My many faces

Lots of us couldn't imagine life without training and would train every day if we could. We'd compete every weekend there was a tournament and travel to all IBJJF regional opens, so we could be ready to compete in the Big 4 when they arrive. Are there guys that do that? Yes. However, most of us can't. And even those that do that, go about the process in a very calculated manner. This to make sure they reach their optimum performance level also known as peak at the perfect time for the event with as minimal burnout as possible, of course no burnout is the preferred result. This involves the athlete doing nothing related to their sport 24 hours prior. This is because we don't actually get stronger while training we get stronger by resting after an intense workout, muscle fibers thicken as they repair themselves. Therefore, they get bigger and us by default stronger. It is rest and recovery that makes us stronger not the act exercise itself. This is also true for the learn...

People always ask "What do you love more BJJ or writing?" My answer is "I love art." I've said in previous posts that BJJ is the only thing that feeds both the artistic and scientific parts of my brain, while quenching that thirst for competition that has driven me since I was young. Whereas writing is, for the lack of a better term, peaceful torment. Putting words to paper in a creative format forces you to run the gambit of emotions. They are really two sides of the same coin. They are both my therapeutic canvas, but for very different reasons. I can't live without both they are integral parts of the triangle that makes me whole. I've written poems about BJJ and many of novels include BJJ in some capacity. There have been many times where I've adjusted novels thanks to an idea that came to when I was trying to finish a submission. The mat is one of my favorite places to think; the mat and the bathroom work best for me. The shower is a thinking ma...

This post is for all the aspiring writers out there. It was written by my friend and fellow author Kandie Delley. Kandie is the author of Curtains: The Collective Works, which is available on her website www.kandiedelley.com Although getting a book published is definitely a dream come true, I have to say, I'm extremely excited about this turning point in my literary career. In 2011, I will move into fiction with screenwriting and novel writing- a move that has been challenging yet fulfilling. Novel writing allows you to dive into your characters: the back story, the story arc, plots, and subplots -grabbing details about their surroundings and expressions- showing versus telling. It means having narrative that is just as engaging as the dialogue. Creative Writers also need to learn to write tight. On the other hand, screenwriting affords me the chance to focus on the action, the urgency of dialogue and the transformation of words from script to screen; taking storytelling to a new...

I've been away for a while. Everything is cool I've just been getting things together for 2010. With Emotions Volume 2 now subtitled Better Days(yes, thats the official name) scheduled for a spring release and the fact that I'm still working on Secret Paradise which will be my first novel things have been busy. In BJJ News I just competed at NAGA DC on October 10 th , I've been playing my matches over and over in my head since I left the venue I'm still waiting on the videos from the teammate who recorded them. In 2010, I'll attend Mundials (The World Championships) and I'll be damned if I dont come back with a medal or two around my neck. Now the belt level of the aformentioned medal(blue or purple belt) is up to Maguilla and how he plans to handle promotions in 2010. Speaking of Maguilla he was away the entire month of October he went home to brazil on "vacation". I firmly believe he went to go take the test to get his 5 th degree stripe...

For the many who don't know who I am, my name is Romeo Barnes. I have two goals in life. 1)Use my artistic skills to become famous 2)Use my fame to change the world I've wanted to be a writer since I was 14. Trying to become a published author and get your BJJ Black Belt at the same time is not an easy task. Today as I type this I reflect on my position in both areas. As a self-publishing author I must market and promote my own work; yet, as a martial artist I am dependent on someone else to evaluate my skills and promote me to the next level. This is the paradox that is my life. On paper I have complete control, on the mat I must force things to happen as I control nothing. I don't mind living in this paradox as this a simple one compared the other paradoxes of my life which I'll get into in later installments. Its the balance of this paradox that is complicated. Are you comfortable with the paradoxes of your life?