The Long Journey

"It takes a loss to appreciate a win" has never been more true to me then it does now. Three years in the making and here I am today with Gold medal around my neck.

Going into this International Tournament the first year and coming home with a silver medal was already more then I had expected, and with all of that confidence and experience that I had gained from the first year, I was ready to come back the following year to win the Gold for Canada. Unfortunately, I was ill prepared, over confident, and just simply shocked by the level of competition that was present that year. I had lost my first fight on my second round by split decision and came back with a huge depression. Couldn't believe that I had lost and been pushed out of the tournament so easily when I had made such an impression the first year. There was really no one but myself to blame and that was why I had a hard time getting over it. Finally after a lot of help from close ones, I got out of that pathetic depression and once again was more then ever hungry for success. I started my training at 6 months of the tournament and with time dwindling down, my training became more and more intense. Being humbled at my last defeat and with a more realistic perception of my competition for this year definitively helped me prepare for what I was getting myself into.

Still I could not have made it without all the support from my team, coaches, and supporters. This note is really for all of them...so here it is.

First I would like to send my appreciation to my Canadian Team who was there to support me and cheer me on:

(Alphabetically)

Grand Master Augustin Ngu
Abigail Ocreto - Equipment Manager
James - Corner Coach 2
Haley Family
Irfaun Ally - Training Partner
Tim McPhee - Corner Coach
Mary Ram - Equipment Manager 2 / A/V Specialist
Mikhail Family
Wu Family

It would not have been the same without you guys there. Thank you all of you for providing me with a sense of home and familiarity in a strange and unfamiliar place.

Also a Thank you to those who supported me and helped me prepare for this tournament:

(Alphabetically)

All Master's Lei Tai and Advanced Sparring Team
Sifu Calvin Chung and his Chung's Martial Arts Academy SandaTeam
Christopher Torrano
The Toronto Throwdown Group
Sifu Zack George and his Double Dragon Sanshou/Kickboxing Team

I wouldn't have made it without you guys. Should you guys ever need anything from me please do not hesitate to let me know.

Thank you everyone and see you guys hopefully at the World Championship.