August 10, 2026

It has been almost three years since my last post on this site, frankly I had forgotten all about it. That is, until my boredom eventually led me back here. It was interesting seeing all that I had written for this "project" but most of all, it was inspiring. I read through an old post where I spoke about martial arts and my desire to continue pursuing it. Here I am now, three years later, more fights under my belt, more years of experience, and a lot more confidence in myself. Seeing my personal and athletic development first-hand was motivating to say the least. It's easy to set goals for yourself that could easily be forgotten, however, I've remained firm in my goal to become a martial artist. Even though I've had to do it all while having B3 Crohn's Disease. What I feel nowadays is passion for the sport and the culture. Martial arts has brought me a mountain of friends, experiences, laughs, cries, and skills; on and off the mats. I've been lucky enough to be welcomed into gyms and communities where respect and honor radiate. However, I haven't only found friends, but also mentors that aren't afraid to teach me the hard lessons to set me back on track. Recently, I've been frustrated with myself and my team because it seems like they're asking so much of me. I train my butt off but to them its never enough. I understand that they're just pushing me because they see potential in me, talent even; but talent without discipline is like a tree with no leaves. I appreciate them for it though, and would never want it to be any other way.

Hundreds of hours of blood, sweat, and tears have brought out more of myself than any blog post or meditation ever could. Regardless, I'll try and keep my posts consistent. I'm more confident in myself now not because of what I think I can do, but because of what I have overcome. Through trials and tribulations, hard spars and conditioning days, the fire inside is only getting hotter.