The Journey of a Fighter

Fighting was never just about competition for me—it was about ambition, survival, and ultimately, purpose. My journey started in the most unexpected place: playing *Street Fighter 2* on the SNES and Sega Genesis 3. As a kid, I was captivated by the characters, their unique fighting styles, and the idea of martial arts itself. But childhood dreams often fade when reality sets in. Growing up in poverty, I believed that becoming a real martial artist was out of reach. It seemed like something reserved for people in a different world than mine.

That changed when I joined the Army right out of high school. With a steady job and newfound independence, I realized I could finally pursue my childhood dream. A little research led me to my first martial arts gym, where I began training in Karate. But my reasons for fighting evolved quickly. It wasn’t just about becoming a martial artist anymore—it became about protection. I wanted the ability to defend not just myself, but those who couldn’t protect themselves.

This mindset led me to a career in security, and later, law enforcement. But my hunger for self-improvement didn’t stop there. After a year of training, I stepped into the amateur fight scene. Reality hit hard. I lost two of my first three fights, exposing the gaps in my skill set—especially in grappling. That led me to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where I trained relentlessly, eventually earning my blue belt. Over time, I built a long history of fights, both sanctioned and unsanctioned.

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. Everything shut down—except for *Streetbeefs*, an underground fight league in Virginia where competitors still tested their skills. With no other outlets available, I stepped into that world to see if my training held up in real combat. It did. I built a formidable reputation, proving myself in multiple disciplines.

When sanctioned fights resumed, I transitioned back to the amateur scene, competing in boxing, MMA, kickboxing, and BJJ. I became a seasoned amateur, but I still needed to know where I truly stood. That question led me to the professional stage, where the skill gap proved to be an entirely different challenge. Despite some hard-fought battles, I struggled to find the same success I had in the amateur ranks.

Now, I consider myself semi-retired. I still compete in boxing, but time management for training is a challenge. More importantly, I want to spend my healthy years with my family, enjoying life while my mind and body are still intact. My journey in fighting may not have led to fame or fortune, but it gave me something far more valuable: purpose, resilience, and the ability to protect those I care about.