Growing up in Corona, California, during the 80s was no walk in the park. It was a time and place where you had to fight—literally—to make it through grade school and junior high. For me, self-defense wasn’t a hobby; it was a necessity, forged in the streets out of sheer survival.
Early Lessons and Life-Altering Moments
My journey into the world of resilience began early, thanks to my dad. He taught my brother and me to shoot when I was just five years old. We spent our days riding motorcycles, playing soccer, and skateboarding. Life was a mix of adrenaline and adventure until the last day of 6th grade, when everything changed.
I had just switched schools, and on my first day, I beat the fastest kid in the 100-yard dash. His girlfriend liked me, and he wasn’t having any of that. By the end of the day, I found myself surrounded by 7 or 8 guys, ready to jump me. But I didn’t go down. I fought back with everything I had and, when I finally broke free, no one could catch me as I sprinted home. That experience lit a fire in me, one that pushed me to quit soccer and dive headfirst into bodybuilding for the next five years.
But it wasn’t just about getting stronger; it was about channeling all that anger and energy into something productive. At 14, my life took a pivotal turn when I became a Christian. The wild path I was on suddenly had direction and purpose, and I started to tame the storm inside me.
The Path to Physical Therapy and Beyond
At 12, after countless fights and a few too many back injuries from overzealous workouts, I decided I wanted to be a physical therapist. My passion for anatomy and physiology became an obsession, fueled by reading every issue of Muscle & Fitness from cover to cover. By the time I started seeing a PT for my injuries, I already knew more than most. It only made sense to turn that knowledge into a career, which I eventually did.
But even as I pursued a career in healing, the lessons of self-defense my dad taught me remained at the forefront of my mind. At 18, I discovered a new passion—surfing. Even though Corona was an hour away from the beach, I made the move to the coast at 23 and married Jen, the girl I’d met back in Corona. Surfing quickly became my life, and it didn’t take long before I was competing in contests and snagging sponsorships from top brands like Dragon Sunglasses, Victory Wetsuits, and Katin Surf Shop.
Riding the Waves and Embracing the Grind
Surfing wasn’t just a sport; it was a mission. I set a goal to surf every spot on the California coast, including the most obscure spots up north in Big Sur and Santa Cruz. My adventures took me to some wild places—like the time I was bitten by a seal, or when I locked eyes with a 10-foot sea lion just 20 feet away from me in the lineup at 4 Mile Beach. I’ve even faced down 20-foot waves in Santa Barbara and Kauai, pushing myself to the limit and loving every minute of it.
In 2011, I found a new passion in competitive shooting. After a brief hiatus, I jumped back in full force in 2015 and started training in Filipino martial arts, including Atienza and Sayoc Kali. Now, I compete in PCC (USPSA “A” class), CO division, and multigun matches. I typically shoot at @ohshoot PRG, @shootnrg Route 66 & @WEGC multigun. I’m also a Range Safety Officer, helping others pursue their passion safely.
Today, I live in Costa Mesa, California, where I’m fortunate enough to surf before work several days a week, usually at Southside Huntington Pier. Most Saturdays, you’ll find me competing in shooting matches, both locally and out of state. My wife and I are proud parents of two grown children who are thriving in their own careers—our daughter, who’s married and working in Huntington Beach, and our son, a 22-year-old real estate agent in Newport Beach.
Finding a Kindred Spirit in Guts & Grit
My journey eventually led me to discover @guts.and.grit on Instagram, where I was immediately drawn to their strong support for the shooting community. Their logos, apparel, and unwavering commitment to quality resonated with me on a deep level. They’re not just a brand; they’re a movement, embodying the same patriotic spirit that drives me.
If you’re looking for apparel that stands for something real, hit them up. Their clothing is built to last and represents the spirit of hard work, dedication, and love for this great country. Use code NEO for 15% off all items and join the Guts & Grit family.