MikeFowlerTV

Whenever you start jiujitsu there is no set timeframe that you will follow.  Everyones path is different and its only as long as you make it.  I received my black belt in a shorter time than most, but it was only due to the hard work and effort of my coach and teammates.  Master Lloyd was my flashlight on a unlit path.  Which is amazing, considering Master Lloyd was on the same unlit path but found his way with no batteries in his flash light….  just an occasional flicker from time to time.

When i started jiujitsu, i had no idea the places it would let me see….the people i would meet…the experiences that would derive from it.  It brought me around the world and and opened my eyes to whats out there.  My Mom always said most people never look past their own backyard..and how true it is.  Not only did jiujitsu get me out of my back yard, It has also allowed me to have an effect on those around me and those who i was destined to meet.

One of these people was Steve Roberto, who is the head instructor at the Purebred/ Team Lloyd Irvin gym in Hagatna, Guam.  When i first met Steve he was already someone i immediately respected in our art.  He understood he needed certain things he couldnt yet provide and he was dedicated enough to his students, and his self to seek out help.   He is always looking to bring people out or learn new concepts to help better the gym.

I had the pleasure of promoting Steve to Black belt.  With the blessing of Master Lloyd and Enson Inoue, it was an honor for me.  During my two years in Guam i learned a lot and felt i grew in my mind years beyond my age.  A lot i believe came from Steve.  He said it best and i hold it true to my heart….Jiu-jitsu saved my life.

Although I am back in Maryland trying to continue on my own path, Guam still holds a spot in my heart…and it will be there forever.  Now its part of my job to not only become a student again and continue to learn, but i must also bring up my new younger teammates who are destined for greatness.  JT Torres, Tracey Goodell, DJ Jackson, Jimmy Harbison, Ron Stallings, Frank Camacho.  The quicker you learn to lose the selfishness…and the egos….the quicker you can help guys get to their next level, which in turn will only make you and your gym stronger.

Im back on my path….where it takes me next in my life we shall see.

Jiu-jitsu Saved my Life.

Check out Steve’s blog

To roll again finally! After all this snow i finally got to do some jiujitsu. Even though it started off as a buttwhoopin from Master Lloyd. It was fun just being back on the mat. All this snow has been hurting our travel back and forth to the gym. The snow plow trucks cant keep up with it.

Right now cant wait to get training hard for the upcoming Pan Ams. I feel great and am only getting better. Check out the Unstoppable Sweep again in my first match at the Europeans!

If you havent seen Tracey Goodell compete yet then take a look at this video to see her recent match in Florida at the Abu Dhabi Pro Trials where she tapped a brown belt!

Also check her out at her blog at Team Lloyd Irvin USA

Back Again!

I cant say enough how bad i suck at this blog. I apologize if i have kept you staring at the picture of me in my chef uniform.

World Championships is always the goal and i have been feeling great.  I had a great experience at the Europeans and i expect to improve more.  Im excited to see where i will be at in the coming months.

Working more and more on Unstoppable Sweep….its been working awesome.  So far i hit it at Tokyo, Miami, Brasil, Europeans, Nationals, superfights…you name it.  Really excited to continue with it.

We prepare for the Tokyo Open coming up in a few weeks!

JT Torres

Frank “The CrAnK” Camacho