Training Hard

I know, I know, it’s been quite a while since my last update on here. Certainly not my intention as I have been meaning to write for some time now, however, life intervenes as they say. I continue to train at Serra Jiu-Jitsu every week and have recently added a new ingredient to the mix: Muay Thai. I am now training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu twice a week and Muay Thai once a week. I am hoping that this increased training schedule will help to improve upon my recent fitness advances as well as making me a more rounded martial artist.

I have now been training with Team Serra for a little over six months and have consequently lost 15.5 lbs and several inches off my waist. I’m down to about 155 lbs and now and still have a bit to go but I am very encouraged by my progress. Shorts that were snug last summer were falling off me in such a way when I attempted to wear them two weeks ago that Erin immediately insisted I buy new shorts. Jeans and t-shirts I haven’t been able to wear since my honeymoon two years ago are fitting me better than they did back then. I have been eating better but I do believe that I owe 90% of this positive change in my appearance to my instructors and training partners over at Serra BJJ. Please check out our recently revamped web site at http://www.serrajitsu.com/ for more information. I would again like to especially thank Matt & Nick Serra, Ron Witkowski, Paul “Opie” Fahey, William “Billy Ho” Hofacker, Gabriel “Monsta” Toribio, Frank “Bam Bam” Oyague, and Gil Renschak for all their efforts in training me and my training partner Chris Brady for repping and rolling with me.

My love for BJJ increases exponentially every time I step on the mat and my desire to be better increases with every new technique I learn. I cannot even express how much BJJ has done for me and how I feel it has improved my overall quality of life. It really does become a way of life and latch onto your heart and soul if you give it your all.

I started doing BJJ a little over a month after my Father’s passing. I was looking for something to help me take my mind off my loss and to help me to, at least partially, attempt to fill the gaping hole that was now in my heart, soul, and life. I wanted to do something that would impact my life in a positive way and I have to say that it has more than fit the bill. I have met some really great people who really care about each other and genuinely want to see each other grow and improve.

I have previously mentioned the positive physical effects of my training and I also believe that it has helped me become more focused and determined. Training three times a week has given me some structure in my life outside of my job and has helped me to focus on something positive instead of the negative feeling of loss and emptiness.

Nothing will ever be able to replace having my Father in my life, but Jiu-Jitsu has certainly been a great form of therapy for me and really helped me to work through my grief in a positive fashion. I also feel that my Father would be proud to see me dedicating myself to the “gentle art” and applying myself to something so positive and worthwhile.

Until next time, keep your head up.