Moment - ProfilesArchive

About Me

"You have to learn how to forget about the people who forget about you"
My name is Manny. Born and raised in San Diego, although I have lived in Miami, FL and spent time in parts of Texas. Currently I'm just working and finishing up college, working on a degree in History. My life has brought me some of the best friends I can ask for and I feel really blessed with the family I have. Mostly I enjoy the mistakes that life affords me, spending time with those closest to my heart, and living for the moment in all that I do.
Life also includes me being an up and coming Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor. I've been around some great gyms in the past and now I am proud to call SD FIGHT CLUB my home. Jiu Jitsu has changed my life. Trained with some of the best names around and for me anyone who steps out into the cage, ring, or mat to put themselves, their team and their art on the line is my fucking hero. I am more than honored to be a part of this growing sport and we have the Gracies to thank for all of it. Although I'm still learning the MMA fight game, it is my real dream is to fight and compete one day in the ADCC. Maybe someday after college it'll pay the bills but for now I am content.
Although I dont get to church much I am also working very hard on my relationship with God, getting to know Him better, and try to make the right choices in my heart. Everything I've accomplished is because of Him and it's one of my greatest desires to learn how to understand God's love better and anyone who can help me with that I'd gladly welcome into my life. My time is hella' awesome..... Never ever quit... never...

"No hay mal que por bien no venga"
"Everything that I am is jiu jitsu. I will uphold the honor of jiu jitsu in my everyday life with proper actions and morals, and I will defend the family name with my sweat and blood."
"The warrior never passes through to enlightenment until he has sustained constant pain, a number of wounds, defeats, paradoxes and disappointments. It is the struggle for survival, darkness and grief that purpetuates the human soul. After that is God and Glory!"
"Years ago we hardly had anything to eat. Now I earn more money and see every opponent as a man that tries to put me back to that poorer period. That man has to be eliminated..." --Fedor Emelianenko
"Your qualities will be known among your enemies before ever you meet them"

My Interests

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, NHB, partying with my friends, clubbing, dancing, traveling, meeting new people, studying (yes I like to study), learning new facts about anything, going to clubs where people don't suck, reading is HUGE for me, movies...

I'd like to meet:

Anyone who's smart or personable... does MMA or jiu jitsu or any kind of martial art... kick ass San Diego or Miami people ... to anyone out there who knows me or knew me: If I said anything negative about you in the past I am sorry for it... my heart wasnt ready then but it is ready now...

I'm going into this not knowing what I'll find
but I've decided to follow my heart and abondon my mind
And if there is pain at least I know I gave it my all
for it is better to have loved and lost than not to have loved at all
So in the morning I will wake to smile or maybe to cry
but first to those of the past I must say goodbye...

Music:

Almost everything...

Movies:

Desperado, Gladiator, Braveheart, Glory, Friday Night Lights, The Princess Bride, Boondock Saints, CHOKE & THE SMASHING MACHINE!!

Television:

Mtv's Made, The Ultimate Fighter, Married with Children, Nip/Tuck, MACGUYVER!

Books:

I own close to a 1,000 books and am still buying and reading more...

Heroes:

Muhammed Ali, Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X, Dean Lister, my mom and sister...
And my brother Frank Patterson Thomas, there isn't a more tough and honorable man I've ever met and have come to know, he is genuinely everything I've ever wanted to be.. all heart bro...
To Mr. Muhammed Ali:
It is my greatest wish of all time to meet you someday, shake your hand and look eye to eye with a man I've looked up to since I was a child. You told the world exactly who you were and what you stood for, talking beacoup trash the whole way, and then you walked into that ring and showed every man, woman, and child what it was like to be a champion. I've seen some of your greatest battles with men whose names are just as legendary and yet yours shines above all their stars. You never faultered. You never wavered. Never once in all I've read, seen, or heard did you ever back down from the man you made yourself to be. Millions adored and hated you and either way you never showed fear. Thank so much for everything you've given me, for inspiring me to be what I am, and for showing me that staying true to what lies in your heart is the greatest and most difficult choice anyone could ever make. You are my greatest hero....

My Blog

In My Heart...

November 11, 2006 I've been so down for so long... everyone gave up on me. So it feels really good to be where I'm at now in knowing that I'm making a name for myself in something that I love d...
Posted by Moment on Sun, 12 Nov 2006 12:14:00 PST

MMA Fighter Quotes

FIGHTINGCommentary:Bas Rutten: Why doesn't he punch him?Stephen Quadros: Because he doesn't train in stand up.Bas Rutten: Hasn't he ever seen anyone throw a punch?Stephen Quadros: What position is tha...
Posted by Moment on Wed, 08 Nov 2006 11:04:00 PST

Pulling down the stars...

It's one of the hardest things ever to be completely honest with yourself. Most people I've come in contact with are just copies off someone else. It has truly is one of the most outstanding acts of c...
Posted by Moment on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 12:38:00 PST

My Jiu Jitsu Beginnings

It's given me everything I could have ever asked to become. Courage, honor, dedication, patience, valor, glory, and most importantly, heart. In the words of the great Rickson Gracie, it's beco...
Posted by Moment on Sun, 03 Sep 2006 05:35:00 PST

Some Miami Experiences...

My introduction into being a bouncer for some of the hottest nightclubs in South Beach came at the expense of another guy's teeth. I've bounced at Crobar, Prive, Mansion, Nikki Beach, Level... but no...
Posted by Moment on Sun, 03 Sep 2006 05:37:00 PST

My last night in Miami...

(This was originally written over a year ago in response to a question a friend of mine made as to what was the hardest night of my life... this was my response) Most if it really went by like a blur....
Posted by Moment on Sun, 03 Sep 2006 05:40:00 PST