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Toys 4 Tots: Martial Arts School helping the Community

Written by Din Thomas on December 16, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Toys for Toys

I knew it would be a grueling 12 hours.  Trying not to think too much about it, I walked into the academy with 3 gis and a half gallon of “Hulk Juice”, well that’s what I call it.  It consists mostly of kale, spinach, cucumber, and whatever pieces of fruit I have laying around.  And of course, if you know me by now, I had an oversized cup of coffee (CARBS).  That was it and that was all I wanted.

Instead of free rolling, I wanted to break it up into 5- minute rounds.  As the day progressed, I was welcomed by many fellow BJJ players, from current students at American Top Team Treasure Coast to friends from other academies that stopped by to do their part in the toy drive.  It was certainly a great feeling to have so many pass by and share the love.  What was an even better feeling was to have some spend the entire day with us training round after round.  Much thanks to all that showed up in the morning and didn’t leave until the night.  I know you are feeling it today the way I am feeling it…and boy does it hurt!

By the time a representative from the Toys for Tots organization showed up, he was blown away by the 4 boxes of toys that we had collected.  Thinking he was coming to just collect one box, he had to run back and get 3 more boxes to fit all the toys.  It was a blessing to see the day unfold.  To do what I love, train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and be able to use that power to give back to the community.  There is so much more we can do.  This is just the beginning.

Dedicated to helping those in need,

Din Thomas

American Top Team Treasure Coast offering Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Kickboxing for all ages in Port St Lucie, Jensen Beach, Palm City, and Stuart.  30 Day FREE Training

 

 

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We are more than a Martial Arts Academy

Written by Din Thomas on December 2, 2012 · Leave a Comment

American Top Team, more than punches and kicks

When people think of Martial Arts schools they think of punches, kicks, grappling, respect, discipline, etc.  Yes, all of that occurs in most schools.  Well I would at least hope so.  We strive for that…and more.
On Friday, Nov. 16th, Coach Anthony Esposito assembled a food drive/Grapple-a-thon for the Treasure Coast Food Bank.  Even though he had done this before, this year, with the help of our students and community, we shattered our record.  We collected over 600lbs of food to donate to needy families on the Treasure Coast.  These are families that may have been able to have a decent Thanksgiving dinner that otherwise wouldn’t have.
We tend to take things for granted, and we shouldn’t.  We should never forget our fellow man and those less fortunate, especially in our own community.  If you are in a position to help another, do it.  Thanks to the Treasure Coast Food Bank, Coach Anthony Esposito, and especially every single person that stopped by and dropped off food at our location or participated in the Grapple-a-thon.
Dedicated to helping the community
Din Thomas
For Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, and all of your fitness needs, stop by the Treasure Coast Square Mall.  Covering Port St. Lucie, Jensen Beach, Palm City, and Stuart.

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Im going to be successful because…

Written by Din Thomas on November 2, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Danthony Esponaldson

I have worked hard for almost everything I have gotten.  I have sacrificed time, money, and my body.  When others complained about something being: too far, too difficult, too expensive, etc, I refused to allow pety obstacles to dictate my outcomes.    I have utilized my human potential for the quest to enjoy the freedom to live the way I would like to live.  Yet, even with hard work, sacrifice, and dedication, my mission would not be possible if I didnt have the right people around me.  2 of those people are Daniel Donaldson and Anthony Esposito.  These 2 have been instrumental to the success of American Top Team of the Treasure Coast and my career as an athlete.

Dan Donaldson has been a part of American Top Team since I first brought it to Port St Lucie.  He is the “go-to”guy.  When something goes bad, he takes care of it.  When you have a question, he has the answer.  When you need something, he can provide.  His role extends way past his administrative duties.  You will also find Dan on the mats, holding pads for anybody from the 13 year old new students to the professional fighters.  Dan is the man that secures the fights for our fighters, makes sure their paper work is in order, then half the time he drives them to the fights and corners them.  His devotion to his people is priceless.

Anthony is one of a kind.  Anthony has the ability to teach and command any class that my school has to offer.  As the head Junior Champions instructor, his significance to these kids is so much more than a sports coach.  He is a life coach.  While he has coached numerous kids to winning medals, belts, and swords, that pails in comparison to the influence he has on their life.  Many of them have improved in school, increased their esteem, and have goals whether be on or off the mat.  When it comes to adults, there isn’t anything he wouldn’t do to ensure their success.  If taken a poll, he would probably be the one guy our fighters prefer to have in their corner. It wouldnt be easy to find a more caring, self motivated, creative character to run the show.

These two outstanding gentleman have created a facebook “like”page.  It would really really really make me smile if you show support to them, visit their page, and LIKE it.  For all that they have done for the community, its the least we could do for them.  There page is called: Anthony and Daniel at American Top Team of the Treasure Coast.  Here is a link.

click here —> http://www.facebook.com/TreasureCoastMartialArts <— LIKE this page

If you are not surrounded by people like this, you are doing yourself a disservice.

Dedicated to my people

Din Thomas

American Top Team of the Treasure Coast providing Port St Lucie, Jensen Beach, Palm City, and Stuart, will high level martial arts.  Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Kickboxing, Junior Champions, and Fight Fitness classes at your service.

 

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Just throw a towel on your shoulder

Written by Din Thomas on October 10, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Trainer at work

The other night at a fighting event, I had a very interesting conversation with a very powerful man in the fight game, probably the most powerful man in the Florida fight scene.  I had never spoken to this gentleman other than the customary and complimentary “hi’s” and “bye’s”.  We spoke on the current state of Florida MMA, its direction, and probably the biggest problem hindering its growth – the trainers.  He said to me, and I will never forget this, “nowadays anybody can just throw a towel over their shoulder and call themselves a trainer”.  I couldn’t agree more.

MMA is the easiest sport in the world to get involved in.  You don’t have to have any qualifications.  There are limited resources to do background checks.  Big talkers can fool the general public – all you have to do is throw a towel over your shoulder and people will listen.  If you have a cage, a few bags, a tire to smash with hammers, just add water and you’ve created an instant trainer.  I beg you, do not be fooled into this.

There are limited professional occupations in the world where you don’t need some type of education or experience to even do it legally, much less be good at it.  You couldn’t give a massage without a proper education.  Yet, without any credibility or requirements, you can call yourself an MMA trainer and train a person to fight.  Foul…

If you are an aspiring fighter, do your homework before listening to people.  Don’t be fooled by talk or fancy equipment.  Ask who he’s worked with, and get references.  Ask if he even has legit fight experience (not totally necessary but it can help).  Ask questions and don’t just take his word for it.  Do your research before you waste your time.

Unfortunately, as of right now, there are no official ways to distinguish true professionals.  But if you consider yourself a professional, as I do, be ready to back up your claim with your credentials.  If we ever want to grow and be seen as a true professional sport, we must act like it.

Dedicated to professionals,

Din Thomas, The MMA Connoisseur

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, and Kickboxing now done at the Treasure Coast Square Mall.

 

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I know what I’m doing

Written by Din Thomas on September 10, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Laura Mejia flanked by Coach Anthony Esposito

Last April when my program director, Dan Donaldson and I decided to merge my two locations and put them under 1 roof at the Treasure Coast Mall, we did it for one major reason – to get everybody together. We set a plan that would require everyone’s attention to develop a group mind and group effort to achieve our greatest level of success.
After last night’s performance at the Rise of A Warrior 8, it is evident our plan is coming to fruition. Our team went 3-0. This is something that our team has never done before.
Laura Mejia kicked the night off for us by winning a unanimous decision. While the first two rounds showed exciting back and forth action, Laura took over in the third round proving to be the better fighter.
Steve Foster, aka The St. Lucie Badass, aka The Asian Sensation, aka The Southpaw Assassin took out his opponent in 27 seconds with a right-left combo. Steve was one of the very first students of ours and has been a loyal supporter since even before the academy was opened.
Lastly, Donny Bush settled a grudge match in the co-main event by defeating Palm Beach Boxing’s Ray Melvin. The two had a very heated weighin which resulted in Melvin shoving Donny to the floor. This highly anticipated match ended sweet for Donny when he subbed Melvin in the 2nd round with a mounted triangle.
Congratulates to the competitors of ROAW.
I couldn’t be more pleased with our performance. I knew that by merging both locations and having Coach Ray Camp, Coach Anthony Esposito, Coach Jason Gladey, Coach Paul Justice, myself, all the Assassins and senior students collaborating under one roof, sharing ideas, and influencing each other, we could become great. We are on our way! Strength in unity…

Dedicated to the group mind
Din Thomas
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Kickboxing at the Treasure Coast mall. Classes for men, women, and children.
772-233-8016

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