For 17 years, I devoted myself to teaching the art of self-defense and guiding individuals to reach peak physical condition. But during this time, I suffered from body dysmorphia, a struggle born from the pressure I felt to mirror the idealized body types celebrated in pop culture.

I found myself falling down a dangerous path of exhausting my body with excessive workouts and starving my body of real nourishment. This took a major toll on my mental and physical well-being. Unable to continue, I decided to step away from teaching to find a better, healthier way of life.

My recovery started with a lot of self-reflection and research which eventually led to formal education and certifications in nutrition and fitness. Most importantly, I gained a new mindset that reframed my relationship with body image, food, and exercise.

Today, I nurture my mind and body with a more holistic approach to wellness – no restrictive diets, no endless hours of cardio. I prioritize balance and moderation to maintain a physique that gives me strength and confidence.  

My mother raised me and my three sisters in Denver, CO, just a few doors down from my Auntie and her three daughters. The only boy and youngest by 7 years, I’m grateful to have spent my youth surrounded by the love and wisdom of strong women.

Today, I live in Thornton, CO, with my wife and our two children. We have two dogs, a long-haired Chiwawau and a Multipoo.

I spend as much time as possible with my wife and kids. That often means supporting my daughter at gymnastics and dance events or relaxing together at home to catch a Nuggets game. And every Thursday night is date night, no exceptions.

Balancing family, business, and self-care is very important to me and I try to walk the walk by testing and living the protocols that I recommend to clients.