A blog about my experiences as a father, husband, military professional, and martial artist.
The beauty of life is that you can make what you want out of it, no matter what your circumstance may be. With that said, I believe the best way to view experiences to come is to realize that sometimes we’re the hammer and sometimes we’re the nail. Do not deal in absolutes, and embrace…
I was recently asked what do I do to alleviate stress? The obvious answer as a jiujiteiro is hitting the mats and letting carnage ensue. Yes, this is one of the best stress release methods I have, but I also have the pen. I love to write, this blog being a good example of my…
Thirty-nine years ago, on Aug. 29, I was born at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, to Juan Clas and Helen Constance. My old man was out celebrating, and I entered the world as my mom was making her way to the delivery room on her own two feet. I’ve always been told the nurse…
What’s in a name? For some it’s an identity, for others a legacy. I never thought much of my family history until a very vivid experience in my recent journey to Israel. The lesson I learned from exploring the history of the Holocaust at Yad Vashem was who we are is the key ingredient as…
It’s been too long … I regret nothing. The past few weeks have been filled with family quality time for Team Clas. Our clan has journeyed to Zurich, Switzerland; Strasbourg, Paris, and the beaches of Normandy, France; and culminated our Euro tour with a trip to Prague, Czech Republic. It’s been an amazing experience to…
I hope the majority of you got the “O Brother Where Art Thou” reference in the title of this reflection. This past Father’s Day was a very special day for me as I had the privilege to spend with my family. In my line of work, it’s fairly easy to miss key events throughout the…
The bell rings… I stay on my back for a while collecting every bit of motivation I have for the last training round. A younger, stronger, faster, and hungrier grappler awaits for the opportunity to refine his game. I make my way over to my training partner, punisher, and final obstacle to the sweet bliss…
A growth mindset and positive attitude will only take you so far. Research has shown individuals who can find perspective, or goodness in their current state, will be more resilient than others who are working toward a end. This concept, the Stockdale Paradox, is designed to help us survive and thrive in situations where we…
What an amazing weekend it’s been. A lot of appreciation going out to my wife for Military Spouse’s Appreciation Day and Mother’s Day; along with my brother, Jake’s, birthday; and promotion day for my Zen Martial Arts Family back in El Paso, Texas. Sending love and good vibes to all! This reflection’s theme is Spirit,…
My son, Dominic, asked me an interesting question during our morning routine, this past week. He said, “Papi, am I weird?” I was taken aback for a moment, but then responded… “Yes, but weird is brilliant by another name?” From Albert Einstein and his hatred to socks, to Pythagoros, the father of vegetarianism, and his…