The Memory of Frank Edge- A Continuted Legacy

Writing these blogs are by no means an easy task to complete. They are deep written reflections of the emotions which is covered through the knowledge I have gained from  life experiences and people I have come in contact with. Life journey without a doubt teaches us valuable lessons and although some are filled with a harsh/painful format in most cases the end always justifies the means which can open our minds to a concept we were once blinded by.

Friday Morning found myself at a very familiar and dark moment in my life to be awaken with the sad news that my friend Frank Egde had passed away after a long hard fought battle with cancer. With scars still fresh from a friend's death earlier this year this death without question made my heart drop when I heard the news finding myself in a deja vu position I wished would never happen so soon.

Although I knew Frank for a short period of time (4 months to be exact) through my conversations with him, following his story, and my process  of creating his Grapplethon event I am caught in a limbo of emotions one filled with pain/bitterness and another of humbleness/being well-healed.

In the pain sector I am in a space of being sad that once again I lost a friend I cared a great deal about. Finding myself in my own frustrating examination period in which  the main question that arise is Why ?
- why did Frank have to go through this - Why must a wife carry that heavy burden of losing her other half and why must two sons carry on life without their dad. It's scenarios like these that make the game of life seem unfair to cope and deal with  which unfortunately leaves a bigger set of unanswered questions and anger toward our creator at times. (a small bit of pain which I will carry with me day by day)

On the other side of the coin through knowing Frank the humbleness/being well-healed keeps me moving forward and being down in the dumps. It truly amazing and was a honor to learn so much from this man's life. The power he had to reunite old friends, brining strangers together form new alliances, and also revealing our own compassion for our fellow man.

At this time I would like to share a personal letter I wrote frank along with the donation.. It pretty much reveals the impact he made not only on myself but also the grappling community here in southern California
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Dear Frank Edge

Before I go deep into this letter I want to start off by saying YOU ARE THE MAN! It’s people like you who inspire me every day to never give up on things that get me down in life and judging from the  turnout  of Grapplethon 2 a lot of people must have felt the same way.

The event was a great turnout which featured over 60 people in attendance which was far bigger than Grapplethon 1 which had 27 people. I’m not sure if you are  into grappling scene news but due to the major world champions/ well established schools here in southern California there are a lot of politics and a little ego when it comes to training at other academies other than your home gym.

However this event showed a glimpse of what can happen when all that is put aside. Everyone had a great time showcasing great unity /brotherhood while also showing our support for you at the same time.

In other words I know you don’t like taking credit for a lot of stuff but it was YOU that brought the California community together in a major way.

Anyway not to be too long with you here enclosed is the money we made from the donation received at the event. It’s not much but hopefully it helps. You also should be receiving another mail from Jason Lee.

I cant express enough what a true honor it was knowing and learning from you Frank and although we haven’t meet yet  just know you have a lot of great friends on the west coast that is in your corner.

KEEP FIGHTING FRANK !!!!!!

-monta

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When I look at this letter I come to realize that this mans life was with great purpose which can teach us all about the true meaning of selflessness, kindness, valuing those close to us and most  being a certified bad ass in tough times (tackling pain through adversity).

this blog is a mixed feelings of emotions so I want to end this by giving my prayers for Wendy and the children and most importantly once again thanking Frank for letting me be apart of his life.

luv u brother

-monta

Grapplethon 2 - The Aftermath (Part 2)

An unforgettable event filled with great training, camaraderie, and supporting Frank Edge

I'm sure everyone who was apart of it can agree Grapplethon 2 was a successful event. As all of the participants may have left with some great memories and increase in skill aside from being in a lot of physical pain afterwards and  mixing my cell-phone with my VCR remote the past two weeks have been hard for me to grasp which has lead me to a current conclusion that just maybe the primary component that has helped me to become a "better man than I once was" was right in front of me the entire time.

Throughout the week of maintaining a full time paper job and commitment to helping a fellow teammate  with his "Battle Within" in preparation for the IBJJF Nationals the constant thought of how Frank Edge is doing and my willingness to put my body on the line in an 180 minute challenge for someone I barely know still plays in my mind on a daily basis in regards to what is truly important to me  being apart of this great fight community.

Two questions have popped up from time to time from various people. One was why did you go 180 minutes to help  a guy you didn't know ? and  The other is why do you constantly write articles on many MMA fighters ( some who are unknown) for no pay ?

The answer is simple to understand Pain . Not to sound like  a wacko but when I speak of Pain I am referring to the struggles we all undergo  in our daily lives. A good friend Tyler Maples made a great point which he referred to a fighter's journey as dark and lonely. Whether it is Frank Edge's fight with Cancer, an ambitious MMA fighter chasing  UFC dreams, or a solider putting their life on the line defending his country.. pain is simply unavoidable . Nevertheless there are also ways to cope with it.

The greatest lesson I've FINALLY come to realize through my writing and this charity Grapplethon event is that everyone  has the ability to inspire, learn, and help  each other through the pains we are dealing with due to the similarities in struggles or our noble initiative to at least acknowledge it and pick someone up when they are down.

The work of helping someone through these events must be done for the work and work alone which primary goal centers on bringing some light to dark circumstances.(which should never center on expecting something in return)

Examples: giving a friend some advice for a problem he is having or even giving spar change to someone homeless on the streets

If anyone has read my blog on "The Influence of Writing" you  probably would understand the value and importance of the friendships I have made in writing articles which has made a positive impact on my life in many areas. A give and receive theory sorta speak.

What I am about to say is very hard for me to say because I don't want people to think I am a PUSSY because those who know me (especially my track record from back in the HEY DAY) I'm far from it. It's a choice based on what's truly important to me and what has really helped me to become who I am today. Unbeknownst to the after effects the Frank Edge Grapplethon experience has given me I have come to the conclusion that although returning to competition  has been great for me which has allowed me to overcome fears and collect a little "Bling" in the process it fails in comparison to the feeling of helping someone, receiving a thank you,  being called a brother or any aspect which centers on the camaraderie I built these past 3 years.

The feeling that I had of being able to  put a smile on a man’s face dying from cancer is indescribable and even a bit emotional/overwheeliming for me to talk about as a write this blog,a feeling far greater than winning a tournament match. It keeps me going it lets me know I have some sort of worth in the world or in people's lives to say the least. (Especially since I’ve experienced some depression back in the days when I was coming up in bjj/mma).

This statement is not to say that Im done with competing. Like I said I never expected grapplethon to have this profound effect on me  so for now I'm going to take it day by day, and if I want to compete I will, but I'm not going to be heavly searching to do it" .

For almost nine years as a student of this art I always tried to be notice whether it is showing how mean I can be on the mat or chasing being the BEST (back in the old days) ..always thinking about my arrogant self. Nevertheless sometimes becoming a better man than you once were is  exhibited by what you do for your fellow man which will define your true character." #SELFLESS


Thanks to all my friends and most importantly  Frank Edge for finally making me realize this.

1 % Better Everyday

-monta(y)

Grapplethon 2 - The Selfless Cause (Part 1)

It's funny how quotes mentioned to me in the past evidently forecast the tale of what I may be experiencing today. On an afternoon drive after graduating from college I had a small conversation with long-time mentor JPK. We talked about a lot of things in regards to my entry into  the "Real World". The conversation was very deep however one statement  stuck out to me ..when he spoke to me these words.




"Monta(y) there is going come a time in  life where it wont always be about you anymore & it will be what you do for your fellow man which will define your true character."

Naïve, still growing, and developing some form of low self-esteem during that post graduation period  I came to the conclusion that what he said was complete bullshit because blinded by my own selfishness/ego I honestly felt had nothing to offer to help anyone let alone help myself.  Flash-forward  to today the last 2 weeks have been a very reflective and crossroad moment for me as  I soon realized that  JPK statement's  intent was to prepare me for something over the horizon  later in my life .

Aside from the articles people have grown to love which may exaplin the reason why I have been blessed with so many friends and opportunities , the recent Grapplethon 2 event really opened my eyes to a lot of things which clearly became a life altering lesson of the ultimate commitment of what it means to be selfless . Technically speaking Grapplethon 2 was not  suppose to happen for a variety of different reasons (which I refuse to bitch about on this blog). Nevertheless once those roadblocks were out of the way there was no doubt in my mind that it was going to happen which this time featured me helping a complete stranger by the name of Frank Edge.

 Frank Edge is by all means the definition of a true fighter. Reading his story  and frequent wall post on Facebook without question will bring tears to your eyes as he takes you on a daily chronological journey through his battle with testicular cancer. Although stricken with this horrible fate which could led to his death, what I highly respected about Frank was his will to #keepfighting even with things  not currently going in his favor. At that moment I knew I had to show my support to let Frank  and his family know someone out there cares about their struggle.

 Since I been involved in the fight community helping out strangers was always natural to me because of the multiple times I did it with my writing, as long as I was compel/driven to do it  (Look up some of the people's names and their fight status  if you don't believe me). So organizing an event to aid Frank  was not an issue for me.

Although creating Grapplethon 2 was my idea however it would have never came to life without the major assistance of the raffle gift sponsors, promoters, Jason Lee, the people who came to the event, and Dan Lukehart for letting me use his academy when he didn't have too. #collective effort
(wanted to point that out before I continue with this blog)

Unlike Grapplethon 1 upon hoping off the plane after a great time in Austin, Texas I wasn't nervous at all as to what was going to happen. This time around I heavily focused  because I knew I had a job to do  in making a great event for Frank and also for everyone attending. Strangely enough days leading up to the event a lot of questions start popping up in my head  which I couldn't explain, as if this event was going to change me in someway  which I kind of ignored at the time. Another burning question that was on everyone's mind ( including myself) was would I be able to complete an insane challenge to  get more money ($1,000 from what I was told) to add to the charity in the form of the 1914 Kimonos 180 minute challenge.

For those that don't know what that is it  basically means I have to roll 180 minutes straight with no break in between the rounds. Speaking for experience especially since I refused to drink water during the challenge unless you fall under the categories of doing it for charity, training for a world class title that hold great importance to you, or border-line crazy I would advise you not do this because the after effects will take a toll on you physically and mentally.

Being pushed by countless grapplers during the 3 hour period was by far one of the toughest things I ever had to do as a grappler. There were many times that I wanted to give up however the rapid thought of  "I Gotta Do This For Frank" keep me moving to reach the finish line even if it meant destroying myself in the process ( and boyy did I do that -haha-). It was the hurt and pain I felt reading his story which got me through it all with the help of everyone I trained with that day.

The event itself far exceed my expectations. With the $1,000 (later found out it was $2,000) accumulated from the grueling 180 challenge we also collected an additional $745 ( in event entry fees) from all those who attended.

The event also gave me the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and even meet /train with some people I did articles on which was great for me. It was  a beautiful sight seeing so many practitioners from various BJJ schools coming together training and enjoying each others company which really showcased unity our community has.

With the blue mats soon deserted only leaving behind  pools of sweat from the 67 people Grapplethon came to a successful close , however as I reflected on the events that occurred at the event on a train ride home I was soon hit with the answers to those unexplained questions I had in my mind.

(which will be covered in the part 2)........

Grapplethon 2

Hey Everyone back by popular demand is Grapplethon 2. In an effort to reconnect with friends as well as make new ones this event will be held at a new location

Dan Lukehart's Brea Jiu-jitsu Academy
379 W. Central Avenue
Brea, California 92821

The last Grapplethon far exceeded my expectations which was a great event that was not only for a good cause but also brought the community together showcasing major unity no matter what patch we have on our backs. Since that time many people have been asking me when will the next event be ? So after months of being busy and finding a great cause to support its time to get back to work.

So here is the rundown of Grapplethon 2 !!! 

What is a Grapplethon :At Grapplethon it is set up like an open man 180 minute rolling session. The rolls will be 6 minutes each so at the end of the day you will get 30 rolls of great training while also hopefully meeting new friends in the process while supporting a great cause.

What is the Cause : this event we will be supporting a man living in his last days with cancer by the name of Frank Edge

For more information on his story and status visit his facebook page

Date : August 24 2013

Time: 1pm-4pm ( we may go longer)

Price : this time around the cost to attend will be $ 10 flat nothing more nothing less. With your $10 entry you will get a free raffle ticket. However if you choose to donate more than 10 you will get another raffle tickets ( still can only win one prize like the last event). I want to keep the raffle tickets count at a minimum so we wont make a mess of Dan's academy with color post-its everywhere. Plus it will make the drawing go smoother.

180 Minute Challenge : Last time I rolled 120 minutes straight and was able to obtain $1000 extra bucks toward the charity. This time around I will have to roll 180 minutes straight for Frank Edge to raise more $$$ courtesy of 1914 kimmonos. So going need you guys help to push me through the 3 hours of rolling !!

Raffle Prizes : Raffle prizes will be raffled after every 12 minutes ( 2 rolls) so everyone will get to get there prize during the event !!!
(Sponsors and gifts will be announced on the event page in the coming days leading up to the event)

Monta Grand Prizes: Aside from the raffle gifts this event festivities will feature the newly established two grand prizes from yours truly .............

Grand Prize # 1 (180 minute Challenge)- Besides myself let's see if anyone else can do 180 minutes of rolling !! The individual who can also stay in for 180 minutes straight will receive a $180 gift certificate for budovideos.com. In the event of a tie the $180 will be divided amongst the individuals.

So for Example: If five people make it through the 180 minutes each person will receive $36.

IN THE EVENT THAT THE ROLLS REQUIRE ROTATION..THE GRAND PRIZE WILL BE CHANGED TO A RAFFLE PRIZE of  $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO budovideos.com.

Grand Prize # 2 (Monta Tapout Challenge)- many people made a statement that I did not roll "hard" enough to earn the big 1914 donation. Well lets make me work a little harder this time around. I will be doing 30 rolls that day (with hopefully 30 different people). Whoever can submit me the most within the 6 minute duration roll....will get a $ 100 OTM gift card ( same format applies in the event of a tie) but don't beat me up too bad remember beating up a man of charity is like hitting a person with glasses and you wouldn't do that ..would you ??? :-)

Note: This challenge only applies when rolling with ME not others you roll with...this is not a place for ego or competition.. let keep it fun and memorable !!

Grand Prizes will be distributed electronically with a confirmation code two days after the event.

For more updates or to sign up visit the  Grapplethon 2 Event Page


or feel free to hit me up at monta_193@yahoo.com

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") :-)