The year is almost done!

Hello, I am sorry I have been away for so long with out updating the blog, so as I try to whine down from a very hectic work day I am going to give you some insight as to what has been going on in my life. 

So first off I think many of you have seen by now the picture of Gi pants that are in production for my line of Gis. Well apparently there was a misunderstanding about size and the sizes were doubled. He is that picture again! 

I actually find it quite amusing!

I want to know who thought there was an actual human shaped that way. So the Gis are still somewhat in production.  

What GI size are you ? Would you be interested in purchasing a Gi if so please contact me Juan@FatBoyBjj.com 

Currently I have an Indiegogo campaign going on so that you can help us grow, company growth not me. ;)  

Here is the link:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/fat-boy-jiu-jitsu-needs-your-help-to-grow

Please share it!  

So sincey last blog entries on of my best friends tied the knot in a beautiful North Carolina Mountain Wedding. Here is a picture of us back from 2003 and from his wedding.  

Wow how time has flown by. Those three gentleman right there and I have shared some very interesting stories however the only ones that we have never share are stories involving Jiu Jitsu. I have tried over and over big neither one of them have taken me up on my offer of trying Jiu Jitsu, not even a free class! I would pay for their entire month of it got them on the mats. Do you have any ideas on how to finally convince them ?

Also last week our Academy celebrated our 1 yr anniversary, here is a picture from the class. 

This was a very special day for me because I was able to see my son receive his very first stripe. 

And last but not least I just celebrated a birthday! I am now 32 nothing special just thought I'd share.  What's been going on in your life ? Please comment below and share what's been happening in your life recently !  You can find us on Twitter, Instagram, and FaceBook!

Fat Boy Invades Houston

A couple of weeks ago I was in Houston visiting family and of course before I packed clothes, my Gi owned real estate in my luggage. The plan was to meet up with my good friend David and train with him at the Academy where he trains, Revolution Dojo.  So the first night I went to train we met at the Revolution Dojo in Houston, but regrettably David was feeling under the weather and didn't want to get anyone sick. I thank him for that. The class was great, lots of drilling, drilling,and drilling. After about 30 minutes of drilling, we went on to intense 3 minute rolls. Everyone seemed to be season warriors. It was great Friday night. While we were rolling upstairs there was an awesome Muay Thai class going on down stairs. Although I didn't get to meet the Muay Thai instructors I hear they are 2 brothers that spend some years in Thailiand and traveling around the world learning Muay Thai. 

Here I am allowing my partner to drill closed guard techniques.

Monday Night came and so did the second chance to train with Revolution Dojo at there Katy, TX location. As I walk I notice a Muay Thai class, CrossFit class and Kids BJJ Class all going on at the same time. It felt like home (most of our Kid's parents are doing CrossFit, while they are doing BJJ). So as I am walking to the bathrooms to change into my gi, I meet Head InstructorJeff Messina, and he welcomes me to his Academy. Shortly after class begins, much like the previous class the was a general warm up (run around the mat, shrimps, sprawls and etc.) After the warm up we jumped into drilling some sweeps, that were very successful at the IBJJF Worlds 2014. Followed be some technique and some rolls. Professor Jeff was gracious enough to roll with me and teach me some tweeks for my game.  

If you guys are ever in the Houston Tx area make you stop by Revolution Dojo. They are great.

Professor Jeff and I 

My good friend David and I !

UFConFOX ORLANDO

Finally after being a fan for many years I was finally able to attend my first live UFC event. Hopefully this wont be the last as my friend Jim 'The Beast' Alers, had a successful UFC Debut in Abu Dhabi on April 11th.

The UFC being in Orlando also brought in many great training opportunities, like the one I was able to take part in with my Idol Orlando Sanchez.

Orlando Sanchez and I after his seminar.

Orlando taught us some great guard passing techniques that I will drill drill and drill. It was stuff that wasn't aimed for big guys but it will make big guys appear fast.

Here is the Wife and I with the first Female Ultimate Fighter Julianna Pena.

I urge you if you can to attend a UFC event, it definitely is worth it!

Twenty three what ?

I don't know if I told everyone on here or used a different for of social media to describe the project but my instructors and friends at the gym have this on going be that started around Feburary 1rst. I was to lose 12 lbs by March 1rst or I would get "penalized." The penalty is painful, it's a strip of wax to the back for every pound I miss weight. Well I disappointed some because I lost 13 lbs, so the goal to lose for March was 10. March was a very difficult month but I touched on this in my previous blog post, so no reason to being that up again. What I can say it was all based on my poor desicions. 

Well then April 1rst came... It was time to step on the scale and face the music. Low and behold I hit the weight exactly.  So once again I dissapointed a few of the guys, that want nothing more the too cause me pain by slathering on hot wax and ripping off strips! So I was given the goal for April, 8 lbs. While it does sound easier than the previous two months I'm taking this number just as difficult because as I drop kore and more weight I know it will be difficult to lose as much. 

Join me in on this journey. Are you rooting for me , or are you rooting to see the penalty ? 

Chicken for the #gains! 

Where did March Go?

I realized as I am watching my son at his Tee Ball practice that I haven't updated the Blog in awhile. 

 The month of March is over.  1/4 of the year is done, can you believe it ? For those competing in the CrossFit Open how did you guys do ? I did 14.5 yesterday and I am very sore. 

Tomorrow is the First and that means I have a "weigh in" for the monthly weigh loss bets I make with the guys at the gym. Let me tell you this was a rough month but because of choices I made, horrible choices!  One weekend I went HAM going to Miami and eating food like crazy then the weekend immediately after was the "Bachelor Party" weekend which was another bad weekend. If I don't make this 10 pound monthly goal, no one is too blame but me. So on too the next month and let's see what I can do. 

Did anyone watch Metamoris 3?  

What did you think of the event ? The main event ? Do you think there needs to be a third fight ?  

If you haven't seen it here is a link 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yg1HN-GviSk

Bachelor Weekend

Before the Bachelor weekend started I hit the gym Friday at 6am for Open Workout 14.3, I scored a decent 84 reps. During the second round of box jumps I tripped and shin ate the edge. This was the result.

This weekend was all about celebrating a friend's future nuptials. He is a bit of a redneck so it was a trip to the swamps of Florida. We started with a canoeing down Fisheating Creek.  Let me tell you first hand that seeing multiple gators while you are on a small canoe can be terrifying. Mainly because you are in their domain, I'm not nearly as scared of them on land but on a small canoe in the middle of a river it's a completely different story.  We feasted like kings and  also took an awesome Airboat ride in the Everglades,  it was awesome weekend.

Look at those steaks!

Swamps

18 ft Gator soaking up the sun. 

Going about 45 MPH

Why the Monday hate?

So many people hate Mondays because it's the start of the another week but I love it. Mondays for me are exciting because I am digesting the prior night's episode of The Walking Dead, the new WODs for the week are posted and most importantly more Jiu Jitsu. This morning we worked on my favorite guard, Half Guard. What is your favorite guard ? 

This morning's class! 

Today after class was also somewhat  bitter sweet because my instructor, Jim Alers, was sending his Cage Warriors Belt back to England. He recently relinquished his title as the @CageWarriors Featherweight Champ because he was signed by the UFC. Luckily I was there to capture the moment. 

Farewell!

Did you train today ? If so, what did you work on ? 

Opening Day

Today was Opening Day at the Baseball Field where my son plays, it was great seeing him play his first game of tee ball. That being said it was a long day between player and team photos, the opening ceremony, then his game. Today was also the day of my weigh in. This is the first time you guys are hearing about this but between my teammates, coaches and instructors I have a set goal of pounds I have to lose. For the month of February it was 12 lbs, weighed in and actually lost 13 so that a win. Now before you think that was all water weight next month the goal is 10 more from this weigh, so I can't cheat! Didn't really get to train or do any WODs today because of baseball, but let's see what's in store for tomorrow.  

The City always goes all out of Opening Day!

Urijah making that uniform look good!

Open Workout 14.1

Everyone wants a picture of this beast working out! 

Last night the CrossFit Games Open Workout 14.1 was revealed.

A 10 minute AMRAP that consisted of:

30 DOUBLE UNDERS  

15 POWER SNATCHES (75lbs/55lbs) 

For me this workout was I will warn a big fat zero because I still have yet to acquire the skill of a Double Under, but to I still did the workout and scaled the workout as 90 singles and the prescribed weight for Snatches. In the 10 minutes I was able to achieve 138 reps which equates to 3 round + 3.

How well did you do in the 14.1 Open Workout? 

School, Work, Tournament and Easter!

Hello my faithful readers,

Well I have some good news to share with you, but first let me tell you where I have been. I know it has been a while since my last post. The last couple of weeks have been sort of hectic, only because I have 100 hours worth of work to try to cram in to 40 hours of work every week. While I can work over time and cash in on the extra hours that leaves me less time to Train, try to be a good Parent, and try to complete school work. So I apologize that my updates are not as frequent as I'd like them to be.

On Saturday March 30th I competed at a local Jiu Jitsu Tournament known as NewBreed Ultimate Challenge and although it did not go as I expected, I did place 2nd in NoGi and 3rd in Gi. 

Now before I break down my matches I am going to explain what happen the day of the event. I was told that I need to weigh in by 9 45am or I will not be able to compete. My competition times were estimated at 11:30am and 4:30pm, let me tell you how that did not happen. Whether it was poor planing on NewBreed's end of competitors not being able to be found when they where suppose to compete but  kids that were suppose to compete by 10:30 did not compete until almost 2pm. My First NoGi match happen shortly there after. However by the time I was called to compete, I was suppose to me stepping on the mats, so I had no time to warm up. For the first 2:30 minutes of the match it was a battle of trying takedowns. I successfully executed a trip and scored the takedown. Once I secured the takedown I immediately went to full mount. For the last 90 seconds I tried to finish the match via Americana, twice I felt really good but let go of the submission because I did not want to lose the mount position. (Position before submission). I won 6-0.  The second NoGi match was much of the same, fighting for the takedown. In the last 45 seconds of the match I was takendown but immediately went to my knees    

as I went to my knees my opponent swiftly went took my back and score the four points, shortly there after time was up. My Gi matches happened about 1.5 hours later. Once again I was not fully prepared to get up and compete but had too. My First Gi Match was embarrassing to say the least. While I stuffed a couple of takedowns I was eventually takendown and as I was trying to recover my back was taken again. For about 2 minutes I fought a Gi choke. I lost this match via points 0-6. The next match was almost like the first Gi match however I was mounted. I did however bucked the guy off me and was able to escape out the back door, and as soon as that happened time was up. 

One thing I learned about myself from this tournament is while I was tired I was not gassed! I could have fought 3 more matches had they wanted me too. All the hard work I have been doing over at CrossFit Tough As Nails is paying off. Now 4 minutes (the time limit that was set by NEWBREED) is not enough time, the IBJJF time limit is 5 minutes this means I have to DO WORK and BE FIRST. 

Now placing 2nd in NoGi and 3rd in Gi, is not all the greatest but I am extremely happy because in December of 2011 I placed 3rd in Gi  and Choked out in my Gi match. In March of 2012  I competed in the IBJF Chicago International Winter Open and in my first Gi match I was choked out. So while I did lose both of my Gi matches this weekend I did not get Choked out. So that shows that I a progressing..... or at least I hope so.

Yesterday was Easter and I hope you enjoyed you it!

-Thanks For Reading until next time.

P.S. If you shop on Amazon please use my click thru link on the Right.  Every time you make a purchase I get a couple of pennies. Thanks in advance.

Deadlift

Yesterday I kept adding weight onto my existing One Rep Max of 365 and was able to max out at 455lbs

The Hardest Lift you will ever accomplish ...

Deadlifts, Bench Press, Snatches, Cleans, and Squats are all difficult lifts but the hardest lift you will ever accomplish is your ass off the couch! I was reading SeanBFitnessBlog (Link) and while I am far from being a personal trainer I can definitely share my own personal experience of being overweight and making excuses for it. I remember saying "I am fat and happy," that was just code for being a lazy ass that felt that any physical activity was useless, but I was wrong. There is a quote that Arnold Schwarzenegger  said that "[...] the pump is better than cumming."

And while I don't necessarily share his exact views on the subject at hand I must say there is a great euphoric feeling I get when I squat or deadlift.

SeanB also discusses how people make excuses because they are too busy to work out because of their lifestyle. If you complain that you don't have time the solution to that dilemma is simple just stop doing something else. They say it take 21 days to form a habit so make a schedule and stick to it(apparently the only exception to this rule are drugs like Meth/Crack/Heroin... By the way please don't try Meth/Crack/Heroin). The majority of people fight their way through heavy traffic after work to hurry home to do what, sit down and watch some TV. Now I'm not saying throw your flat screen out the window, but earn your "TV TIME." For instance I DVR everything I watch with the exception of The Walking Dead, I watch that as it airs, the reason behind that is so I can watch the shows that I really like around my schedule.

Do not get discouraged. People always tend to get discouraged because we expect to see immediate results. You did not fall asleep one night Rich Froning Jr and wake up Jabba the Hut, the next morning. It took years  for your body to morph until what it is. I know I am guilty of sometimes being discouraged because someone else's weight loss journey appears to be faster or easier but I continue on the course because while I have not loss nearly as much weight as I want to (only 29 lbs to date) I have become stronger than I have ever been and healthier. By healthier I mean this, back in March of 2008 my blood pressure was taken at a Minute Clinic because I was been seen for illness at the time my blood pressure was 150/98, can you say hypertension? This past weekend I was feeling under the weather so I went to the same Minute Clinic (mind you I rarely get sick) so I returned to the same Minute Clinic and when my blood pressure was measured I was at 120/70. What a success! So while your weight loss goals may not be were you want them, you are definitely doing your body a solid by staying the course.

Keep Training and Stay Motivated

HeavyBJJGuy

Listen to Stic.Man and get Motivated!

Invicta Sea Spider Stainless Steel Black Ion Chronograph Watch - 6713 (Google Affiliate Ad)

What do you do when you are unmotivated?

As some of you know I am a Father, I work Full Time, I am a part time Student, I train constantly so sometimes updating my blog is that last thing I have time for, hell I haven't been able to shave my head in 2 weeks (Slacking). I figured I would supplement my blog with some Vlogs and let you guys know how I am doing. 

So here it goes......

My Search for the Perfect GI.... The Never Ending Saga

Since 4 / 27 / 2009 when I took my first Jiu Jitsu class I knew I had found something that I would enjoying doing more than just going to the closet LA Fitness and "go to the Gym." As a matter of fact, for almost 2 years prior to walking into GB Orlando, I was locked into a Gym Membership at LA fitness. I consistently thought that if I would cancel the membership I would not go, but the joke was on me because I did not go even though every month $42.00 was being debited from my bank account.

Sometime in June of 2009 I was injured, I took a heel to the back of my knee.This is where all my knee problems started I believe.  It was pretty bad so I took a couple of months off and started training again and I was in constant pain so I would ice it and continue training. It was sometime in January of 2010 when I made the decision I should not train anymore because my knee was getting worse, and I wanted time to heal properly. During that same time Maria and I were preparing for the upcoming arrival of our son, Urijah. When Urijah was born in May, I found out very quickly that BJJ had to immediately be put on hold until the correct time. 

It was until late and I mean late in 2011, December to be exact where I began searching to join another BJJ school. I started training at Alliance Orlando under the tutelage of the likes  Michael Langhi and Bruno Malfacine. In June 2012 I landed in the hospital with Diverticulitis which had me out for Six weeks. Then when I returned in July, I was given the news that I had to stop training because of a torn meniscus. I had the required knee surgery on 8/14, recovered up until  December 1 when I decide my knee had recovered and I would go back to light training. Crazy thin my Doctor said I would have been able to return in October but I wanted to make sure I was healed and not risk injuring myself again. Throughout all this time one thing has been elusive, the perfect Gi.

I have spent so much money looking for the perfect Gi in the past several years that if I told my wife, well lets just say I would have some explaining to do. Let me go on saying that I AM NOT being compensated at all by ANY GI company. If they feel they want to send me a Gi to talk about fit I would be glad to but up until writing this no one has "sent" me a Gi.  I have had many experiences buying Gis, some extremely pleasant and some not so pleasant. Here are the two extremes of my experiences, I will praise one company in particular but I refuse to bad mouth the other. Before I purchased my most recent Gi, The Origin BJJ Gi, I exchanged upwards of 20 emails between myself and them. The customer service was great and they wanted to make sure that if I bought there Gi not only would I be happy but they wanted me to let them know about the fit and if I wasn't happy we would work out a solution. They were very helpful and I do recommend buying there Gis I will expand on that later. Now the worst of my Gi buying experiences was when I emailed a company advising them that their Gi did not fit me I was told "Looks like you need to LOSE WEIGHT or stop doing JIU JITSU!" I understand I am a "BIG" guy and I am build like a Silverback but  there are some things you do not say to a customer, or at least that is what I was taught way back in the day when I was in retail. I am not advocating for political correctness but I just think as a consumer I deserve a little bit of respect since I am funding your dream of selling Gis, or is that to much too ask for.

Now onto the GI REVIEWS (the whole reason why you are here!)

Before we go on here are some thing about my build so that you can take that into consideration on why thing fit me the way they do. I am the epitome of endomoprh, I am 5'9" Tall, I tip the scale at over 300 lbs, from shoulder to shoulder I am 25" wide. Let me discuss the Gis that I have or have had in the past so that my fellow Big Guy could put it all into perspective and so you  wont have to spend the money or time researching Gi companies like I have had to. I am note here to compete with BJJWEKLY Gi Review, GiReviews.Net, Seth From BJJGEARJUNKIE, or even the likes of MEERKATSU all of these guys can buy a Gi from almost anywhere and it will fit, right now that is not me and there is many guys out there like me so hopefully if I can at least help one other BJJ Practioner then my work here is done.

Here are the Gis I own The GB Freebee, A5 Fuji, Ouano Alliance Academy, Gorilla Gear A5XX, Shoyoroll Batch 17 A2H, Origin BJJ 2011 Comp550.

THE GRACIE BARRA FREEBEE                                  $0

This Gi was given to me when I originally signed my 1 year contract. It appears to be a very entry level Single Weave Pakistan made Gi. Its a size A7. When I trained at Gracie I used this Gi in rotation but it never quite fit right and the pants never fit. During my time at Gracie, I purchased white scrub pants and would use that as Gi pants. If this is the only way that you find pants that fits do it but I highly suggest buying more that just one, because they are not made for the constant torture that Jiu Jitsu would but on them so eventually they will rip and you do not want to be mid warm up with a rip running down your crotch. NO PICTURES

FUJI A5 "All Around Gi"                                          $94.00

I purchased my first Blue Fuji A5 Gi weeks after starting BJJ because I soon realized that if you are going to be training on a daily basis Gis need time to dry. The Gi is a mid weight gi and the jacket is very durable. The Gi top although it doesn't close correctly it works for training purposes. You can buy a FUJI GI at there website http://www.fujisports.com/category.aspx?categoryid=7

The A5 pants did not fit me however the A6 pants do. here is a size chart for the pants. 

Pictured with FUJI GI Top and Gorilla GI Pants (Yes I am wearing socks. Its so cold in the D!)

OUANO ALLIANCE ACADEMY GI        Around 100 I think

Fits almost like the Fuji. Its a great Gi a little rough but if you were a rash guard you will be fine.

Pictured with Ouano GI Top and Gorilla GI Pants (Yes I am wearing socks. Its so cold in the D!)

GORILLA GEAR A5XX                         $199.99 + 20 Shipping

It appears that Gorilla Gear has since changed there website and no offer the ability to purchase a GI top and GI Pants as different sizes. The GI I have was one of the Silverback Gi and its cut big for guys like me.

Their sizing chart is also now different but when I purchased the original gi it was a A5XX and I had to have a seamstress remove about 4 inches from each sleeve because it was so long.  THIS IS IMPORTANT: I DON'T KNOW IF THEY HAVE CHANGE THE GI COLLARS, BUT BECAUSE MY SILVER BACK GI HAS A VERY THICK COLLAR I WAS UNABLE TO USE IT AT THE IBJJF CHICAGO OPEN. So if you do plan on competing in IBJJF you might want to verify that there new batch of Gis are legal, otherwise you will have to use another GI top.

I really like like this Gi it is 650gr PearlWeave and it was Rash guard material sewn into it. Even though I live in Florida and train during the warmest parts of the day I prefer using a heavier Gi knowing that it may not rip as easily. The Pants 12oz cotton Pants and they are my go to set of Gi pants. The have Pearl Weave material  as part of the gusset. These pants were also crazy long so once I had them hemmed they were perfect. I use them constantly.

My son really wanted to be in this picture.

Pictured with Gorilla GI (Yes I am wearing socks. Its so cold in the D!)

SHOYOROLL A2H                                       $183.15 Shipped

I am a sucker for a beautiful Gi, and as must of you know Shoyoroll does make some sexy looking GIs.

Now I dont know if it is all part of Shoyoroll's business plan but they apparently only make limited number of there Gi per batch release and they sell faster than a bottle of whiskey at an AA meeting. So it was just dumb look that I stumbled upon the release of there  BATCH 17 COMPETITOR it was already sold out in blue so I opted of the white in the hopes that it would fit.When  I received this Gi, I was happier than a pig in mud, the jacket almost fit like a really Gi. The skirt is not too long I loved the stitching, the tap and all the good looking patches. But of course the pants did not fit but that what happen when you are built like Khloe Kardashian. 

I will actually be selling this Gi in the hopes that someone can use it and does not collect dust in my closet .

Notice how the pants don't go all the way.

Pictured with Shoyoroll GI Top and Gorilla GI Pants (Yes I am wearing socks. Its so cold in the D!)

ORIGIN BJJ COMP 550                           $174.95 + 20 Shipping

Here we are to the crown jewel of my Gi closet. The GI top fits like a GI top is suppose to. The skirt length of the top is on point and this Gi close (almost brought a tear to my eye). The pants still don't quite fit but it was explained to me why. On most of you A2H/A2Big the manufacturers take an ordinary A2(regular) pants widen the waist about 4-5 inches and call it a day. The problem lies not in the size of the waist but they do not make the size of the hips or even thighs any bigger, so they pants will work if you have really skinny legs and most of your body weight is up top. So endomorph's we get the shaft once again So earlier I spoke about Origin and why i would recommend them 10 time out of 10 and its not only because of their great customer service but because they are setting up to become the FIRST GI Company to be made right here in the good ole US of A. BUY AMERICAN! Not only are they going to be made in America but they are going to be offering 24 different sizes in pants. Yes 24.  Check it out directly from them ! Also with every Gi you buy you get a sweet looking Rash Guard to match.

Pictured with Origin GI Top and Fuji A6 GI Pants (Yes I am wearing socks. Its so cold in the D!)

Notice hips to wide for pants.

 Matching Origin Rash Guard

Zombie Kimonos 550 (1.0)                                $180 Shipped

I bought this Gi and while it fits very similar to the Origin Gi at the time I was angry about it so I returned it for a full refund (except I still paid for the shipping to and from) So in essence it cost me money to "try" on a Gi. I received my refund almost a week after the Kimono arrived back to them but that was many due to A holiday on a Monday and Debit cards have this thing were the always take forever to process a refund, but debits are immediate. 

Day 3 of Juicing/Blending - Lets call it eating clean!

Good Evening Friends, Family and loyal blog readers!

How are you doing today? I hope life finds you well.

All is well in the life of you favorite endomorph, and I'll tell you why. On Monday I started a "JUICE" fast/diet and surprisingly I feel great. Prior to starting this juice fast I was worried. I worried that I would feel like as if I was starving, feel weak, feel unsatisified, the time to make the juice, and a hundreds of other personal hang ups. Now I wonder why I was I so affraid. The reason I felt like I would be starving is because before I started trying to watch what I ate, I could sit down and eat a huge meal and a snack and so on. For example, I remember years ago I would go to McDonalds and I could eat a Double Quarter Pound with Cheese, Large Fries, Large Dr. Pepper, and possibly I would still devour a Double Cheese Burger. ( A double cheeseburger not that horrible McDouble...lol) Im not proud of that but its what I used to do. Now over the years, especially since the birth of my son, I have watched what I ate, and there were times were even after a meal that would satisify most people I remained hungry, and for this very reason I thought going on a Juice fast was not only insane but I was setting myself up for failure. In my mind I figured that if I wasnt going to be eating I would be weak because big burly manly men like me need MEAT and animal protein, the flesh of slaughtered animals. The fear of not be satifisied is a bit self-explanotory, if I am not eating that doesnt seem satisfying. Now the time it takes to make JUICE, I am not going to lie it does take some time in preparation. The dilemna lies in this, where do I find the TIME? Well in the words of Rener Gracie, " Stop doing something else!" Think about that statement, for minute, then think about the time of your day that you could be doing something productive. Lately it takes me about anywhere between 30-35 minutes to make enough JUICE to last me throughout the day. I have been consuming about 90 ounces of JUICE a day.

My Ingredients

Handful of Kale
2 Cucumbers
2 Apples
Pear
Banana
Half a Cantalope
1/4 HoneyDew Melon
Some Strawberries
2-3 Sticks of Celery
2 Large Carrots
Some Pineapple chunks

Instead of JUICING all that in a juicer, I put that all in a blender and get it to the consistency of Apple Sauce, (Or Baby Food, what some of my coworkers like to call it.)
(See the pictures below)

Also exciting news on Saturday I squatted my new one rep max ... 315lbs I am hoping to see 500 lb squats by years end!

Sacrifices, Responsibilities, and Training

Ok so I am continually trying to get better at updating my blog, but apparently it's not happening as well as I want to. Between trying to maintain a strict training schedule, spend time with my son, juggling 2 classes (Calculus, World Religions), and working Full Time, updating my blog usually takes a seat in the proverbial 3rd row seat.

Well first things first I am currently down 24 pounds (Weight that was put on during my recovery period.)! This is thanks to the efforts of my CrossFit Instructor and friend Erik Abreu, who is constantly pushing me in the gym especially to opt for the heavier weights/Kettlebell.

I have been drinking Kale Shakes everyday and next week I am going to try see if I can live 100% on Kale Shakes. Let's see how well I can survive, I think I will be alright. Yesterday and Wednesday I successfully replaced 2 of my meals with kale shakes and felt great. Well off to bed I go, need to rest up before training tomorrow! Enjoy the pictures.

Let me reintroduce myself !!!

For those of you that don't know I had a torn meniscus in my left knee and according to my surgeon lithe tear was substantial possibly because I continued to train like a jackass even though the Doctor said I should probably stay away, but like an addict I couldn't stay away from my "drug" (BJJ)
It was until the Fabio Gurgel Seminar that I realized I need to stay away. My knee was swollen and walking was close to impossible, at that time I had the illest pimp walk. My surgery date had changed twice due to "insurance" reasons (I don't want to get into that) but it was finally done on August 14.

About 2 weeks after surgery I was walking with out crutches but
I was just as agile as a 90 year old man. I was tempted many times to "pop" in the gym and watch but I knew that would lead to "Maybe I can try this...".

So in an effort to take my mind off of Jiu Jitsu I started doing something I once did often prior to my bjj addiction, go out and drink. I started going out a lot, drinking a lot and very frequently. I drank more in the past 4 months than I have done in the last 4 years. Something about training Jiu Jitsu that makes you stop drinking/smoking eating right and trying to stay healthy all so that you can become a better Jiu Jitsu player.

So today marks my second day of training since July 7th, 2012!
(My first was Saturday December 1rst)

Saturday's class was tough to say the least. I realized during the warm up that my cardio went from ok to nonexistent. Prior to the knee surgery I was decently good and could last for 2 BJJ classes which would be typically 3.5hrs at my Academy. On my first class back I could feel my heart pump my thick blood through my veins, and I was so winded that paying attention to technique was challenging. I was able to make it and complete the class. The pain was just starting. That night I had a friend's Birthday Party to attend at a World Of Beer, standing was almost impossible. My thighs were sore, my legs felt like I had done 30,000 body squats. Walking was a chore. The soreness killed my Sunday, it was literally a wasted day.

During the work week it was impossible to make it to class with my wifey's class schedule due to finals week but I was able to make it to Tonight's class. I must say training under Bruno Malfacine is amazing and I have missed it. Once again I could only stay for one class but only because I do watch too push myself and possibly risk another injury but I do see that training 3 hours a night is on the horizon, how else am I going to be able to dominate at the IBJJF Worlds 2013?

Sorry for the Hiatus

Wow I feel so bad that it has been just about 3 months since I have updated my blog, I feel a little embarrassed.

I decided to update this as I am waiting to watch some of my fellow training partners DOWORK, at the IBJJF Worlds. (Thanks to @BudoVideos for doing such a great job streaming the event.)

Well lately I have been lucky enough to train 5 days a week. I would like to say that I helped prepare my teammates for WAR at the IBJJF Worlds, but to be honest I think I may have hindered them because they have had to help me learn the techniques.

I am so proud of all my Alliance teammate and training partners for not only going to Cali to compete but to have put everything on the line so they can compete. Some people don’t realize the sacrifices you have made, sacrifices like not eating or drinking the foods you love up to and including missing out on family activities to train everyday, the lost of relationships and the list can go on for days. I thank you because the more you compete the more you learn, and through what you have learned you guys make me better.

Back from Chicago

Last Week Wednesday I left Orlando to compete in my First IBJJF competition, the Chicago Open. Not only was it mg first IBJJF competition but it was also my first out of state without any train partners to coach me. Overall it was my second competition. I didn't do as well as I planned or I was hoping for. It was a great experience and I plan on working the holes in my game.

Here is a link to the match on YouTube

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/O_zjASK3oSY?fs=1" width="480"></iframe>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_zjASK3oSY&hd=1

Besides the Competition my family and I had a great time visiting! I am originally from Chicago and although I love it their it feels really good to be back home.

Here we are in the SkyLedge at the Sears Tower. ( I refuse to call the Willis tower, just like Comiskey park will always be Comiskey to me and they better never think of changing the name of Wrigley Field!)



Also we took my son to the Shedd Aquarium and we had a blast! In the food court I was able to snap a picture of the beautiful skyline.


My wifey and son riding the subway for the first time.

And we even took my soon out to GoBananas so he'd enjoy himself!

What a great day!

On Monday I woke up at 5:30 to head to the Gym but I almost cheated my self. When I woke up it must had been about 30 degrees and for Orlando that's pretty cold, I wanted nothing more then to lay back down under the covers until 0830 but I didn't I pushed myself to get out of bed and go train.

I don't quite remember all of Monday's work outs but it was stations. 2 minutes of work 5 seconds to switch! The stations were Shoulder Pressed, 12 kg Kettlebell swings, Box Jumps, and Body Squats. I think we did 4 rounds of this.
Today was another great workout session. After light stretching we started the rounds and it was timed to beat the clock. The exercises were as followed 30 Kettlebell snatches each arm, 30 sit ups (real sit ups shoulders to your knees), and 30 deep body squats (your butt had to touch a medicine ball) that is all 1 round then round 2 is 25 of each, round 3 is 20 of each, round 4 is 15 of each, round 5 is 10 of each and round 6 is 5 of each and the goal was under 30 minutes. I completed that at 22:47. As I am writing this I feel my muscle in my back still burning. After that workout I had to deal with a flat tire I received on my way to the gym, I can still change a tire in about 15 minutes.

One another note I wanted to share my GREEN MONSTER smoothie I make everyday.
3 Kale Leaves
1 Cucumber
2 Celery Sticks
1 Pear
1 Apple
1 Banana
It has a very sweet taste with a very light feeling of grass.