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My name is T.J. I was athletic all of my "young" life but over the past 10 years I've "grown" comfortable and not exercised.

I started in martial arts when I was 9. Our Kenpo lineage was also from Professor Chow, but we didn't "Americanize" as much like Sifu Ed Parker did. I stayed active competetively (fighting) for the next 8 years. I was the state champ for 7 of those years, as well as a

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My name is T.J. I was athletic all of my "young" life but over the past 10 years I've "grown" comfortable and not exercised.

I started in martial arts when I was 9. Our Kenpo lineage was also from Professor Chow, but we didn't "Americanize" as much like Sifu Ed Parker did. I stayed active competetively (fighting) for the next 8 years. I was the state champ for 7 of those years, as well as a few out of state international championships. I was recognized as an expert in my style as well as several others before I left.

When I did leave, it was for the U.S. Marines when I was 18 and that was a very smooth transition (physically and structurally rank-wise) from the dojo I had just left. I had excelled through boot camp having been called up twice for meritorious promotion (though they could not give me the rank as the Marines do not give the rank of E4 meritoriously). I had entered boot camp at a "cut" 142 lbs, added 20 more lbs. of muscle, and left at a more "manly" 162 lbs.

I then researched/sought out (I'm extremely particular about martial arts) 2 other styles of martial arts. My first ended up being Japanese Ninjutsu. I didn't get to stay nearly as long as I would have liked to due to turbulent times at that age the $$ issues involved in the travel necessary for me to continue that training. I liked it very much however and took some very good philosophies with me.

The next was Chinese Wing Chun Kung Fu. Once again due to monetary issues I wasn't able to continue the travel necessary to maintain my training. I VERY much liked that martial art and continue to have a lot of respect for it. Perhaps some day I will return to it. The philosophies and principles involved are fantastic. The energy work side of it was very much what I had been looking for, for a LONG time. The only downside to Kenpo is the lack of any "pure" energy (chi) work. There is a little bit as a side product, but not a pure teaching. I believe you can only take your physical side so far.

There was a story I was told while in Ninjutsu about 2 old masters. One was a martial arts master (Sifu) and the other was a yoga master. The yoga master came to the Sifu one day and asked to learn his art. The Sifu politely told him that there was nothing he could teach him, for they were equals.

The point being that they are both intended to take you to the same place. Enlightenment. One does it through a martial art and the other through yoga. Now I've always appreciated this story for what it is, just a story. Logically, to me at least, the yoga master having attained enlightenment "should" already realize they are at the same level =). But the point is still there. It's just a matter of which path you take, and to make sure you take one that DOES lead there. You will not achieve it with a purely physical side alone. Hence my looking for a different martial art upon returning from the military. I would be just as happy with a "traditional" yoga at this point.

So, now we come to the p90x program. I've just purchased it after seeing it advertised for quite some time. I've researched it online and watched a good number of folks share their own videos freely online as well. I've seen "real people getting their real results". I am now motivated to get myself back into shape! I am overweight but I know I have a good frame underneath to build upon and I am quite curious to see what form it will take once the fat is removed and the muscles re-chiseled =). I WILL be a success story!

I will be posting my current pictures up and starting my program tomorrow. I'm approximately 196lbs now. My goal is to have finished my first round of p90x by my birthday in 3 months. October 15th is the deadline! I have a goal, I have the motivation, and I have the commitment. I also have a supporting family that would very much like to see their son/brother back in a RIPPED shape!!

I plan on following the classic approach. Unfortunately at this time I do not have the money to purchase all that I need to follow the diet exactly. I will do what I can and not cheat by eating candies and such. I've already given up drinking alcohol the past couple weeks in preparation for this event. I will get on the strict diet once I can afford to do so, but as I said, until then I will have to fake it til' I make it!

I really look forward to this adventure and having all of my friends and family asking me "What the HELL have you been up to T.J.?!!" I'm here to "bring it"

Thanks for reading =) and best of luck to you on your journey!

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