My fitness journey began in 1982 when I was just 14 years old. Like many teenagers, I wanted to get stronger, and at the time, bodybuilding seemed like the natural path to achieve that. Hitting the weights and watching my strength grow was exhilarating, but little did I know that this was only the start of a much larger story.
Fast forward to 1990, when my fitness path took a significant turn as I began my martial arts journey. Thatās when I noticed something glaringāwhile bodybuilding had made me stronger, it had done little for my flexibility. Martial arts training changed all of that. Not only did it drastically improve my flexibility, but it also reintroduced me to the power and effectiveness of bodyweight training. Suddenly, fitness wasnāt just about lifting heavy weights; it became about movement, agility, and adaptability. The combination of strength and flexibility brought me closer to what I now consider true functional fitness.
While the personal gains have been incredible, the most rewarding part of this journey has been sharing it with others. Thereās nothing quite like watching someone discover their own strength, break through a limitation they once thought was insurmountable, or master a technique theyāve been struggling with for weeks. Seeing that growthāboth physical and mentalāignites my passion and drives me to continue not just training but sharing my knowledge. Fitness has become more than a personal endeavor; itās a way to inspire and empower others.
Throughout the years, Iāve been fortunate to experience many achievements. Some were small victories, like finally nailing a challenging martial arts technique, while others were milestones, such as earning my black belt. Since starting martial arts in April 1990, Iāve immersed myself in various disciplines, expanding my understanding of movement and combat. This journey also led me to coaching fighters in boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, and MMA. Coaching has been one of my greatest joysāitās a privilege to help others unlock their potential and excel, not just as athletes but as individuals.
At 56 years old, Iām as committed to fitness as ever. My current goal is to maintain the level of training Iāve built over the years while incorporating new elements like mace and sandbag workouts to keep things dynamic and challenging. Longevity and functional strength are my priorities as I move forward.
Outside of the gym and dojo, I have a deep appreciation for the great outdoors. Hiking and canoeing are my favorite ways to stay active beyond structured workouts. Thereās something so grounding about being in natureāit reminds me that fitness isnāt just about physical achievement but also about connecting with the world around us and finding balance.
Fitness has been a lifelong journey, evolving from bodybuilding to martial arts to coaching and outdoor adventures. Itās taught me resilience, adaptability, and the joy of empowering others. As I look to the future, Iām excited to keep pushing boundaries, both for myself and those I have the privilege of coaching. At the end of the day, itās not just about how strong or flexible I can become; itās about how I can inspire others to discover their own strength and embrace their unique journeys.
