This week Sarah and I discuss how in general, fighters are known to have massive amounts of grit to endure, not only what happens in the ring, in the cage or on the mats; but to endure the days, weeks, months and years of training to prepare for whats going to happen in the scrap. It is honorable and noble to exhibit grit through these challenges, but what most people aren't talking about is the "grace" that a fighter wants to possess as well. We are all "fighters" in this journey that we call life. It is a daily campaign to experience this journey in the most conscious way possible. Since Sar ..read more

In this week's episode we chat about the benefits of having, planning and implementing a wake up (morning) routine. Instead of jumping (or falling) out of bed half asleep and running face first into the hecticness of your day, developing a daily routine to "warm up" is absolutely vital.  Championing a life of health, fitness and well-being (aka physical culture) takes intentional habits and actions that will keep you on the mission. Not to say that life won't knock you off course, but having purposeful actions, 9 times out of 10, will put you back on the straight and narrow path towa ..read more

We're back! Took a couple weeks off as we did our best to ride the ebbs and flows of life, but as we love say...fall 7 times, stand up 8.  Today we chat about a concept that we all go through with any challenge or endeavor in our lives, but we are not even aware of the process. The concept of the Hierarchy of Competence. This is a vital concept to be aware of when attempting to acquire any skill. I relate this back to my own Muay Thai journey and how it applies to any martial art. Sarah also relates this concept back to how many of us approach diet/nutrition. Listen until the end as I sha ..read more

In this episode, we share our experience of going through Hurricane Sandy living in Rockaway Beach, NY. Realizing that letting ego, pride and wanting to be right can back-fire when life and limb are on the line.  Sarah shares 7 crucial tactics to get you through this holiday season so that you don't feel like you fell off a wagon and down a ravine.  With this Thanksgiving we want extend a HUGE Champ Up to you guys that are following our journey, stories and fight to thrive in mind, body and soul.  Remember to jump in our FB group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/champuplifest ..read more

In this episode, Chris and Sarah exchange memories of when they started the mission of building their gym. They shared all the triumphs and downfalls of their adventure. They had a vision of being a staple in the Rockaways. Still, an unexpected situation arose that threw up many struggles, but their faith and dedication in pursuing their goals are much more substantial. According to Chris and Sarah, building your dream, you'll face some hardships, challenges, and disappointments, which is a part of the process. But, It depends on you if you let those situations define you, or you're going to u ..read more

In this episode, Chris and Sarah take a little break from tripping down memory lane of the fighting days and celebrate a huge accomplishment for the H.O.G.   Another stepping stone to in Sarah’s life long journey towards gut health and overall well-being. They talk about how vital it is to understand that no matter how much information and knowledge that one can accumulate, when it comes to taking the first step, it always boils down to, practicing the basics.   It's not about how much you know, it's about how much you apply. They relate it back to martial arts, health and fitness, b ..read more

In this episode, Sarah and Chris talk about the importance of losing (fights and in life) in order to build your internal strength, keeping in mind, you grow through what you go through. Obstacles, setbacks, and failures are all part of the journey to go after what you want. They also talk about how bringing Cheetos as a post-weigh-in snack is a horrible NO NO in the book of CROM.  Chris goes on to share how being treated as the hometown underdog had him dig deep mentally and work harder than ever, ultimately earning bragging rights for NYC. When you lean into the fear and self-doubt, thi ..read more

After being side-lined for months and being stuck in his own judgements, assumptions, interpretations and limiting beliefs, Chris finally set his ego aside to move forward. And with that decision, still faced a major set-back in preparation to return to the ring. Chris and Sarah dive-in on how becoming aware of patience, building your mental strength and how sometimes not knowing what to do is ok too.   We are all on different paths but one thing is certain, disappointment and hardship are inevitable. Think about your life.  What circumstance are you facing that is testing your resol ..read more

In this episode, Chris and Sarah dive back into the Trilogy that kept NYC on its toes. Canada sends their top gun to get the big payback. Also, listen in on the difference between a healthy vs unhealthy ego and how that it will make you or break you. Chris talks about how the tough guy mentality can keep you sidelined and what you can do to shift internal beliefs, get out of your comfort zone by realizing it’s time to take ownership and accountability.  ..read more

In this week's episode Chris and Sarah flashback to the days when the neighbors to the north crossed the border to attempt to take NYC by storm. After recapping the transition from amateur to pro, they dive into fights that led to a series of fights against a powerhouse camp from Toronto, Canada. Stepping up the competition will always have it's highs and lows, but that’s what it takes to grow. A huge part of growth is embracing fear and ego, but moving forward accordingly.    ..read more