There is no problem in this world that can not be solved with the practical application of violence.
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I was born and raised in southern California and was the third oldest of six. I have three sisters and two brothers. Growing up was an interesting and very difficult endeavor, one which seemed endless at times. So in early 1997, when I was 18, I left for the Army and joined as an infantryman. I was sent off to attend Basic Training at Fort Benning, GA. That was the start to a very successful military career. Throughout my time in the military I have been stationed at Ft. Benning GA, Ft. Drum NY, Camp Hovey Korea, Ft. Campbell KY and Schofield Barracks HI. Some of my military schooling consists of Airborne school, Ranger Indoctrination Program, Air Assault school, Pre-Ranger Course, Ranger school, and Sniper school. I have proudly served 3 tours in Iraq with some of the best men that the United States has to offer.
My military experience has made me such a strong person both mentally and physically. Having completed so many things while being in the military, many of which were some of the hardest things that I have ever had to do; but I will say this... nothing was harder than loosing a soldier, a friend, a brother, and team mate. There is nothing harder than having to watch them die or to carry a casket onto a plane knowing that you will never see them again. I only pray that no one will ever have to go through that pain, though I know that is not going to be the case. I miss them all and only wish and hope the best and pray for their families. I have dedicated the following page to my Fallen Brothers, you will never be forgotten. The loss of my friends and brothers in arms have been an even bigger motivation to me in my mission to becoming a successful fighter. I am now and will always live my life for them.
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During this past deployment in Iraq, I was able to setup and organize a monthly jiu jitsu tournament in which both soldiers and airmen competed. It was broken down by weight class as well as an open weight event. As each month passed by there were more and more contestants as well as spectators. I knew then that I would be true competitor. Once I step on the mat, the rest of the world disappears and it's all business. Ever since then, I have been a force to be reckoned with.
For as long as I can remember, I have always been a fighter. Now after 10 years in the US Army, I have finally devoted myself to training full time. I am in pursuit of my dream to me a professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter and a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Jean Jacques Machado. Now it's only a matter of time before I reach that goal.
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Before getting out of the army in November of 2007, I learned Jiu Jitsu/grappling from DVD's and from rolling around with friends and co-workers. I've never had any true formal training. Despite that, I was motivated to learn and push myself to become my personal best. Now that I am out of the army and currently living in southern California, I have started training with Jean Jacques Machado and have completely dedicated myself to the art of jiu jitsu. I have competed in many Jiu Jitsu tournaments and I plan on continuing do so in the future. I was awarded my blue belt in late March of 2008 by Jean Jacques himself. This was not only an honor but motivation to continue to push myself even harder.
Along with training full time as a fighter, I am also a personal trainer and conditioning coach for fighters. I have taken everything that I have learned over the past 10 years in the military, from training soldiers to surviving in combat and applied it to the way that I train my clients. You can find a personal trainer at every gym and in the phone book, but not many specialize in training others in combat sports successfully. I adapt and create specialized workouts and routines for the specific goals of each fighter. I feel that all my experience has given me an edge that few others will be able to draw from. My work ethic, attention to detail, and personal philosophy are what I feel allows me to excel where others stop.
I intend to continue to do well in this sport and I feel as though I am going to be here for a long time. I have a great support team; my wife has been extremely positive and flexible with all the sacrifices that we have to make, and between her and my son they are my biggest fans! My coach, mentor and jiu jitsu instructor, Jean Jacques Machado is forever motivational and always showing me new ways to view the ever evolving game of Jiu Jitsu. My judo instructor, Alex B. is forever pushing me to new limits and showing me that ignorance is no excuse. Every single training partner that I have... they never let me go easy and are always causing me to learn new "tricks". Last but not least, my family and friends, they support me no matter what and are always encouraging me.
I look forward to seeing you all at my fights/competitions. Don't be a stranger, if you see me, stop and say hi. Take care and see you on the mat.
Sergio Peña