HOLA.
Happy March- What does that mean?
Spring, longer days and renewal and/or new beginnings. 🙂
Bit of a shorty today; Enjoy!
Injury Update
You may/may not know but I was injured training in thailand back in Mid December. I was unsure whether it was my back or hip but when I got back over the holidays I got checked out and they concluded I had injured my back, lumbar disc compression on a nerve. Got some cortisone shots and was sent my way.
Anyways, at the start of last month the injury came back even worse to the point where I couldn’t put weight on my leg, walk, sit, stand for longer than a few minutes.
Pain to me is interesting. I believe one of the hallmarks of a good athlete and coach is the ability to tolerate pain. Pain is a natural thing in the sport and being able to zen out and not think of it, or avoid it or be frightened of it is part of the journey.
I’d like to think I have a high threshold for it but that comes with a few detriments.
The pain in December was.. Tolerable? It was very very painful but this time around it was excruciating. I’ve never been in this kind of pain before.
It has truly been agonizing and I have been completely humbled by it.
Long story short Back in December they told me it would take 3-6 months before I would feel ‘recovered’ if I did everything correctly.
This last visit at the start of February they finally said that I had to rest. No working out, no training, pad holding, etc. nothing physical aside from walking short distances and a ton of physical therapy.
The medication they gave me caused weird side effects such as memory loss and scattered thinking.
It’s been an overall weird experience but I’ve been trying super hard to remain positive and hopeful despite the circumstances.
Few things:
I truly want to apologize if I haven’t been my best, patient self. I am in constant pain (think a really bad toothache but running down my entire leg) and sometimes it’s so overwhelming I can’t even think straight.
It’s been remarkable seeing everyone come together to help me out as with the athletes and classes.
Watching the coaches and senior members work with everyone as well as the Comp/Dev team members train with the athletes has been so fucking cool to see.
Everyone is so skilled and talented. I truly am in awe.
So if you noticed me missing a bit it is just that I need the rest. I am getting 1% better everyday and slowly tapering off the medication.
Judging by how I feel at the moment- I may need the full 6 months to be back to form.
So thank you all for all your help, patience and understanding. I appreciate everyone helping with this and I will never take movement for granted ever again.
Member Appreciation Day:
Thank you to everyone that came out! It is truly such a joy to see you guys come together, bond, make friends, new connections and memories.
Thank you to Sandra and Josh for the pupusa help, to Tim and Jewel for the photo help, Julie for the flowers and the coaches for being there to help clean afterwards.
Pictures coming soon!
Competition Team Sponsorship:
We had great fundraising a few years back and didn’t run any the last two years but we are running low on the reserves and a few people have been asking how else they can help. Thank you!
For our athletes, we try to subsidize as much of the cost of competition as possible so that they can focus on their training.
When we have active competitors, it helps the entire community with leveling up the skill level of the athletes and coaches. This in turn helps us become better coaches and training partners.
It also helps with exposure and recognition of the gym.
How would you like to help grow a career & community?
Whether you are a long-time supporter of the US Muay Thai scene or are brand new to training, sponsoring a local gym or athlete is a great way to become more involved with the sport and community. While the majority of practitioners may never compete, every athlete that does gains invaluable experience and knowledge that then cycles back into the general population of the gym. Financially supporting an athlete is an investment into a future coach and leader, which ultimately propels the growth of the community as a whole.
Be a part of the success!
As a patron, you can be a part of the team’s achievement and success even if you have limited availability to directly help train with the athletes. Each win belongs to the entire gym community and its sponsors.
This is a great way to promote yourself or your business!
You are also supporting a local Los Angeles native POC small business with a large online and in-person demographic, which serves as a potential opportunity to promote your own business’ products or services.
Also, you don’t have to own a business, you can just be a patron and donate to the team!
For more information:
Some of the metrics have to be updated, but all pricing information can be found in the ‘Sponsorship Tiers section’ of the page.
We currently have a few athletes on deck to compete in Delaware and Phoenix this month, with more traveling and local dates scheduled for April.
Coaching Anniversary:
16 years ago I started my ‘professional’ coaching career.
I thought I would only be doing it for a bit to supplement my income while I competed.
LOL.
16 years later- Just look at this mess. :p
It’s been an absolute HONOR to call this my life and am always totally flattered anyone would consider training under me or the TBI name.
Thank you all for your trust in me. I am grateful for the purpose in my life and the ability to do what I do.
February Newsletter:
Re-read it- It’s very good with a ton of pertinent information!
UPCOMING EVENTS
TBI Goes to Delaware (March 16th)
Bryan Popejoy Comes to TBI (May 10th)
TBI Celebrates 13 Years (June 13th)
MARCH CURRICULUM
3/3-3/8: Fight Camp Shiet
3/10-3/15: Freestyle/Review
3/17-3/22: Double Head Movements
3/24-3/29: Developing Hand Speed