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.