Above artwork unfinished by Clean (now complete and Not for sale)
Passion Rules The World // Love spreading // Pulse necessary
Florida 2020
Passion Rules The World // Love spreading // Pulse necessary
Florida 2020
JIU-JITSU FIGHTER. Sacrifice. Discipline.
Above pic Dustin Denes v Akihiro Gono in the danger zone
Evento DEEP 2001 2nd Impact - Heat wave
Locale Yokohama JAPAN
Foto Susumu Nagao
Evento DEEP 2001 2nd Impact - Heat wave
Locale Yokohama JAPAN
Foto Susumu Nagao
Have You ever been Scared to Death ?
I was on August 18, 2001 My MMA Pro Debut in Japan. I was confident in victory, but more so scared to death. I fought to a draw against a veteran Japanese fighter. I was distraught, felt that I had lost because I didn't win. Prior to I had spent the year winning almost everything in Rio de janeiro and notched an additional decisive victory against Jeff Monson. Now I had a draw, Shit! However I made it out Alive and with an Excellent Experience. Good thing I chose to Own up and Face The Fear, because I learned a huge lesson. The Fear wasn't what I made it out to be. And the result triggered a deeper DETERMINATION to win. Determination: Firmness of purpose.
I flew back to America for a few weeks after the fight in Japan. I would need to clear my visa from time to time, so a visit home to beat up my friends and visit family was always productive. My plan was to return to Rio, but that changed when an opportunity presented for a new team in mixed martial arts, American Top Team. I was an original member of Brazilian Top Team so the transition was easy. America became home base again, but still always extended trips for intense training in Rio.
The training regimen was extremely demanding. Discipline. Sacrifice. Plenty of Jiu-Jitsu, but mostly with takedowns and under fire of punches and kicks. Lots of time spent in the wrestling room and boxing gym. Strength and conditioning also, but I did that work on the Airdyne and treadmill at home. American Top Team had three main coaches, but I only worked with one. The Real Jiu-Jitsu Fighter and Champion MMA Experienced Marcus "Conan" Silveira.
Loyalty lesson
Ricardo de la Riva handed me a Black Belt the day after I became Brazilian Champion - October 2000. In a heartbeat, I turned it down. I had received my blue, purple, and brown belt from Conan, so felt it was his decision to award my promotion to Black Belt. The Respecful thing to do. A year later I was awarded my Black Belt from Conan, only after I had fought in Professional MMA. Earned proper. Down the road and to date, I accepted all my Black Belt degrees from DLR.
You can achieve your Goals if you put Determination on your team. How to: Know your Purpose and stand by it, Firm. From my experience you'll need additional tools. EFFORT in general, the ultimate if Power-driven with Passion The Burning desire. Discipline. Sacrifice. Goals and Affirmations read them twice daily. Leadership "Get the right people on the bus, and the wrong one's off!"
I was on August 18, 2001 My MMA Pro Debut in Japan. I was confident in victory, but more so scared to death. I fought to a draw against a veteran Japanese fighter. I was distraught, felt that I had lost because I didn't win. Prior to I had spent the year winning almost everything in Rio de janeiro and notched an additional decisive victory against Jeff Monson. Now I had a draw, Shit! However I made it out Alive and with an Excellent Experience. Good thing I chose to Own up and Face The Fear, because I learned a huge lesson. The Fear wasn't what I made it out to be. And the result triggered a deeper DETERMINATION to win. Determination: Firmness of purpose.
I flew back to America for a few weeks after the fight in Japan. I would need to clear my visa from time to time, so a visit home to beat up my friends and visit family was always productive. My plan was to return to Rio, but that changed when an opportunity presented for a new team in mixed martial arts, American Top Team. I was an original member of Brazilian Top Team so the transition was easy. America became home base again, but still always extended trips for intense training in Rio.
The training regimen was extremely demanding. Discipline. Sacrifice. Plenty of Jiu-Jitsu, but mostly with takedowns and under fire of punches and kicks. Lots of time spent in the wrestling room and boxing gym. Strength and conditioning also, but I did that work on the Airdyne and treadmill at home. American Top Team had three main coaches, but I only worked with one. The Real Jiu-Jitsu Fighter and Champion MMA Experienced Marcus "Conan" Silveira.
Loyalty lesson
Ricardo de la Riva handed me a Black Belt the day after I became Brazilian Champion - October 2000. In a heartbeat, I turned it down. I had received my blue, purple, and brown belt from Conan, so felt it was his decision to award my promotion to Black Belt. The Respecful thing to do. A year later I was awarded my Black Belt from Conan, only after I had fought in Professional MMA. Earned proper. Down the road and to date, I accepted all my Black Belt degrees from DLR.
You can achieve your Goals if you put Determination on your team. How to: Know your Purpose and stand by it, Firm. From my experience you'll need additional tools. EFFORT in general, the ultimate if Power-driven with Passion The Burning desire. Discipline. Sacrifice. Goals and Affirmations read them twice daily. Leadership "Get the right people on the bus, and the wrong one's off!"
Above pic Dustin Denes and Marcus Silveira
Carlson Gracie MIA-RIO sweating bullets post-training
Carlson Gracie MIA-RIO sweating bullets post-training
DETERMINATION To have a date with destiny
Excited to Win and Get back on track when the fight was officially scheduled for January 26. 2002. I was also excited to be the representative for the Professional debut of American Top Team. A longtime friend made American Top Team a reality, and it was important for me to Honor him and Win the fight. Much weight to carry, and it was imperative that I win the fight! Excitement took a back seat when the videos of my opponent arrived (internet was limited during the time). All I remember, watching my opponent winning his fights KOs violent fashion with punches and kicks.
There were plenty of sleepness nights riding up to that fight, because of The Fear. The Fear kept me on the edge. My Discipline and Sacrifice in Training went to a Next level. Everywhere I went, Everything I did, The Fear was with me all the time. Hard training and music helped me get through the days. I'd train so hard that I was just too tired to be scared. An incredible lesson from my main coach Marcus CONAN also helped a lot. He once told me . .
"Everyone has the Fear, some people control it better than others."
Do You want to minimize your regrets and avoid adversity in life? PREPARATION. SACRIFICE.
With the fight nearing I was prepared for War like never before. My Jiu-Jitsu MMA Training was on point with Conan several days a week putting it together. What about my opponent George Allen's Dangerous Right hand? No worry because I was training diligently with Razor Ruddock and the boys at the boxing gym, so a Right hand from Hell was of not a problem. I got blasted on a regular with Right hands and vicious Left uppercuts. My visits to the wrestling room were firing on all cylinders too. I didn't need to lose weight, but I still ran my treadmill diligently and hard as Hell! Cardio is king baby.
Training camp went really well. Thanks to my coaches and training partners. BIG Thanks to The Fear. DETERMINATION and The Fear drove me to train like a F%CKIN ANIMAL!
Excited to Win and Get back on track when the fight was officially scheduled for January 26. 2002. I was also excited to be the representative for the Professional debut of American Top Team. A longtime friend made American Top Team a reality, and it was important for me to Honor him and Win the fight. Much weight to carry, and it was imperative that I win the fight! Excitement took a back seat when the videos of my opponent arrived (internet was limited during the time). All I remember, watching my opponent winning his fights KOs violent fashion with punches and kicks.
There were plenty of sleepness nights riding up to that fight, because of The Fear. The Fear kept me on the edge. My Discipline and Sacrifice in Training went to a Next level. Everywhere I went, Everything I did, The Fear was with me all the time. Hard training and music helped me get through the days. I'd train so hard that I was just too tired to be scared. An incredible lesson from my main coach Marcus CONAN also helped a lot. He once told me . .
"Everyone has the Fear, some people control it better than others."
Do You want to minimize your regrets and avoid adversity in life? PREPARATION. SACRIFICE.
With the fight nearing I was prepared for War like never before. My Jiu-Jitsu MMA Training was on point with Conan several days a week putting it together. What about my opponent George Allen's Dangerous Right hand? No worry because I was training diligently with Razor Ruddock and the boys at the boxing gym, so a Right hand from Hell was of not a problem. I got blasted on a regular with Right hands and vicious Left uppercuts. My visits to the wrestling room were firing on all cylinders too. I didn't need to lose weight, but I still ran my treadmill diligently and hard as Hell! Cardio is king baby.
Training camp went really well. Thanks to my coaches and training partners. BIG Thanks to The Fear. DETERMINATION and The Fear drove me to train like a F%CKIN ANIMAL!
Above pic with Keith, Lennox, Clean, and Donovan Razor Ruddock
Locale Contenders boxing
Data Janeiro 2002
The Fear always present But "sh sh don't worry, I'm gonna throw that MotherF%cker in the back seat en route to the arena."
Fast-forward to day of the weigh-in. I lived and trained in South Florida, but the fight was set for Lakeland Civic Center about four hours north of me. Such a mission needs the help of a real friend/training partner/coach. I made some last minute calls but everyone was working or unable to travel that day, except for one guy. My friend Wade Rome (Heavy Hitter and Champion in life, busy guy) dropped his entire Friday for me. He picked me up and we drove north to Lakeland. I made weight that night, then just rested.
Next day the waiting game. And then finally, time to go for the arena. I remember us driving on the highway to the arena for the fights. There was much quiet time, nothing much to say because I was so scared, yet so ready. I remember looking to Wade and saying something like "Please, I have to play some music now if you don't mind." He was cool with it like "Do what you gotta do." Megadeth played it loud locked n loaded DETERMINATION to Destroy the opponent, I real Focused! The Fear, to the backseat.
I remember showing up to the arena and seeing lots of people there to support me. Looked like they were having the best time of their lives, enjoying each other's company and excited for my fight. I wasn't having fun. The clock was ticking and my fight would be up soon. My friend made a shirt for all who came to support, it showed a cage with an outline of a body inside, a marker my opponent's 'dead body'. My sponsor was obviously CERTAIN of my skills.
Shoutout to my brother and longtime friend aka Mr Locomotive. In re your knee, you were already a Black Belt and I had to do what I had to do --otherwise you would've talked shit. Please Next time, you need to tap before I break it! That was a special day I'll never forget. The Terror-lock was born. Love you brother. Thank you always.
Locale Contenders boxing
Data Janeiro 2002
The Fear always present But "sh sh don't worry, I'm gonna throw that MotherF%cker in the back seat en route to the arena."
Fast-forward to day of the weigh-in. I lived and trained in South Florida, but the fight was set for Lakeland Civic Center about four hours north of me. Such a mission needs the help of a real friend/training partner/coach. I made some last minute calls but everyone was working or unable to travel that day, except for one guy. My friend Wade Rome (Heavy Hitter and Champion in life, busy guy) dropped his entire Friday for me. He picked me up and we drove north to Lakeland. I made weight that night, then just rested.
Next day the waiting game. And then finally, time to go for the arena. I remember us driving on the highway to the arena for the fights. There was much quiet time, nothing much to say because I was so scared, yet so ready. I remember looking to Wade and saying something like "Please, I have to play some music now if you don't mind." He was cool with it like "Do what you gotta do." Megadeth played it loud locked n loaded DETERMINATION to Destroy the opponent, I real Focused! The Fear, to the backseat.
I remember showing up to the arena and seeing lots of people there to support me. Looked like they were having the best time of their lives, enjoying each other's company and excited for my fight. I wasn't having fun. The clock was ticking and my fight would be up soon. My friend made a shirt for all who came to support, it showed a cage with an outline of a body inside, a marker my opponent's 'dead body'. My sponsor was obviously CERTAIN of my skills.
Shoutout to my brother and longtime friend aka Mr Locomotive. In re your knee, you were already a Black Belt and I had to do what I had to do --otherwise you would've talked shit. Please Next time, you need to tap before I break it! That was a special day I'll never forget. The Terror-lock was born. Love you brother. Thank you always.
The promoter came to me after the rules meeting and advised who would be in my corner (listed were the three American Top Team head coaches). I immediately told the promoter, "NO." This caused some commotion amongst 'The Team' but too bad. Professional debut of American Top Team and there I was making sure two of the main coaches were crossed off from my corner. I needed my guys in the corner 1) CONAN 2) Wade Rome (longtime friend/wrestler/training partner who drove me to Lakeland) And 3) Richie Puma longtime training partner at Conan's. My corner proper like so, ready to do the job.
Time for the Main event. First time in history, "And Fighting out of American Top Team" Dustin Denes." It was my first fight in a cage [Japan was in a ring] and I remember feeling somewhat like an animal when the door closed. I had recently finished six years of college, Bachelors and Masters degree, so what the hell was I doing caged like an animal?
PASSION and Love for Jiu-Jitsu
Time for the Main event. First time in history, "And Fighting out of American Top Team" Dustin Denes." It was my first fight in a cage [Japan was in a ring] and I remember feeling somewhat like an animal when the door closed. I had recently finished six years of college, Bachelors and Masters degree, so what the hell was I doing caged like an animal?
PASSION and Love for Jiu-Jitsu
Passion Rules The World! And LOVE is the ultimate driver of DETERMINATION My Jiu-Jitsu For Fight was on Fire. I managed to make quick work of George Allen. ARM-LOCK :47 seconds R1
Above pic American Top Team original corner with Wade, Puma, Conan, and victory in hand
Add Denzel on the end and the Kids up front. Kids are the future!
We got it for ya Mr Locomotive
1st outing victory for ATT
Add Denzel on the end and the Kids up front. Kids are the future!
We got it for ya Mr Locomotive
1st outing victory for ATT
Attached below is the video. The video clip starts after the fight already hit the floor.
Triangle/ARM-LOCK that's how to get it done. LOCK-IN! Until the referee goes to work, make em work.
My sponsor was cheering "Get em! Get em!" Then all of sudden "Get off! Get off!" .. Put the waiver to work baby
Triangle/ARM-LOCK that's how to get it done. LOCK-IN! Until the referee goes to work, make em work.
My sponsor was cheering "Get em! Get em!" Then all of sudden "Get off! Get off!" .. Put the waiver to work baby
Waiting with girlfriend just outside the arena, I had a BIG Trophy in my arms, and the opponent approached me with the nerve to say something like "You know Dustin, everybody knows Jiu-Jitsu so be sure to work on your striking?" I couldn't believe my ears. The guy just got served via JIU-JITSU CHOP! Love what you do. Be Passionate.
SURFER story and simple Math
SURF + PREPARATION + DETERMINATION = BIG SCORE
SURF + PREPARATION + DETERMINATION = BIG SCORE
Pic above lookout to Kaiser reef on a beautiful day
The weather was opposite in the story I have to tell, like The Apocalypse
The day of Hurricane Hector, I showed with only my board, my balls, and my heart! No cameras
The weather was opposite in the story I have to tell, like The Apocalypse
The day of Hurricane Hector, I showed with only my board, my balls, and my heart! No cameras
Taken from my notes on the day: August 9. 2018 was the day when Hurricane Hector was nearest to Oahu. This storm made for radical south shore swell and hazardous surfing conditions. Dawn patrol was quite normal early that morning. I remember it being a little crowded, but I was still scoring plenty of waves. Nice sets of waves were coming in, but nothing outstanding in the way and size of the walls. Like the flick of a switch, that all changed when the short-period Hurricane swell made sudden impact.
Most of the crowd disappeared, too much reality for most. The waves were sizing up, but the conditions that came with were becoming more hazardous, powerful rip current, stormy, very dangerous etc. I already scored plenty of nice waves at the morning session, but nothing like what just came in. I was tired, but needed to get on this swell because I knew it was short-period and would last only so many hours. I got after it! But I was just getting shackeddd over and over again. I pulled it together and concluded that it would smart to paddle in and RECOVER eat and get a couple hours rest, then return strong for The BIG SCORE in the early afternoon session. I recovered, but I also strategized based upon my experience in the morning.
Returned at 1PM to see Kaisers/Rockpiles/Ala Moana Bowls pumping serious waves however pretty outta control. It was apocalyptic. Only hardcore surfers and not many during the day session. Extremely Focused and DETERMINED to stick to my strategy. I did so, paddled straight to the top at the far outside and right away locked-in on one of the Bigger set waves. GOT IT! It was surreal and Bigger than a 2-story building. I was super-stoked! At the time, it was by far the best wave I had ever scored.
Thought I had it "Dialed-IN" to say and would be surfing like that for the remainder of the session. Nope! I got shackeddd on waves and ripped in the current for the Next couple hours. Like Fighting, you can go from Hero To Zero in a moment. But the equation also works the other way. A demon of mine called DETERMINATION got involved yet again, to instigate a ride from Zero To Hero. I refused to lose Didn't want to finish the session on a bad note, I needed another Memorable wave.
Paddled with everything and more to get back to position Far outside where the Big walls were filing in. Exhausted but a Man on a Mission, I paddled with Max EFFORT toward a friend o mine who was already sitting deep. Stormy out and super-rugged, the set arrived just as I was arriving in position to catch. My friend Tony very experienced surfer was ready to go, but he could see the DETERMINATION in my eyes and screamed to me loud in the storm "GO DUSTIN! GO! PADDLE HARD!!"
I turned on it! GOT IT!! Paddled in with an Memorable session in the books. Recovered and still came back for an evening session, just wasn't the same, swell dropping fast.
Most of the crowd disappeared, too much reality for most. The waves were sizing up, but the conditions that came with were becoming more hazardous, powerful rip current, stormy, very dangerous etc. I already scored plenty of nice waves at the morning session, but nothing like what just came in. I was tired, but needed to get on this swell because I knew it was short-period and would last only so many hours. I got after it! But I was just getting shackeddd over and over again. I pulled it together and concluded that it would smart to paddle in and RECOVER eat and get a couple hours rest, then return strong for The BIG SCORE in the early afternoon session. I recovered, but I also strategized based upon my experience in the morning.
Returned at 1PM to see Kaisers/Rockpiles/Ala Moana Bowls pumping serious waves however pretty outta control. It was apocalyptic. Only hardcore surfers and not many during the day session. Extremely Focused and DETERMINED to stick to my strategy. I did so, paddled straight to the top at the far outside and right away locked-in on one of the Bigger set waves. GOT IT! It was surreal and Bigger than a 2-story building. I was super-stoked! At the time, it was by far the best wave I had ever scored.
Thought I had it "Dialed-IN" to say and would be surfing like that for the remainder of the session. Nope! I got shackeddd on waves and ripped in the current for the Next couple hours. Like Fighting, you can go from Hero To Zero in a moment. But the equation also works the other way. A demon of mine called DETERMINATION got involved yet again, to instigate a ride from Zero To Hero. I refused to lose Didn't want to finish the session on a bad note, I needed another Memorable wave.
Paddled with everything and more to get back to position Far outside where the Big walls were filing in. Exhausted but a Man on a Mission, I paddled with Max EFFORT toward a friend o mine who was already sitting deep. Stormy out and super-rugged, the set arrived just as I was arriving in position to catch. My friend Tony very experienced surfer was ready to go, but he could see the DETERMINATION in my eyes and screamed to me loud in the storm "GO DUSTIN! GO! PADDLE HARD!!"
I turned on it! GOT IT!! Paddled in with an Memorable session in the books. Recovered and still came back for an evening session, just wasn't the same, swell dropping fast.
Above pic Dustin Denes and Eric Davies
All goes back to wrestling! Thank you coach
Pic taken after club practice at Douglas high school
All goes back to wrestling! Thank you coach
Pic taken after club practice at Douglas high school