Arte Suave Manila - The aftermath

As the final roll of mats got strapped, wrapped and ready for transport, I found myself standing in the middle of everything – a vast space where history was made.

The pillars and hallways of Commercenter Alabang will never be the same.

Its walls have heard screams and chants of adoration for the victors who fought on its surfaces. Its windows bore witness to the joys of victory and the tears of defeat.

Through the efforts of like-minded and passionate people, what was once a dream became a reality. After so much planning and organizing – Arte Suave Manila was born.

The first of many.

Triumvirate Fighting had a vision of cultivating a grass roots program to develop talent and provide exposure for white and blue belts in the local Brazilian Jiujitsu scene. They are, after all, the future of this martial art. 

Personally, I wanted an avenue for the young guns to take center stage and show people what they got. Most BJJ tournaments are focused on watching Purple – Black belt divisions that the first two belt levels are often ignored, which shouldn’t be the case. I love watching whites and blues go at it for the simple reason that they are at the stage wherein everything they do is driven by their passion for the sport.

From the spazzy-adrenaline enhanced-spur of the moment scrambles to the look of relief after each conquest. The frustrations after getting bummed out and the breaking down of people in the sidelines due to exhaustion all lead to creating an experience that everyone will carry for the rest of their lives. Nothing beats the feeling of overcoming obstacles that react and fight back. The lessons from joining a tournament (whether you win or lose) helps the person improve both as a competitor and as a human being.

We wanted to keep the fire burning. We wanted to keep the passion alive. We wanted more stories to be shared. We wanted more names to be discovered. We wanted to make everyone feel that what they are practicing was worth it. We wanted to change the landscape on how things are done.

 We wanted to make it better.

Whatever we nervously did for two days exhibited what we are all about. We were able to pull in competitors from all BJJ academies, gave them good competition, have them compete on the best mats possible, a nice venue and winners got more than a medal.

The smiles, laughter, high fives and hugs shared during those days made all the trouble worth it. This is what Jiujitsu is all about – sharing each moment with the people you love.

As I stood there, in that vast empty space as they rolled out the rest of the mats, I ended up telling myself - We’re going to do this again ;)

The team behind the success of Arte Suave Manila.

Everyday Fighters: the dual lives of those working and training

What we do is not necessarily who we are

Waking up to the tune of the alarm clock, staring at the ceiling for a few more minutes and then mustering enough strength to get out of bed.

This is the daily struggle.

Each step is a thermometer of soreness and pain. Going down the stairs is a reminder of last night’s skirmish. Stretching has become a necessity more than a ritual.

These are habits of those who are above average; that breed of man that lives another life than what is socially accepted – that of the everyday fighter.

They are everywhere. From the glass windows of the corporate world, the kitchens of restaurants, study halls of educational institutions, and stacked up folders in law firms. These are highly functioning individuals who are part of the working class, that provide humanity with their talents and services on a daily basis.

Packed lunch, daily commute, do as they are told and then head out. 

Life begins after clocking out.

One of the welcoming sites after work. Time to go to our happy place.

They head onto their place of inner peace and tranquility. Shedding their coats and ties for kimonos, fight shorts, grappling spats, and rash guards much like how superheroes change costumes from their human form into something extraordinary.

Costume change

After which their bodies are subjected to movements of self-expression that may be incomprehensible to most, but relevant to them at that particular moment.

It may be from hitting the pads, punching the mitts, pounding on dummy bags, snatching kettlebells, pulling ropes, kicking shins, clinching, and grappling. Everything executed with the goal of perfection. Each detail remembered and ingrained within the body’s system for optimal efficiency.  Pushing the limits that the body will allow in order to achieve the semblance of satisfaction and then head home exhausted but happy.

Those who take it a step further do more than what is necessary. Their self-expression has transcended to levels that want to be tested. Aside from this daily grind comes the challenge of preparing for competitions. They become stricter in certain aspects and train a little bit harder. They cut weight, make weight, and prepare themselves to be scarred more than what is necessary.

It is a routine started then maintained. All hardships endured for reasons that are hard to explain.

The alarm clock rings and we do it all over again.

#BJJ #MMA #fighter #bjjlifestyle #fightlife #rullodabros #fitspiration #artesuave

Fit Revolution: fun activities that can help you stay fit and lose weight

We have entered the self-conscious and do something about it era. 

The insecurities present in our reality are recognized and treated according to the specifications of what is available.

It’s a good thing.

It’s a very good thing.

The awareness towards health and fitness has risen over the years. This social revolution has resulted to an influx of exercise facilities and “the latest trend” on how to be fit. It also paved way for the influx of gyms that cater to people based on preference, location and budgetary considerations.

With all the information present on the internet, social media, print ads, YouTube pop-ups, etc. How do you determine which works best for you?

Listed below are a few sports/activities that can help you lose weight, feel healthy and at the same time have fun while doing it:

Jogging/ Running/ Brisk-walking/ Interval Running

photo from the internet

 The cheapest form of exercise out there so far. All you need are a good pair or running shoes, an open space/jogging path and you’re good to go. Thanks to better road conditions, pedestrian friendly business districts, L – carnitine drinks and beautifully landscaped residential communities, this movement has made a comeback. It is so nice to see people jogging around Ayala Triangle, along High Street in BGC, the side streets of Rockwell, the perimeter of Greenhills mall to name a few. This led to the now popular fun runs held almost everywhere during weekends.  

Tip: For beginners, start on a slow pace and gradually build up speed until you can sustain a certain stride. Make sure you are breathing properly as you go along. 

Muscle groups worked: leg muscles, a little bit of the arms and shoulders, lower back and it is good cardio.

Condura Skyway Marathon (photo from the internet)

Basketball

Shoes, slippers or barefoot it doesn't matter. As long as we have a ball and a hoop (photo from the internet)

The Pinoy’s passion sport.  A majority of the male population started playing basketball as kids. Some are fortunate enough to play at the highest level. Most are content to just get ten guys together in one court for a good 5-on-5 pick-up game. Basketball is so popular that every corner of every village in the entire country has a make shift hoop ready to play ball on.

Muscle groups worked: it is a total body work out. The running and sprinting improves cardio, leg muscles for all around movement, and upper body muscles (core, shoulders, biceps, triceps) for shooting, rebounding and defending opponents

Ain't no amount of national calamity will destroy this country's love for the game (photo from the internet)

Biking

photo from the internet

Mountain bike, triathlon bike, BMX, racers, with or without sidecars, with or without training wheels it doesn’t matter. Look for a park or any piece of real estate with bike lanes and start pedaling.

Muscle groups worked: LEGS. LEGS. LEGS. A good way to improve cardio.

photo from the internet

Boxing

The face of Philippine boxing (photo from the internet)

Think Manny Pacquiao. The sweet science is economical, challenging and readily available. Buy a good pair of boxing gloves (Twins, Fairtex, FBT are nice brands), hand wraps and then head to your nearest boxing gym. It’s a good way to break a sweat and at the same time learn how to properly deliver a punch.

Muscle groups worked: this is another total body work out activity. The upper body is utilized for punching, weaving and hitting the bags, speedballs and mitts. The lower body muscle group works together to generate the power that delivers the knockout punch.

Every gym has a story to tell (photo from the internet)

Swimming

photo from the internet

You may have to look for a public pool or contact a friend who lives in a condo with a swimming pool. It is one of the complete total body workouts out there. The motion required for swimming engages all the major muscle groups while strengthening your cardiovascular system. Best way to beat the summer heat too.

Muscle groups worked: all the paddling/strokes works the arms, chest, shoulders and abdominals while the flutter kicks work all the major muscle groups of the lower body.

photo from the internet

Dancing

photo from the internet

Ballroom, Jazz, Salsa, Zumba, Rumba, Tango, Hip-Hop, etc. take your pick. From the wooden floors of a dance studio to the carpeted living room of your home – there’s always room for good music and hip swinging.

Muscle groups worked: all that body bumping will engage the core muscles together with the thighs butt and calves.

Who says exercising isn't fun? (photo from the internet)

Lifting weights

photo from the internet

It could be your neighborhood country club or that next door neighbor’s garage gym.  Make sure to warm up properly, stretch and go light the first time. Gradually increase the weight as you progress.

Do not limit yourselves to the aforementioned activities. These are just some of the more accessible tools out there. The whole point is acting on the need to be healthy, but having fun in the process. Do what makes you happy. Do something that encourages perspiration.

photo from the internet

Start today and Never Stop.

#basketball #boxing #gym #fitfam #fitspiration #dancing #running #mannypacquiao #sharkswag #fitness