Here are some fun pics of people I got to meet and hang out with as well as some more competition pics.  More will come in future posts as I have time.  Right now I am back to preparing for more tournaments and working with a couple of organizations in the Orlando area on the development of martial arts programs for students.  It is very exciting to be able to inspire and give back.  I will be attending and competing at some more NASKA tournaments and competing in several southeast regional tournaments in the coming months as I continue to climb upward in my competition again.

The Quest continues…

There is one program I am working on that is very near and dear to my heart, and I will soon be able to announce some details of this program as it takes more shape.

If you have known me for any length of time, you know I am very much about investing in other people’s lives.  The past several years (through the depression, weight gain, chronic pain, therapy, etc.) has held me back from accomplishing this as I would have liked to.  That part of me never died, though, and now that I’m “back”, I have an opportunity and a privilege of working with others in very high capacities once again.

None of this would be possible without the help of some key individuals and organizations.

First of all, I want to thank God for giving me the strength to endure some of the darkest times imaginable over the past several years, and also for giving me the strength to climb back up again.  His power and grace in my life is undeniable.

My wife and best friend, Holly, is a never-ending source of encouragement and tough love for me.  Through it all she has stood by my side, and though she hasn’t been training

much since the birth of Nathaniel (gee, I wonder why?), she has pushed me to go further and accomplish more than will ever be publicly known.  I love you Holly and thanks for sticking it out with me…the best is yet to come!

Michael, my oldest son and primary training partner through all of this is such an amazing individual and I can’t say enough about him.  He is carrying full course loads in both his last year of High School and his second year of college at the same time while training with me.  He is not a competition type as much as I am, but he has excelled and inspired me to become better in every way as a martial artist and as a person.  Michael, you are the best and I love you!

Nathaniel, my youngest son…well, he’s two years old this week and a ball of non-stop energy.  Every time I come home from training or from working, he is always there to say, “DADDDDYYYYYY!”  As a father, this makes my spirit soar to the highest heights.  I have looked at him every day with hope that he will be proud of his Daddy through all of this…I believe he is.

The rest of my family…my sis, Melanie and her hubby (who wishes he could be like me and their two boys Christopher and Nicolas have cheered me on from across the miles each day.  Holly’s parents here in Otown have been a huge support for which I am eternally grateful, and my parents joining us  for the U.S. Open weekend was a special treat and a huge support.

My training partners Mike Tatum and Chuck Bloom who gave tirelessly of themselves to compete at this level and overcome their own set of challenges along the way.  I thank you both and hold the utmost respect for you in my mind and heart!

My coach, Lauren Kearney, who is a world champion and gave of her time and expertise to catapult me to new heights of excellence.  I am most appreciative of you, Lauren, and enjoy our live broadcasts together and am inspired by your accomplishments.  Thanks for taking the time to coach a “nobody” in this world of championship tournaments.

To all of my friends at Kickgen.com…you are some of the most inspiring and encouraging people on Planet E!  I love hanging out with you online and celebrating in all of our victories together along the way.  Thanks for hanging with me during this “Quest”…and congratulations to all of you who were competing during this time as well.  You all are champions!!!  And GO! Mrs. Lindy Woods as you prepare to receive your Master’s Rank in just a couple of days…prayers and encouragement go with you!

To Janet Bold and Natalia Moyano at The Bold Look who took care of us in the uniform department.  You made us look sharp and we tell everyone about you.  Bold Look is truly a great place to get your hands on uniforms, gear, and supplies.  Check them out at www.boldlook.net.

To the guys over at Orlando Barbell for making our team stronger.  Brian and Matt…you guys are amazing and anyone who needs to get fit or get stronger needs to see you guys first!

I am personally certified with Lifeworks CPR in both CPR and First Aid and if you or your organization is needing certification and you are in the Florida, Georgia, Alabama region…these are the guys to call.  Thanks for your support along the way (I actually needed to use my training from you guys at the tournament for an injured fighter…thanks!)  BTW…Lifeworks has also represented me as a coach in MMA and provided corner/ringside assistance for my fighters in the past.  Did I mention to call them?

To all mi amigos and amigas on Fb and Twitter…thanks for hanging out with me and putting up with my crazy posts.  I appreciate all the love and support you’ve thrown my way and I will defiinitely keep you updated with the new stuff as it happens.

The 2009 U.S. Open World Martial Arts Championships were absolutely amazing and I am looking forward to next year already.  Thanks to the owners and staff of the U.S. Open who believed in what I was doing from the very beginning.  We are bringing a big team next year and going to spread the word to people everywhere we go that this is the place to be in the world of sport martial arts!!!

More news to come in the next few days as to new tournament schedules and upcoming projects…lives are being changed and it is a blast helping to lead the movement!