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Michael SilvaQ: What has been the most rewarding part of your fitness career?The most rewarding part of my fitness career has been the variety. I started with a focus on bodybuilding, then transitioned to power-lifting and CrossFit. I%u2019ve also spent time long-distance running (including marathons and ultra-marathons) and alpine mountaineering. Throughout the years, I%u2019ve practiced many different martial arts. I love learning new things and challenging myself in new ways.Q: Can you describe your typical workout routine?My current workout routine consists of early morning, fasted cardio (usually running or cycling) for 20-30 minutes. Then I either train Jiu Jitsu or work out with weights later in the morning. My workout includes 6-8 bodybuilding/powerlifting movements, followed by a high-intensity circuit for about 20 minutes. I also try to stretch and foam roll most nights.Q: Can you share your journey of how you started in martial arts and what motivated you to pursue a black belt?I started martial arts early, around 7 or 8 years old. As a kid, I practiced Shotokan Karate and Aikido. As a teenager, I trained in Krav Maga for a few years. In my early 20s, I moved on to traditional boxing and kickboxing. Then, at 27, I discovered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). BJJ quickly became my favorite martial art. It%u2019s not only a great self-defense system but also fun and addictive. I%u2019ve been practicing BJJ for 18 years now, and getting my black belt was just the beginning. I%u2019m still learning and being humbled every time I%u2019m on the mats.Q: What was the most challenging part of your training, and how did you overcome it?The most challenging part of my training has always been dealing with injuries. It%u2019s very frustrating to see my progress halted due to an injury. Whenever I%u2019ve been injured, I focus on the things I can do. For example, after a complete rupture of my bicep tendon a few years ago, I used that time to work more on my legs and did everything possible to rehab the bicep.Q: What core principles or philosophies of martial arts do you apply to your daily life?There are many principles I%u2019ve learned in BJJ that I apply to my daily life. One of the biggest is problem-solving. I%u2019ve heard BJJ likened to human chess: for every move, there%u2019s a counter move, and it%u2019s a problem you have to figure out. I%u2019ve also learned the philosophy of consistency. It takes at least 8 years to get your black belt in BJJ, so it%u2019s really about not giving up and consistently showing up.Q: Do you teach martial arts, and if so, what is your approach to instructing new students?I%u2019ve never officially taught martial arts, but I have assisted in classes for many years. My approach for new students is threefold: 1) Focus on the basics, 2) Pay attention to details, and 3) Have fun.Q: Have you served as a volunteer firefighter? If so, what were your experiences like?Yes, I volunteered as a firefighter when I was first starting out. It was part of the process of getting a full-time job. It was a great learning opportunity and helped prepare me to be a professional firefighter. I also got an inside look at what I was signing up for.MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 49 59