I have been through many ’phases’ in my 23 years. When I was younger I was straight edge, a punk rocker, a skater, a jock, a student, and now, it seems as though I have become somewhat of a wanderer.

Although my external appearance has undergone many changes (most of which occurred between the ages of eleven and nineteen), many aspects of my personality have stayed the same. As I matured I realized that all of these things were a part of who I was, and that I did not need to abandon other aspects of my personality depending on what one of these "looks" I was portraying at the time. It took me a while to realize that the clothing I wore was zero reflection of who I was or how I felt, and that I could be all of these things at the same time while staying true to myself.

Throughout the past two years of my life I have felt like somewhat of a nomad, never staying in the same place for an extended period of time. I have been in many cities, met countless people, and found myself in a number of situations that have taught me a lot about who I am. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from many different people in many different circumstances.

As a fighter I have learned techniques from many of the best jiu jitsu, judo, wrestling, thai boxing, and MMA practitioners across North America.

As a person, I have learned how to try to come to terms with the way I am. In many cases, this knowledge was gained from the same people.

The solitude of the road has been a blessing in many ways. However, at the same time, it has been a heavy burden on me. Have I been running away from my past in an attempt to bury my mistakes, or have I embarked on a journey of self discovery and enlightenment? These are the types of questions one has too much time to think about while traveling alone.

At certain periods it was as though I was forced to analyze where I was, what I was doing there, and who this place had made me become. It is impossible to lie to yourself. Life would be too easy if that were the case.

There is no other option than to get to know yourself, and to try and come to terms with the person you have become. Once you have accepted this reality, you can begin to weigh your options truthfully, and decide whether or not a particular place is for you, and how settling down or packing up everything and leaving will affect you and your goals, whatever they may be.

I believe the different places I have been and the people I have met during these travels have fit together in a strange puzzle that has shaped my outlook on this world, and my place in it. No matter how negative or positive my experiences have been, I have taken something away with me.

The other day I asked myself, has the time come for me to settle down, gather my thoughts, and allow myself to get attached to my surroundings and those around me? I think so. It is time to drop the anchor.

To those I have left behind, I have not forgotten you; your knowledge will accompany me along the way. To those I will meet in the future, perhaps there is a reason I have gravitated toward you. Time will tell how long we will be together.

I move when my heart says move.

The feeling one gets when his eyes meet with those of the man who has sweat, bled, and trained himself beyond his past limitations for battle is one of the most stressful, yet thrilling experiences I have ever known. I wish I was capable of putting these feelings to paper. If this was possible, I doubt my passion for competition would ever be questioned.

After three years of study at Carleton University I decided against returning for an honours degree, a decision that shocked many of the people closest to me. As much as I enjoyed learning, the stress of exams, papers, and balancing relationships had taken their toll on me physically. At one point, I had ballooned to 193 pounds. An honours degree was too little compensation for me to remain a student. I had had enough. My dreams of self discovery and professional competition had been put on hold for an education that did not reflect what I felt to be true knowledge. A new chapter in my life was about to begin.

Heres a picture of me at around 180 with my roommate at the time Curtis, we had a race to 200.

Another picture of hotness, even heavier, 190.

I had competed in kickboxing smoke matches and grappling tournaments throughout my stay at University. However, after I left school, I began to take training seriously. I found a number of great gyms and people in the Ottawa and Montreal area. When I was not at work, I was in the gym. I had begun to lose weight, gain self esteem, and enjoy learning for learnings sake. At this point I had been offered my first professional fight. An event I feel too significant to be just a coincidence.

After leaving school and dedicating a large part my life to training I was able to come to terms with many issues that had plagued my past. I have no need to hide my thoughts or dreams from others, nor do I need to seek their approval, I am comfortable with who I am, and the man I want to be. For now.