Tony Gonzalez: "Your body says quit, but your mind says keep going"

Tony standing on the far left with his blue belt

One of the neatest things about Jiu-Jitsu is the extended network of brotherhood we fall into once we become committed students. This brotherhood is a bond amongst warriors who have had to earn all that they have. It's a brotherhood where we all compete for the one common goal. To fight the good fight and better our bodies, minds, and spirits by bettering those around us. When I received an encouraging e-mail from Tony, I knew I had to share his triumphs with everyone. Thank you for sharing Tony.

1. Please tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Tony Gonzalez age 44. I’ve been living with MS for 14 to 20 years. Raised in Newark NJ, and served in the USMC. In 2008 my family & I relocated to Florida.  I reside here with my beautiful wife Teri. She is a Colon cancer survivor. We have identical twin boys Justin & Brandon, age 11.

2. When and why/how did you start Jiu-jitsu? 

 I started BJJ in April of 2010, along with my sons. We joined Marico Cruz Bjj, in Lutz, Fl. I was asked to try a free class. I was hesitant at first. I was still getting over a relapse from my illness. The class was tough; my stamina was not at the same level as any of the other students. But, I showed up for class # 2. Determined to give it another try.

3. Why do you like Jiu-Jitsu? What do you get out of your training?

BJJ keeps me healthy. I’ve become an addict. Keeps me focused, I feel my body come alive on & off the mat.

3. Who do you look up to in Jiu-Jitsu? If you could do a private lesson with anyone who would it be? 

My instructor Marico Cruz is a great instructor. He knows my limitations, but he’s got patience. But, a private lesson would be with Marico Cruz & Marcelo Garcia.

4. How have these people shaped your life? What elements about them do you relate with?

BJJ teaches you to take care of body & mind. The sport encourages clean living with diet & attitude. Friendship & family are a priority.

5. What has been some of the frustrating moments for you in your training? 

Second month of training I broke my ankle on the mat, practicing a move. I still attended class with my brace on. I would sit & watch Marico Cruz teach the techniques. One month later, I was back on the mat.

6. How did you overcome those frustrations? 

Master Cruz actually gave me a stripe for attending class with my broke ankle.

7. How would you describe the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle?

Master Cruz would always say “Tony your body says quit, but your mind says keep going”. BJJ encourages you to focus on making your body better.

8. How has the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle made an impact on your life?

It’s my obsession. It’s a lifestyle that I can share with my kids.

9. What are your future goals? What do you hope to accomplish from doing Jujitsu?

My future goals are to stay with the sport. I hope to pass on the positive changes to my sons. MS can’t take that away.  

Tony Gonzalez

BJJ FOR LIFE OSSSS!

Eliot Kelly

El Dorado Hills Jiu-Jitsu

"Fill someone's cup with yours and trust that your cup will be filled by another."

An Attitude of Gratitude

An Attitude of Gratitude is something we can all have regardless of our circumstances. The events that take place in life are many times beyond our control. However, our attitude towards those events are completely in our control. Have an ATTITUDE of GRATITUDE and even the most difficult events will become much more of a joy to overcome! Here is a story I would like to share with you.

     This summer I was bailing hay at the Eternal Warrior Wrestling Camp in Trego, Montana. At first it was hot and dry, my allergies started kicking up as soon as we started moving hey. After a couple hours, the weather took a turn and all of a sudden we were ambushed by the rain. "This sucks...." To add to the conditions, the tall stack of hay at the barn had been mismanaged and had fallen over. "This sucks...."Not only did we have to continue collecting the hay in the fields, but also had to come back to re-stack the hay at the barn, adding about four hours to the labor intensive job. "This sucks....."

      In the middle of all this, I started to think to myself, "Why am I so negative.....?" I realized I was frustrated by things that were beyond my control. I couldn't control the rain, I couldn't control the hay falling, I couldn't control having to work an extended amount of hours. Things were bad and my attitude "this sucks...." was making it worse.  At some point during the day I became conscious of my attitude and started to think of ways to have an attitude of gratitude. Grateful that I could take a break and drink a bottle of water. Grateful that there were delicious PB&J sandwiches. Grateful that I was able to do the stuff, be in Montana, surrounded by many good people. The reality was that things weren't really that bad, and I was making it worse by being negative. Having an attitude of gratitude helped me appreciate the process of working. Rather than just having a positive attitude, but an attitude of gratitude took the focus on what was bad and helped me find the good things of the moment. 

So, have an Attitude of Gratitude. Thank those around you. Appreciate what you get to do even when it's raining and things are falling down, there are always things you can be grateful for. Doing so will only make you stronger and the people around you better. 

Eliot Kelly

El Dorado Hills JiuJitsu

"An Attitude of Gratitude builds Champions!"