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

Break Time From Writing

Well I said I have alot of announcements in the coming weeks and here is the first. For the first time since I have started writing I have decided to take a small 2 month break from writing articles.

I still have 2 committed articles that are getting done plus the Fighter's Heart article but after that (unless a friend seriously needs help) I will be done for the year. Before I proceeded i want to put it out there this has nothing to do with my status with any of the website or my return to competition. As a matter of fact this is something I wanted to do for a long time.

Overall I started writing 2 years ago because of the stuff i mentioned ( in my previous blog). For over two years on a consistent weekly basis I have posted many article helping out many people as I can while also making great friends in the process.

 I feel I have burned myself out and need to time to recharge the brain..so i can come back stronger and better. I feel if i continue any further I wont be putting out great material..which isn't fair to me, the website, and the person that trust in me to tell their story.

Writing articles is not easy it is very hard especially when a person really needs/deserves the help. On many occassions while balancing a full time temp job and training at nights I would spend long hours until 3 am in the morning putting together great material ..not to show how good I am but simply I want to help. Kinda like that ol catch phrase were both climbing so lets help each other out type of thing.

For over 6 months now been getting super tired to the point where it hard for me to even make a great article (luckly i been able to get through each article) but felt my gas tank was about to go on on E. For ahwile I was looking for THAT individual who sybloized everything what it meant to be a true fighter that could send me off graciously as i take my break. (another words take some weight off my back)..and  I  100 % believe found that individual

Just note when u read the conclusion to Fighters Heart 3 on Colton Smith. (like i did in my tournament) I gave everything (my last ounce of creativity and effort) i had into making an article on a great fighter who truly deserves it. Be sure to support the article.

this is super hard for me to do because i really like helping people in this fight game the best way i can (some of the people i wrote about i closely relate too). I dont want anyone to think or feel I am giving up or I've lost interest assisting whoever i can.

overall if anyone has any questions please feel free to comment and thank u all for your support.. It is greatly appreciated.


-monta


note: the monta article page and this blog will be active as i will be still interactive on the page and also posting articles i never released to at least keep it busy.

My Return to Competition: The War From Within (part 2)

So after some great motivation I was now on a one way course to making my return to competition after a 3 year absence.

Registering for the event 5 days prior I wasn't too concerned with developing my skills {do that regularly} I was more focused on developing my mental game. During those 5 days I started creating a focus on what I wanted out of this tournament. It had to be a strong purpose for going out there again. It couldn't be for obtaining podium prominence or being emotional wanting to hurt the enemy. It has to be something Deep that would allow me to perform at my best which would see me through to the end not matter what the results were.


Using some of the words from the people I mentioned in part one. On a daily basis I kept reading these quotes to myself to help me stay focused. I can honestly say it helped kept me positive and strong through that whole period.

When you feel that demon inside named fatigue tell him to F off and push his ass out of the way!-Gary Peters

Don't gotta be a champ, just better than you once were.- Shane Lees

Give everything you have on Sunday.- Josh Cavan

-The Xande Speech


In addition to show how serious I was I did something I was always afraid to do in past...GO ALONE. With the exception of two people, no one knew I was doing the tournament that's including my instructor Xande. Going into this I knew clearly I would have no one to lean on in defeat and No one to guide me through the storm. In other words I'd be fighting my own battle against the enemy that kept me down for so long.

 
5 days went by quicker than a beruibolo guard sweep as I soon found myself at the Grappling X  tournament at Long Beach, Ca. With a great tournament running on time it was only a matter of time before I was about to fight. In the past I would very be nervous and resorted to various methods to get ready such as getting amped up, listening to gangster music, and even {no offense to those that do} read my bible which options DIDN'T help me at all. This time it felt different. If anything I was more anxious to get out there and see what was at the end of the tunnel after this great challenge.


In this process all I did was small warm ups every 15 minutes, I sat there, waited, and cited this message in my head.

“I am here to be a better man I once was. I give it everything I have today and see this battle through to the end"

 
Later getting called onto the mat I was surrounded by my 4 other competitors. One orange belt name Luke Varnell who dominated his teen division earlier that day, 2 blue belts from my own association {ribeiro affiliate}, and another great blue belt { Manual Figueroa from united bjj} who had a look in his eyes that he came to fight and destroy anyone in his path. To throw a wrench in the equation the referee for my matches was a former teammate of mine from Paragon/ HBJJ who in the past nagged on me for not competing...Talk about the sum of all fears -lol- today was going to be an interesting day.


So our division finally got started. Although I got a bye due to the odd number of competitors that didn't matter as Luke and Manuel made quick work of the other Ribeiro fighters. The crazy part was I didn't even analyze what the winner’s games plans were because I was focused greatly on my purpose.


Name got called onto the mat. THIS WAS IT!!! While standing across the mat looking at my first round opponent Luke Varnell I had a different perspective than I did before . Maybe I grown up a bit or whatever but I didn’t look at him as my enemy or having any hatred for him, as a matter of fact I had a lot of respect for him for being a real competitor. Unfortunately Luke was at the wrong place at the wrong time as he was going to get caught in the crossfire from my battle within. Utilizing the techniques I learned from Trumpet Dan and James Driskill back in 2011 I quickly pulled guard taking his back seconds in the match to secure a RNC finish in a little over a minutes. No victory celebration. I checked on my opponent to see if he was OK, got my hand raised, and walked off the mat.


Now I found myself in the finals against Manuel Figueroa (from United BJJ). Reflecting back on the match it is one I would love to do all over again. The match was defiantly a see-saw war. At one point during the fight while he was in my guard. In my mind I had a big smile on my face saying this and at that moment I realized no matter what the physical result were I knew I was beating those vices.


"There is no other place I rather be right now I am conquering this enemy (not Manuel) and enjoying every minute of it!”


With the match ending the score was tied 4-4 as we soon found ourselves going into overtime. WOW the battle is not over yet. With our bodies wreaked at this point it all came down to whose mind/heart was stronger (which both of ours were) and who wanted it more. Going back to my game plan I quickly pulled guard and miraculously got a sweep. Ending up in half guard with 30 seconds I continued to try and sweep (I don’t stall like most players it wouldn’t have been fair to Manuel). Match was over. When the smoke cleared it was me with my hand raised as the 135 Blue Belt Grappling X Champion that day.
 
After my hand was raised and thanking my opponent for a great fight I slammed the mat with emotion because I did it. All that pain I was carrying around for 7 years was completely gone. I felt like a totally new person. To say the least I was happy.


Standing on top of the podium that day I realized something those entire problems that entered my life were supposed to happen. It was that I overcame them that gave me a clear perception and appreciation of who I was which made my victory far greater than the Gold medal around my neck.

Originally this was supposed to be my one and only tournament...NOT...although I feel I have won the major battle the WAR from within is far from over. With my fresh new start I now have a solid purpose going out there now. It should be quiet the adventure.


I've never asked God for much in my life but as I continue to go out there and compete I only ask for a couple of things......................................

- To always give me the strength to give it everything I have

- Always respect my opponent (whether or not he does the same)

- Too take care of me and my opponent as we go out there and fight for what’s in our hearts

-Not get caught up in the materialistic MEDAL CHASING trend like so many choose to do

- Most importantly to always become a better man stepping off the battle mat (while enjoying my experience).

In other words folks I am not back to become a world champion (No IBJJF tournament for me). I am not back to become a famous grappler. I could care less about that and having 500 phonies (aka Man-Fans aka STANS) adding me to facebook pretending to like me just because I'm kicking ass. I am fine with the friends I have now that were with me during my struggle and when I was a nobody.
 

I am back for one reason and that is "To build myself into the man I want to be".


-monta

My Return to Competition: The War From Within (part 1)

It was just a week after a 3 year hiatus where I made my return to competition at the Grappling X tournament in Long Beach, California. Going up against two great competitors I was able to overcome in route to becoming the 135 blue Grappling X champion. Although getting the gold and standing on top of that podium was great the victory had a more deeper meaning for me which far exceeded a title obtained that day. That day i was able to conquer the biggest enemy I was always afraid to take on..... "MYSELF"

Not to sound crazy but to understand I would have to take you on a brief timeline of my sad history in competition. A story I am now able to openly admit about to anyone reading this blog. Since starting competing in 2005 looking back I can truly say I never knew what it meant to be a competitor. I had different thoughts about competition ranging from just "going out there and doing my best" to even " a fight to the death with a individual trying to hurt me for whatever reason. In a nutshell i was a puzzled mofo.

My theory couldn't be any accurate in my mind at the time after my first no-gi tournament on September 7 of 2005 which left me bloody, a dislocated arm, and a broken spirit that change my life forever.Since that incident I went into future competitions fueled off emotion. No game plan, no technique, just pure rage for my enemy across from me. So much so it got me put on JUDO PAROLE after an incident back in 06. As time progressed I tried my hand at Gi BJJ tournaments in 08 things still remained the same unfortunately (even with my share of wins and loses) and after my 2009 loss at mundials and getting injured in the fight I felt in my heart competition was not for me anymore.

Years passed I began to get older. Had 2 surgeries (non-training related), body got slower, training wasn't right at the time and my mind became non-motivated. At that point i became cool with just training, learning, and meet great people on the mat.Settling down sorta speak. But as all things in life a change was over the hill for me which gave me a new purpose in life which took me on a new path through a new found love for writing articles.

Although I never got paid for 95 % of the article I written the new outlet gave me a new focus in life for helping many great rising stars in BJJ and MMA. Surprisingly it allowed me to establish many great friendship I never could get from competing while also establishing a feeling of importance that I was good at something.Through becoming friends with some of them I began to realize they had alot of qualities i saw in myself ..Only problem was I had a hard time bringing it out

Training also took a drastic turn for the better. After leaving HBJJ I soon found myself training with a very interesting character in the form of  BJJ world champion Xande Ribeiro. To sum it up in a nutshell the training and people i train with are great.

With the inspirational figures i met through my writing and a positive training atmosphere it seemed like I may have had what it take to compete again.NOT REALLY.Time would pass through the year of 2012 and for some reason all I could do was sit an watch all my friends compete and people i did articles on rise to the top. It ATE me alive inside. Why cant i go back out there again ?! What is holding me back ?! Where is my Fighter's Heart ?

Then that is when i realized..I was still haunted from my tournament experiences in the past..something that never left me for over seven years. Somehow an intervention needed to be made ASAP because deep down it was tearing me apart.

The breakthrough would unfold in late September of this year. After a intense training session with Xande he gave a great speech about his life of being a competitor . This speech touched my heart which gave me some encouragement for wanting to go out there again.

The ice break would occur from three great people I meet through my writing in the form of Gary Peters, Shane Lees, and Josh Cavan (BE SURE TO CHECK THEIR ARTICLES OUT). To say they are great fighters is understatement but their story's they bring to the cage are quiet remarkable. These along with many other i wrote about..were people with out fear, people who brought a purpose that no matter what danger they were in was going to see the battle through to the end at all cost.

 Talking to these individuals about what i wanted to do they gave me great mental advice
 for getting prepared for the battle ahead. Becoming a better man than i once was, giving it everything i have, and overcoming the demon of fatigue was all the motivation I needed to step up and  finally do it again.

for the 1st time i knew what it meant to be a competitor, for the first time I had a purpose, for the first time I knew what i was going there to fight for.

 so from that moment I signed up for my 1 BJJ tournament in three years...................


(stay tuned for part 2)

Fantasy Fight Card

Spending sleepless night writing countless articles on many great fighter. You kind of get a perception of each fighters talents, strength, and motivates them to reach the top.

C'n this first hand i decided to I'm gonna play match maker in this blog. Before I start this is in no way meant to instigate feuds. Just my way of showcasing great talents I know so well.
You never know u might make a new friend in the fight community :-)

If i was putting together an MMA PPV this would be my 9 match fantasy fight card (no particular order)

Ametuer line up
Tyler Maples vs Kyle Stewart


Pro Card
Tommy Thompson vs Tommy Leisman
Shane Lees vs Ricky Johnson
Brent Primus vs Alan Jouban
Nick Coughran vs Gary Peters
Brock Gonrang vs Cooper Gibson
Josh Cavan vs Joe Williams
Jeff Humphries vs Nick Laney
Drew Brokenshire vs  Rob Wood

Why BJJ Wont Be in the Olympics

I've been  bashed a bit for my statement on BJJ never being an Olympic sport. If you bother to open your eyes and look at the big picture its quite obvious why it will never happen which i will explain in this blog.

Putting all pride aside the reason I believe the sport of BJJ wont be in the Olympics is because of one main reason there is not separation. By separation I mean there is no separation in countries as far as Best of  the USA, Best of Japan, Best of Brazil -etc- -etc-

Everything is conjoined which create a mix of the high chance of producing  the same results as seen by your favorite Brazilian jiu-jitsu stars because after all it is called "Brazilian" jiu-jitsu.

Example: When you go to see the Mundials (BJJ Worlds) 98 % of the black belts that are on the podium are Brazilian. (as matter of fact the only non-Brazilian Ive seen on the podium consistently is Lovato Jr.)Same boring semi-final and final matches that we have seen countless of times..what is the point of wasting $ and time making it an Olympic sport.

However there is always hope. For this sport to make this happen first we gotta break way from that corrupt organization known as the IBJJF. It is making the sport watered down and after all the incidents with poor scoring, favoritism, poor treatment of athletes and other stuff  we don't need that thorn in our back any longer.

Secondly there need to be more promotion of athletes from other countries. I know there are alot of great Brazilian BJJ fighters that we all aspire to be. Shoot i trained under one of them. However if other great black belts for the other countries don't get same attention (even from their own providence) then what the point in going fwd with Olympic aspirations.

Third there has to be a hierarchy that exceeds the mundials to have particiapants strive for higher standards and goals.
Sample Structure: like pan ams-worlds- another event- trials (team and Olympic)- and so forth.

don't wanna go to deep but in a nutshell.. BJJ we still have some growing to do. ALOT OF GROWING !!!



personally the next best sport that has a chance of getting into the olympics is Sambo...just saying.