The Story Behind The Clothing And Gear
Since I was young, I always had a strong desire for God, as well as sports, fitness, boxing, and martial arts. However, it wasn't until later in life (my early 30's) when I began to seriously engage the art of boxing & mixed martial arts (MMA).
Starting in the fall of 2007, I was blessed to have the opportunity to travel around America and train, study, learn, and grow at some of the best boxing and MMA gym's in the country, such as: Renzo Gracie Academy (NYC), American Top Team (FL), Xtreme Couture (Las Vegas), Legends Gym (Hollywood), Wild Card Boxing Club (Hollywood), Fortune Gym (Hollywood), Hayastan MMA Academy (North Hollywood), Black House-Team Nogueria (San Diego), Victory/Throwdown Elite (San Diego) and many more.
Along this path, I intently observed & studied many well respected coaches, trainers, boxers, martial artists, and MMA fighters. I took in the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical aspects - as well as their applications in everyday life (outside of training/fighting).
Along this path, I intently observed & studied many well respected coaches, trainers, boxers, martial artists, and MMA fighters. I took in the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical aspects - as well as their applications in everyday life (outside of training/fighting).
Bruce Lee mentioned
Too much time is given to the development of skill and too little time towards the development of the individual for participation.
Mr. Miyagi and Daniel (The Karate Kid movie) spoke about why one trains to fight
So one won't have to fight (no desire to fight unless absolutely necessary).
Paul said
For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8
Jesus said
You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others]. Matthew 22:39
...whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your [willing and humble] slave. Matthew 20:26-27
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled [before others], and he who habitually humbles himself (keeps a realistic self-view) will be exalted. Luke 14:11
During this time of living/training like a "fighter", I was also given many open doors/opportunities to intimately experience the amateur and professional fight life (with fighters, coaches, trainers, gyms, managers, agents, promoters, sports media, events/shows, conventions, social gatherings, etc). This was an eye-opening experience (many things are not what we assume/perceive to be - some for the better and some for the worse).
I certainly had my share of testings, trials, hardships, and failures. There were plenty of times when fears, worries, doubts, and unbelief consumed me; which hindered me in so many ways - spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and of course physically. I also had to contend with numerous personal vices - stubborn/headstrong, pride/ego, anger/hurts, lack of discipline, worldly enticements/idolatry, etc. However, there were many other times (in spite of the aforementioned struggles) that God empowered me with peace, joy, direction, calmed focus, humility, wisdom, ability/technique, amazing feats of both moral and physical strength, courage, protection, perseverance, and success. Thank You Jesus for Your loving favor :-)
God also continued to show me how important (and rewarding) it was to help, build up and encourage others; truly care and lookout for them (be more selfless, considerate, sacrificial). I learned to be more open, real, honest, humble, and sharing of myself as well as all insights I gained/experienced - hoping for improved skills in everyone (but most importantly, changed lives that please God). Most of the time, I viewed others at the gym as my brothers/sisters (instead of just coaches, trainers, partners, teammates, competitors). During training & sparring sessions, I couldn't inflict any hostility/pain on anyone. If guys were going hard on me, I was OK with it, but I wouldn't reciprocate. I don't like hurting people (God literally holds me back). Any aggression I had was toward bags & pads; never people.
I certainly had my share of testings, trials, hardships, and failures. There were plenty of times when fears, worries, doubts, and unbelief consumed me; which hindered me in so many ways - spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and of course physically. I also had to contend with numerous personal vices - stubborn/headstrong, pride/ego, anger/hurts, lack of discipline, worldly enticements/idolatry, etc. However, there were many other times (in spite of the aforementioned struggles) that God empowered me with peace, joy, direction, calmed focus, humility, wisdom, ability/technique, amazing feats of both moral and physical strength, courage, protection, perseverance, and success. Thank You Jesus for Your loving favor :-)
God also continued to show me how important (and rewarding) it was to help, build up and encourage others; truly care and lookout for them (be more selfless, considerate, sacrificial). I learned to be more open, real, honest, humble, and sharing of myself as well as all insights I gained/experienced - hoping for improved skills in everyone (but most importantly, changed lives that please God). Most of the time, I viewed others at the gym as my brothers/sisters (instead of just coaches, trainers, partners, teammates, competitors). During training & sparring sessions, I couldn't inflict any hostility/pain on anyone. If guys were going hard on me, I was OK with it, but I wouldn't reciprocate. I don't like hurting people (God literally holds me back). Any aggression I had was toward bags & pads; never people.
Side note... Years later I finally came to realize & admit that striking (punches/elbows/kicks/knees) in combat sports is too violent when competing/prize fighting, since the primary objective is to hurt/damage/knockout your opponent (it's actually incentivized/rewarded). As a result, I reluctantly lost interest in watching/following all competitive combat sports that involve striking. However, beyond competition; training in combat sports that include striking is beneficial in many ways, as long as there's no intent or motive to harm/injure anyone (see Proverbs 3:31 and Ephesians 4:31).
Back to the story... All along, God was revealing Himself (His good, kind, loving, powerful nature) to both me and others. First, God wanted me to get to know Him more and trust Him more (God building up & strengthening my faith in Him), through the amazing experiences He & I shared together (what He was doing in me & through me). Then, God also wanted to use me to show Himself (His amazing ways, truths, love, grace) onto others (again, by what He was doing in me & through me). There were times when I did not understand what God was doing, but He eventually opened my eyes (see Romans 11:33-36).
The Clothing And Gear Begins
In the fall of 2012, I began training at Freddie Roach's Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, CA. While at the gym (and practically everywhere else I went), I noticed a lot of the clothing and gear people wore & used was vain, offensive, immoral, deceitful, and evil/occult via the words/messages and images/symbols shown (here's some info on the occult, esoteric, lies, and evil that is so prevalent in this world). This concerned me more and more, as most people weren't aware, or worse yet, they didn't care. So that's when I was led to start writing "Jesus" and short Godly truths/messages on shirts and gloves I had (using a permanent marker). I then wore them to the gym hoping to share God, truth, and encourage others.
Some Examples
CLICK PICTURES TO ENLARGE
Since Freddie Roach's boxing gym is very well known and in the heart of Hollywood, many types of people with different backgrounds, cultures, and races from all over America and the World go there... men/women/children (young & old), wide ranges of social & intellectual types as well as religious & spiritual beliefs, beginner/amateur/pro boxers & MMA fighters, former fighters, trainers/coaches, managers/promoters, media, fans, people who want to get in shape, people who want to train like fighters, law enforcement/military, celebrities, etc.
The responses and feedback I received while wearing/displaying the marked-up shirts & gloves was interesting. Experiences ranged from... frequent looks of interest and/or confusion my way, head nods of approval, short discussions, deep/intimate conversations, civil disagreements, spiritual warfare, shift's in the atmosphere, realignment with God, encouragement, prayers, giving out free Bibles, sharing Godly messages/media/music, and more. There was plenty of learning, helping, sharing, and growing together. This occurred with many different people there, from all walks of life.
I then began to wear these home-grown minimalist (yet proven very effective) shirts outside of the gym in typical public places/spaces. Likewise, many interesting experiences, interactions, and conversations took place.
Whenever I planned to wear the clothing/gear I made sure to pray beforehand (and continue in prayer while wearing), asking God for less of me and more of Him. There were times when I was hesitant, intimidated, and afraid (among other things); but regardless of my thoughts/feelings/emotions, I committed to stay the course - God always came through! He empowered me to endure, persevere, overcome. His unwavering faithfulness and love just can't be compared to anyone or anything.
The responses and feedback I received while wearing/displaying the marked-up shirts & gloves was interesting. Experiences ranged from... frequent looks of interest and/or confusion my way, head nods of approval, short discussions, deep/intimate conversations, civil disagreements, spiritual warfare, shift's in the atmosphere, realignment with God, encouragement, prayers, giving out free Bibles, sharing Godly messages/media/music, and more. There was plenty of learning, helping, sharing, and growing together. This occurred with many different people there, from all walks of life.
I then began to wear these home-grown minimalist (yet proven very effective) shirts outside of the gym in typical public places/spaces. Likewise, many interesting experiences, interactions, and conversations took place.
Whenever I planned to wear the clothing/gear I made sure to pray beforehand (and continue in prayer while wearing), asking God for less of me and more of Him. There were times when I was hesitant, intimidated, and afraid (among other things); but regardless of my thoughts/feelings/emotions, I committed to stay the course - God always came through! He empowered me to endure, persevere, overcome. His unwavering faithfulness and love just can't be compared to anyone or anything.
If you don't know/believe/trust/love Jesus, I encourage you to seek Him (just simply ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you - He will). I'm not talking about religion, or religious activities, or rituals, or tradition, or culture, or an outward display of holiness, or a superficial pursuit of God. However, I am talking about becoming personally acquainted with God - to know and truly understand His love, goodness, and greatness (to deeply cherish Him).
god formed us, sin deforms us, jesus transforms us
Jesus said to him,
"I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life;
no one comes to the Father but through Me."
"I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life;
no one comes to the Father but through Me."
And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].
Acts 4:12
Acts 4:12
For I passed on to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to [that which] the Scriptures [foretold], and that He was buried, and that He was [bodily] raised on the third day according to [that which] the Scriptures [foretold]
1 Corinthians 15:3
1 Corinthians 15:3
For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.
1 Timothy 4:8
1 Timothy 4:8
Now every athlete who [goes into training and] competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable [crown that cannot wither]. Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air [just shadow boxing]. But [like a boxer] I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached [the gospel] to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified [as unfit for service].
1 Corinthians 9:25-27
1 Corinthians 9:25-27
Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own.
I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12, Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12, Philippians 3:14
...aim at and pursue righteousness [true goodness, moral conformity to the character of God], godliness [the fear of God], faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil]; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and [for which] you made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:11-12
1 Timothy 6:11-12
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
Joshua 1:9
In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.
Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].
So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart), and having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news].
Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.
Ephesians 6:10-18
Ephesians 6:10-18
JESUS Way Truth Life
Godly Living. Oneness Driven. Biblical Lifestyle.
Godly Living. Oneness Driven. Biblical Lifestyle.
