lightningkidfit

[lightningkidfit]

Another one for the books. Huge thanks to the Godfather @renzograciebjj for coming Chicago to sharing the ancient secrets of Jiujitsu 🤙🏾⚡🥋 https://www.instagram.com/p/CUQsqGQpxYd/?utm_medium=tumblr

[lightningkidfit]

Couldnt be more proud of these tiny warriors going 3-1 today with the only loss coming from a really tough opponent with a 15lb advantage. We only had a few short weeks to prepare, and they both executed our game plan wonderfully. . . These 2 have a bright future ahead of them, the first of many medals. Grateful for the opportunity to Coach and share my knowledge with the next generation of Martial Artists! Oss 👊🏽⚡ (at Oak Lawn Park District Community Pavilion) https://www.instagram.com/p/CT-3miWpKgg/?utm_medium=tumblr

[lightningkidfit]

I havent posted on social in a while. But I've been quietly putting in the neccessary, daily work to get better. Super thankful to my instructors @uflackerbjj and @s_uflackerbjj for their investment in me and their example of what the Jiujitsu lifestyle is all about. Im also thankful for my family who has supported my desire to train and follow my passion. And of course a huge thanks to all my teammates and training partners that have had a hand in my development. This journey has taken so much from me, but has given me so much in return. Hardwork truly pays off, and I'm ecstatic to be one step closer to my Red bar. Oss 👊🏽⚡ (at Uflacker Academy - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTzei3br9Qu/?utm_medium=tumblr

[lightningkidfit]

Wishing the happiest of birthdays to one of the greatest coaches I've had the opportunity of working with @kasiagalica In 2019 I took a pretty bad shot to the knee that took me out for about 4 months. Months after that, I never truly recovered, mentally. I would start to feel good, I'd up the intensity and I'd tweak it again. It was a brutal cycle that ultimately lead me to the conclusion that I would never really get to compete at a high level without risking some kind of catastrophic injury or need for major surgery. This was until I came into contact with @kasiagalica on social media. And I pretty much stalked her until she at least agreed to meet me for coffee, where I begged her to train me. Because of her, I'm finally getting my body back to competition form and I couldnt be happier. So Happy Birthday, Coach! Your work and your passion is greatly appreciated! Youve helped me rediscover my competitive fire, and I couldn't be more grateful!! I would've posted a better picture/video of us, but I dont think we've ever taken one 🤣 (at Chicago, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/CP_RqJ7p0OH/?utm_medium=tumblr

[lightningkidfit]

06.09.2016 The South Loop takeover was in full effect. They needed a last second cover for the 6am Kickboxing class at the (Old) Wrigley location. Those pour, unfortunate souls had no idea what was in store for them. I shotgunned like 3 8oz RedBulls kicked the door down, and lit the place up 👊🏽⚡🔥 . . The UFC Gym system really allowed me to take hold of my creative process as an Instructor. It allowed me to be my loud, raw, unfiltered self. To this day, I have no idea why people willingly paid real dollars to let me do the things I did to them 🤣 but the more bodies I murdered, the more they showed up 🤷🏾‍♂️ (at UFC GYM) https://www.instagram.com/p/CP7PufkJQJ0/?utm_medium=tumblr

[lightningkidfit]

6.5.2010 As a young lad, living in California, my dad worked his way into Coaching Jiujitsu with the Fight Team that was on the Marine Corps base we were stationed at. Because of that, I got to regularly train with the team, and even got to travel to a few competitions with them. I remember this particular time, a Marine walked in with his headgear claiming "jiujitsu wouldnt work on him". So we did a few rounds and even shared a laugh, it was a good time 🤣⚡ (at 29 Palms Marine Corps Base) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPxBcwqpTDC/?utm_medium=tumblr

[lightningkidfit]

1 year ago today, A two week lockdown was closing in on two months, the government deemed my job in fitness "non essential", and training altogether became illegal. And it was fun at first, but as time went on I was slowly going mad. And With nothing to do, and nowhere to go, I hit up my boy @tedholsapple who was posting stories of him and @koooobs at some park, climbing on a giant rock. I asked how I could get involved and they just told me I needed some shoes. I ordered shoes immediately, desperate for a reason to leave the house. That's all I wanted. I just wanted a reason to leave the house and maybe get a workout in. Instead I embarked on a pretty wild journey that would ultimately be my saving for the next 365 days. I drove days across the country, I've slept in the cold and on the ground, and conquered some of my deepest fears. I did not expect anything like this from climbing. And while 2020 was the most bizarre year of my lifetime, it gave me climbing, and I'm grateful for it. ⚡ https://www.instagram.com/p/COovPupJN2J/?igshid=18g1eou6ixfpq

[lightningkidfit]

Holy Canoli (V3) 04.06.21 a gruesome route set by the homie @koooobs The first outdoor route I ever tried started with those 2 pockets, and ended with me flat on my back in a giant puddle of mud. In the 11 months that followed that attempt, however, I've developed quite a bit as a climber. Sending this route brings things full circle for me, as it is now my first recorded outdoor V3 🕺🏾 Shoutout to my Red Rocks Shades for the extra juice, all the homies along the way that have helped me get to where I am. This ones for yous guys 🤙🏾⚡ (at Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNX0VySpfkU/?igshid=37oip6mvpzy5

[lightningkidfit]

Holy Canoli (V3) 04.06.21 a gruesome route set by the homie @koooobs The first outdoor route I ever tried started with those 2 pockets, and ended with me flat on my back in a giant puddle of mud. In the 11 months that followed that attempt, however, I've developed quite a bit as a climber. Sending this route brings things full circle for me, as it is now my first recorded outdoor V3 🕺🏾 Shoutout to my Red Rocks Shades for the extra juice, all the homies along the way that have helped me get to where I am. This ones for yous guys 🤙🏾⚡ (at Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNXz2UIp-82/?igshid=6wyhvyy0batu

[lightningkidfit]

Holy Canoli (V3) 04.06.21 a gruesome route set by the homie @koooobs I had a full circle experience, today. 11 months earlier, at this park, on these 2 (starting) pockets, was the first time I had ever attempted to climb outdoors. And the first move of the first route I ever tried, started with those 2 pockets, and ended with me flat on my back in a giant puddle of mud. In the 11 months that followed that attempt, I've developed quite a bit, so completing this project definitely hits different. Shoutout to my Red Rocks Shades for the extra juice, all the homies along the way that have helped me get to where I am. This ones for yous guys 🤙🏾⚡ (at Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNWevRypLh1/?igshid=5d093xt4bilj

[lightningkidfit]

Holy Canoli (V3) 04.06.21 a gruesome route set by the homie @koooobs I had a full circle experience, today. 11 months earlier, at this park, on these 2 (starting) pockets, was the first time I had ever attempted to climb outdoors. And the first move of the first route I ever tried, started with those 2 pockets, and ended with me flat on my back in a giant puddle of mud. In the 11 months that followed that attempt, I've developed quite a bit, so completing this project definitely hits different. Shoutout to my Red Rocks Shades for the extra juice, all the homies along the way that have helped me get to where I am. This ones for yous guys 🤙🏾⚡ (at Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNWd0Zjpcwq/?igshid=t7r4rdcwuqj

[lightningkidfit]

Climbing is lot like fighting: At a distance, (and to the Untrained Eye) these activies seem dangerous and unsettling. Which to some extent is true, the potential for injury is far greater in activities like these then for those who play chess or tennis 🤣 . . But as you train, and grow in understanding, you find safety in technique. As you develop, you find security in repetition, and the things that seem really scary at first, become way less so over time. I was not any less anxious to see this boulder a 2nd time, 20+ feet in the air is still 20+ feet in the air, but I can assure you I was far more prepared this time around. I'm super grateful for this climbing journey, it's been a WILD 10 months, but I'm ready for more 😈⚡ (at Jackson Falls, So IL) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMiQX1zJV3L/?igshid=9z2dut3i7kb2

[lightningkidfit]

"It takes a village to raise a Warrior, and this is my Village" . . Growing up, My Dad was in the Marine Corps, and there were some deployments that forced him to miss some games/matches throughout my athletic career. But every time without fail, one of (if not both of) my Uncles were always there to step in and corner me. It meant a lot to have them there, when my Pops couldnt be. Win, Lose, or Draw I always felt supported as an athlete . . This is the 1st of many family photos I hope to take in the years to come 👊🏽⚡ #LaCosaNostra (at ChampYon Taekwondo USA) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMa7L8EDFlV/?igshid=64qe9ocm58sg

[lightningkidfit]

Congrats to @mrsseaverbjj @seaverbjj , the facility is IMMACULATE! It was such a pleasure getting to see the crew and get some tough rolls in! I'll be stopping by again soon! So happy to see my friends winning 😏⚡ If you're in the Palos/Alsip Area in search of some top notch Brazilian Jiujitsu, look no further! @arctictrainingcenter (at Arctic Training Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMQ2FLppVPs/?igshid=1crbj6uhhoed6

[lightningkidfit]

Today, ChampYon BJJ turns 6 Months old. Yesterday, we celebrated with our very first Jiujitsu Semiar @champyontkd taught by my Pops, Marcos Sr. . . This picture means so much to me. Not only did I get to share the mats with my Dad, Uncle's and Cousin for the very first time, but we were joined by training partners from all over the City who came out to show love. . . This photo is by-product of "Dream Chasing". All the B.S, all the stress, all the uncertainty melts away when I'm on the mats, and I will continue chasing it until they put me in the ground. Be on the lookout for the next one! Happy 6th Month to the newest and baddest BJJ team on the Eastside 👊🏽⚡ (at ChampYon Taekwondo USA) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMJA9xfpECH/?igshid=yo76fz8vsho7

[lightningkidfit]

I don't do heel hooks in jiujitsu, and I don't really do them in climbing, but today I did, and it felt pretty good 😌⚡ (at Brooklyn Boulders Lincoln Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMEDJzzl0g4/?igshid=9yvzb397smse

[lightningkidfit]

S/o to @stephlondra and @nannerz_m for their stripe promotions today!! . . These 2 may giggle more than the rest of my students, but when it's time to lock in, and put in work they ALWAYS bring the intensity. Jiujitsu is one of the most humbling activities on Earth, and to begin learning it as an Adult, with 0 prior experience takes a lot of guts. But in a few short months these 2 have taken to the sport really well and I couldnt be more proud! . . The battles these 2 have will only become deeper and more complex over time, and I cant wait to see the Monsters they will become ⚡👹 (at ChampYon Taekwondo USA) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLpv2KpJ2vb/?igshid=gs4b9vk6woei