Respect Your Opponent: Exercise of Life (Part 2)

So in Part 1 I gave everyone an anlysis from what I've seen in the community on how the opponent is  and should be viewed. Reading part 1 you might be asking yourself a question maybe this is true monta and if so...in your experience how do you (yourself) walk into a situation with competing against the opposition ?

My Opinion of an Opponent (through my experience)

The Purpose of competition no matter how you look at it is to build individuals. Whether it is chasing to become a world champion, showing how “tough” you are, or personal development no matter category you fall under striving to become the best should always the main objective. Stuck in my own little world based on my purpose/reasons for competing I tend to view my opponent these days as an exercise in bettering various aspects of my life (technical growth as a grappler but mostly my life outside of martial arts). As mentioned at the beginning of my blog life has presented me with good and bad times along the course. Same exercise can be said when facing an opponent because during the collision you never know what to expect. Nevertheless you realistically have no choice but to go through the brunt to see the outcome which hopefully tips in your favor.

Aside from the typical nerves that come over me the night before I fight never in my mind do I have negative thoughts or intentions on what I’m going to do to an opponent for my own personal enjoyment/benefit. If anything  above all I pray for protection to GOD for both of our well-beings as we go out there and fight for our own goals/purpose. Eliminating these negative thoughts I go in with  a more positive aspect for fighting and overcoming the fears that sit inside of me as I anxiously anticipate the knowledge I will gain by going through the opponent.

Going into the actual “battle” I always carry a high notion that my opponent is better than me in every aspect. It kind of the total opposite from what is required to win a match but it what makes me that more determine to see what the outcome is by giving it everything I have in challenging myself while also hopefully helping him in the process. Living in each crucial moment in my actions in combat, during  the fight it practically  a blur to me which is a feeling I still can’t explain whether I’m going through pain or dishing it out. What I can say is when time expires on the clock and the bout is over I certainly feel like a different man 1 % better than I felt stepping on the mat prior.

Fight Outcome Emotion

In victory I am grateful that I was able to come out on top against an equally matched contender (no matter how dominant I am).  I embrace my opponent by thanking for his assistance in giving me a great fight and small boast in self-worth of the strength I displayed under pressure. And if I happen to end up on the medal podium it even a greater feeling of the storm I went through to get that particular gratifying moment. I may also do a big Ric Flair woooooooo at the end to (just to get some happy emotions out of my system) once my opponent steps off the mat. 

Losing is something we never go out to do but unfortunately it something that comes with the game.In the past (based on a particular event some of you are aware of) I would take losing very personal cause it felt like someone was taking something away from me (still cant recall what it was) leaving me physically and emotionally beaten . Flash forward to today's time line losing today is more of a numb feeling than a painful one. If I am faced with this unfortunate result of the match (hopefully someone I went against  or seen me can verify this) I never take it to heart or get  angry in the slightest.

In fact I am humbled as I accept the hard learned facts given to me that day as I congratulate and show respect to my opponent for the feat he accomplished during that moment. After all there are more things to be upset about in life on the outside than not getting my hand raised.

Overall Message

This blog’s intent is not geared toward making a person have a different competitive mindset but rather establish some form of comprehension as to the importance of what having an opponent does for you. It’s no question it is an opposing challenge standing in front of you yet it that individual helps benefit us in many ways. It makes me super sick when I see people how they act so arrogantly toward an individual afterwards who carries the same nervous and bravery they have stepping into a fight. How a person parade around with their medal talking about how they fuck him up with no clear idea of what it’s truly about. Not only does it show you have no respect for the experience life has given you but also show insecurities you need to work on.

Note: there are certain things that are totally ok to do afterwards feel free to ask me my opinion.


I can’t stress enough what life on the outside has shown me this past year and it is these roller coaster experiences I’ve encountered which have allowed me to come to a realization of the reality of competing that no matter how much I want something nothing is guaranteed but it doesn’t hurt to go through it to try and obtain it. This is what my opponents have  shown me ( aka Exercise of Life).

Thx Opponents !!!!

1% better everyday

-monta’ ( like Monday with a “t” replacing the d)

Respect Your Opponent: Exercise of Life (Part 1)

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned these past couple of months is the importance of always valuing and respecting the gift of LIFE. One minute I found myself grieving over a friend’s death. Next I was back in Seattle having the time of my life with great friends. Then out of nowhere I lost all hearing in my left ear and other strange health issues when I returned to Los Angeles (I’m ok now btw). It’s rollercoaster occurrences like these that has allowed me to have a respect for life in order to work through highs and lows to find some form of clarity for learning and growing in the process.

Being a writer in the BJJ/MMA community and a participant  myself I tend to always have a sense of appreciation for everything around me. From the people I have meet to the experiences I’ve undergone it has definitely given me a level up in fearless, strength, humility and other attributes in my personal building to becoming better.

Even in an uncomfortable and hostile territory of competing rewards like these can be gained as one goes head to head against an individual commonly referred to as an OPPONENT.

In the world of combat sports where emotions run high and physical beatings are administrated depending upon an individual’s background, outlook , and personality various descriptions can be made as to what an OPPONENT truly is.  Even as I type this blog it’s somewhat a challenge even for me to fully describe a person I don’t know or had prior quarrels with whose job is to beat my ass for his own motives and based on that permission consent when I signed that damn health waiver so I can’t sue his ass afterwards. –haha-

So allow me to take a crack as I paint my own interpretation on what this person is.

As contenders or person of life in general we are bound by the sole commitment toward having goals and perfecting ourselves to reach a level of contentment (check out the contentment blog btw). Unfortunately during this process things aren’t always peaches and cream as we are guarantee to encounter some roadblocks which may lead to dangerous altercations causing damage to us through our progression.

 In the competitive environment that we participate in the opponent is THAT roadblock. This roadblock can poses a great threat to us in reaching the top of the medal podium or implanting emotional discouragement within ourselves as he slaps his teammates high five in approval and smile graciously in his moment of prosperity while we wallow away in misery. In the moment of the threats I previously mentioned and physical damage accumulated on the battle mat an opponent can quickly be perceived as the ENEMY.

By definition an ENEMY is someone you have hatred for based on a series of events which leads to a serious conclusion where the results showcases one’s complete demises  which are bound by no rules or fair play during the dispute. 

I see a lot of quotes from people as they prepare to fight that enemy. I’m gonna kick his ass, time to break some limbs, and even (no offense) bible verses to support ones reasoning for violence it apparent self-centered values toward ones goals is needed  to amp one mental state in preparation for the enemy. However unlike battles between US/Foreign Countries, Crip/Bloods, or Rap Beefs which have ended thousands of lives and changed generations for the worse gratefully the only thing we have to worry about in this “war” is a temporary bruised ego and maybe some sore body parts.

Now by definition an OPPONENT is merely an individual on the opposite side of the game we are playing. In the confines of rules and regulations it simply a contest between two people in the same field of interest.

In a world where martial arts give us the opportunity to test ourselves and evolve on many fronts that individual we so cold-heartedly call the enemy is actually a person on the same path goal you are on. This meeting of interest leads in aiding each other under extreme conditions in that aspiring pursuit that teaches us pros and cons about ourselves in preparation for the tough road ahead.

In other words without an opponent one will never unlock their full potential to reaching their perceived dream of contentment... which it why is essential to Respect your Opponent.

Let these ideas sink into your brain for now....In part 2 I will talk about my experience in dealing with an opponent !!! stay tuned !!

 

Living the Moment

When writing a blog I tend to get caught up in my thoughts as I attempt to paint a vivid picture for my readers to understand the concepts and events pertaining to my life. Caught in a constant space in time I believe that is what most people called “living in the moment”. Yes living moments is something we all do in life. Some occurrences challenge us, some cripple us, some strengthen you nevertheless each moment creates a sculpture of itself to present a clear perspective of who we are and what we hope to become.

Take me for example. Sit back as I as I drift away and take you all on a trip down memory lane in my life from a moment that occurred 8 years ago at my first no-gi tournament. Dislocated arm, walking up (from being passed out), tasting my own blood, and a couple of other crazy shit that happen to others that day to other people, in that moment I was introduce to the dark side of the martial arts community which left a permanent dent in my mental capacity for a long time. It was a moment that had me broken and scared for a long time which affected both my journey in grappling and even in aspect of my regular life outside the mat.

Flash forward to 2012 another moment occurred with my return to competition after  3 years of feeling sorry for myself which took me to winning a GOLD medal back in September .Realizing my motivation traits a new goal was embedded in my mind as I sought to challenge myself to becoming a …… well you know the rest ;-) 4 tournaments and a little knowledge later who would have ever though that the journey would take me back to the place where my problems began at CSU Dominguez Hills.

As most people who followed my facebook post I was a mental wreck and even in fear going back to that place. Various people helped motivate me to get through it all. However it was a small convo with my friend Bellator MMA fighter Nik Fekete and (the best writer in the world) Thomas Craig that allowed me to eliminate those venomous illusions poisoning my mind which not only strengthen my reasons for fighting strong that day but also staying in the present (living the moment).

Besides some minor distraction before my fight at the event sitting there in the venue it honestly felt unreal I was back there again (note I did compete there on two other occasion 06 and 08 which didn’t go well for me). But for some crazy reason as nervous and fearful of that place I was I somewhat embraced it like a moth to a flame because at that moment I knew it was coming to an end that day.

So after 3 hours of waiting it was my time to step  on the mat . Besides my last match I won’t get too detailed with my matches but here is a brief synopsis.

First match I fought a tough blue belt from the Lotus BJJ club with  back in forth match ending in my favor 4-2

Second match I fought (the eventual winner of the tournament) a guy from San Diego BJJ which I ended up me losing the fight 22-0. It was a blow out to say the least and although losing wasn’t what I went out there to do I walked off the mat with some satisfaction knowing I gave it everything I had and accepting the better man won at that MOMENT).

My third match found me in a position for getting the bronze medal. This particular fight stuck out in my mind because it saw two mentally and physically beat up competitors who came close to making it to the finals but didn't. Now they had to summon up what they had left for one last fight to make it to the podium.

Right off the top I had the utmost respect for my opponent because as tired as he seemed he made a comment straight to my face when the mat coordinator asked if we needed more time to rest. His response promptly was "I'm Ready Let's Do This". Now if that was the OLD me I would have taken that comment extremely personal (thinking he is the enemy) however not knowing his purpose for competing a sudden fuel of excitement and anxiousness raced through me because I knew win/lose not only was it going to be a great fight but also I was going out of CSU DH with a BANG.

As much as I despised CSU DH for years walking out on the mat for my final match I found myself a little bit sad and emotional because unlike a 8 years ago this day was different which was filled with respectful opponents, hard fights, and learning a great deal about myself toward my building. A day I honestly didn't want to end. But hey the present can instantly become the past in a matter of milo-seconds so I made it my sole intent to live in the moment as I shook my opponent's hand to start my final fight at the Los Angeles Open BJJ tournament.

Fortunately for me it got me somewhere as the bout concluded with me earning a submission victory thus giving me a bronze medal. From the time I walked in the building to my last fight I gained a major sense of peace and strength in overcoming my fears of fighting at CSU DH (talk about leaving it on the mat -haha-). Much respect to all my opponents for helping me through it all it was greatly appreciated.

Living in the Moment- that pinnacle point where you have a choice in creating something you are satisfied with. Trials and error come in the process but in working toward a goal it is to be expected to ultimately gets us to where we want to be or at least have a fulfilled journey with no regrets.  Through the good, bad, and ugly go through every sector with ambition to make it through to see the results. In other words have respect for your life. I know I will continue to

cant wait to see what my next adventure and challenge is.

 

1% better each Day

 

-monta' ( like Monday with a "t" replacing the "d") :-)

Dream Tournament Expereince- ( The Gain of Knowledge and Growth)

Everyone comes out a winner that is what they say when it comes to competition. For most individuals tournaments are used as a vehicle to challenge themselves, while some use it as a vehicle toward an aspired athletic goal the sport has to offer them. How ever you want to look at it Experience, knowledge, and memories are the everlasting gain from each event you encounter on the mat and even in Life.

Since the majority of you already know why I compete and what my goal is it’s no need to go through the same story...So let get straight to it. (if u dont know feel free to ask)

This past Saturday launched my return to competition at the Round Robin style "Dream Jiu-jitsu" tournament. After all the up and downs that has happen since February off the mat  being back in action I felt nervous but eager to say the least.

The goal of "Being a Better Man Than I Once Was" was already embedded going in so it was no serious mental prep I need to go over...it was just mostly visualizing the game I was going to play to see me through the battle.

I had 4 other game competitor in my division ( 5 grand total) so during that day I had 4 really good fights. This really helped with the goal.

Match 1- went against a kid from new breed. I Was every active throughout the whole fight with my guard passing until  30 seconds left of the clock I got swept and lost the fight 2-0..I was a little frustrated with myself that I made a dumb mistake that cost me the fight...but hey guess it was a case of trial & error that befalled on me during the moment.

As I sat there on the sidelines DOUBT began to slip into my mind about my ability to at least do better in my other 3 matches. Then with a little help from Sensei Dartian (xande's friend) and old teammate Steve Cardenas ( Rocky the Red Ranger - had to mention that-) I was able to get a little back into the game. The deal breaker was when I thought about a blog I read from my friend Thomas Craig where he spoke about not focusing on the past and live in the present. At that moment my head got back on straight and I began focusing on my next match which I had plans on doing much better.

Match 2- I was more focused than ever. Putting the past lost behind me within less than a minute I was able to establish the mount and cross choke him for the victory. ( xande sure would have been proud of that ). Helped my opponent up.. thanked him for the fight and began to focus on the next encounter.

 

Match 3- Sometimes I ask myself why do things happen to me and in match 3 I had me feeling that same state. Due to an unfortunate injury of one of the competitors in my division (really hope he is back on the mats training). Thinking I was left with no opponent a fresh alternate competitor put his gi on the finish his teammates’ last fight. There was a part of me like dang that not fair (just cuz I already fought twice and he was fresh)…however a major part of me was ready for the challenge and even respected the guy for stepping up for his fallen teammate which is a trait I highly admire from anyone.

 

The match was by far my favorite that day just because how energetic it was. With my active use to the guard/open and him going for nice double legs. The end result was 5-0.

 

Match 4- In this match I had the motive of finishing off the day strong and boy did I ever finishing my last fight in less than a minute by Darce choke.

With me finishing my matches the day was done for me and the rest of my opponents in the division. However there was a slight problem.

3 out of the 5 opponents had three wins and 1 loss under their record at the event. There was a lot of commotion amongst the coaches and owner at the event. As for me I wasn’t going to argue over no medal (especially if u saw what the medal looked like) Overall I was happy with my performance and the great knowledge I got for myself that day, the medal to me was secondary which was just an extra constellation for what I achieved that day.

With no proper solution to the problem, the owner had no choice but to award 3 competitors as the first place. (no 2^nd or 3^rd place winners).. aka  A lot of us came out a Winner :-)  I think thats a first in BJJ history also -haha-

Anyway folks to end this blog no matter what you do in life never challenge yourself in being better than you were yesterday.

-monta

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