This past weekend my thoughts were with Manny Diaz, who went to Brazil to compete at the Copa Podio tournament. Manny works full time, is a father, a husband and an amazing human being. What he has accomplished in little over 4 years has been spectacular and this past weekend he took another giant step forward at the Copa Podio.
His first two matches were close, losing by 2 points to Paulo Miyao and then by an advantage to a very tough and game Travis Stevens. They say a heart of a champion isn’t built in victory but forged in adversity, Manny proved once again he truly is a champion. His next match was against 2012 Pan American and World Champion Renato Cardoso, one of the favorites to win the bracket and came out victories. In his final match he fought GFT rising star Jaime Canuto and finished out his experience with an arm bar for the win!
Every one at CTA is proud of Manny, not because he’s a champion on the mat but because he is a champion in life. We all have dreams but very few of us take the leap and follow them, Manny has and is truly an inspiration.
Congrats Manny! We are all proud of you and can’t wait to see what your future holds.
~Caio
