Meet our newest featured member, Mike Vastano! Mike has been a member since 2014 and has become an excellent training partner for everyone at Rothwell MMA!  In addition to being a triathlete, Mike commits a lot of his time to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, and the Rothwell Fight Team.  Learn more about Mike below.

Mike’s story : As I was finishing Graduate school I realized I had completely neglected my health and fitness. I was overweight and out of shape. I knew just going to the gym wouldn’t do it for me. I needed to exercise my mind as well as my body. It was time to get back into martial arts. When my schedule opened up in May, 2014, I did a trial kickboxing class. Having been a competitive athlete for most of my life I was very nervous about going into a MMA gym when I was so out of shape. However, the entire gym was welcoming, friendly, and extremely helpful.  Since then, Rothwell MMA has been my second home.

Over the last three years I’ve seen the gym family develop and grow in amazing ways. Since joining I’m about 40lbs. leaner and am in better shape than I have been in a long time.  Early last year I was invited to train with the fight team. This was a major honor and enabled me to raise to the next level as a martial artist. I love helping team members train and prepare for competitions. I’ve been lucky enough to get to know and train with some of the best people I’ve ever met.

For me, Rothwell MMA is an escape from my “desk job” that fills my normal day. When I walk into the gym everything else is left outside and my spirit is instantly lifted. Rothwell MMA hasn’t only helped me improve physically which was very evident over the last few months when I couldn’t train due to an injury. Every time I step on the mat I learn something new about kickboxing, BJJ, or myself.  I can honestly say that every time I leave the gym I am better than I was when I showed up.

This year has helped me realized just how much I love this place.  I am looking forward to training hard and returning to BJJ competitions this October. I know the future is bright for the entire Rothwell Familia and I’m thrilled to be a part of it all!”

 

Want to learn more about our family?

Check out previous Rothwell MMA Member Spotlights HERE.