig deep and look at everything BJJ has to offer. I guarantee you will finds things you didn’t know exist that would help you big time on and off the mat

 

monta