My Third San Da Fight , and First Loss...

So after months of training, hard work and anticipation here in Tempe, I'm now dealing with the disappointment of my first loss.

I'm doing my best remain mindful of the various mental states associated with the post fight period, and use that observation and awareness as a continuing part of the training process. After all, even after my win last year at the Kuo Shu in Baltimore, I felt the same sense of disappointment for not performing up to the standards I set for myself. As someone pointed out to me this weekend, apparently I'm a "closet perfectionist".

My biggest regret is not "going the distance". On my standing eight count in the second round, I was just trying to dig so deep to find the will to go on after getting rocked, and it just took me so long. Too long.

But watching the time in the video, I only had about 30 seconds left to go in the second round and I could have recovered enough to fight the third, especially, according to my point of view, considering that my opponent appeared to be gassing, while I still had plenty of gas in the tank. (Thanks to all the extremely brutal intervals I performed leading up to the fight, and also being able to remain mentally calm).

I feel there were a lot of factors that contributed to my loss, including the serious back injury I sustained in training just a few weeks prior to fight day (I was unable to walk for four days, and missed a whole week of training). The break in my training so close to the fight really affected my mental state in terms of confidence level. Additionally there was the difficulties of trying to train while being a father of three and working labor during the heat of an Arizona summer.

But overall, it really just comes down to my own lack of understanding (at this time) of how to apply my chosen martial art. Afterward my Sifu, Master Sam F.S. Chin told me "I keep telling you guys, the point of sticky hand is not to stick to your opponent, it's to get them to stick to you!" My opponent came out very aggressive, and my defensive mindset combined with being a bit too conservative in order to sustain my energy levels led to me to just taking too many big shots.

That being said, looking at the video, I feel I was still the more skilled fighter and it's a damn good fight to watch so, I hope you enjoy it!

Time for "Thank You's"

As always, the first thanks goes out to my Sifu, Master Sam F.S. Chin, for sharing his family art with me and taking me on as a disciple and lineage holder of the art. It's an honor and privilege I hold dear and I can only hope that in the years to come my skill level will reach a fraction of his so that I can uphold the art with honor and integrity.

To my wife, Natasha for supporting me in my efforts to become the best martial artists and self I can be. I couldn't have gotten as far as I have without her willingness to allow me to spend our personal finances on training and travel, and time away from the family, leaving her alone with three young kids.

To Laoshi Mark Jones of Hong Fa Yi Wing Chun in Tempe, Arizona, for allowing me to run a program in his outstanding facility.

Eric, my sparring partner for the last three years. As a result of his continued dedication to advancing in his own art, we've both come forward together.

A special "Thank you" goes out to my new student Stacy, who spent her own time, money and effort to accompany me to Texas to capture the weekend in pictures and video and to serve as support for the competitors. Her efforts made the weekend much smoother for everyone.

To Master Jimmy Wong and his students of USA Chin Woo for the monumental efforts of organizing an event of the magnitude of the "Legends of Kung Fu" tournament. It's a true honor to participate in a competition with such history and significance to the Chinese martial arts community as a Chin Woo (Jing Wu) event. His efforts bring honor to the founder of Chin Woo, Huo, Yuan Jiai, and his ideal of martial art and competition as method of personal development. Martial arts are an activity that require participation and cooperation (without an opponent there is no fight, so no need for martial arts, and without partners there is no opportunity to train) and without the efforts of Master Jimmy Wong, there would have been no opportunity for so many excellent martial artists to compete.

Similarly, to the the judges and tournament officials for spending their own time and effort to travel from around the country and world to help with the event. Despite my own disagreements on certain issues regarding judging, your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Lastly, to anyone and everyone who I may have missed, but never the less, supported me along the way.

You can view about 50 photos from the entire weekend here.