Dre Armeda

and I love tacos

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Dremeda

WooConf 2016 Master of Ceremonies

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It’s official. I am headed to WooConf 2016 as the official master of ceremonies of the event.

WooConf MC

WooConf is all things WooCommerce and a way for you to master eCommerce. It’s 2 days of talks, workshops and networking with industry leaders, developers and agency folks.

From the official site:

Hear from over 40 top level speakers, sharpen your eCommerce and experience why over 30% of all online stores worldwide are powered by WooCommerce. With separate tracks for store owners and developers, hands-on workshops and unique opportunity to meet the team behind WooCommerce and troubleshoot IRL at the ninja help desk, WooConf is a unique networking and learning opportunity. An exquisite venue in the heart of downtown Austin will be the perfect setting to take your eCommerce knowledge to the next level. See you there?

The event is 6-8 April 2016 in Austin, Tx if you’re interested in attending.

WooConf 2016

Another Step Along the Way as a Blue Belt

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I had a rough year with injuries and it has made me stronger than ever mentally. When anyone else would have quit, I pushed on. I’ve even given myself the moniker of One Arm Bandit.

One Arm Bandit

Earlier this year I had a hernia surgery which kept me off the mat for about a month. Then, as I was prepping for the Chicago Open my neck issues showed up again, this time with lasting implications. As most of you know I have lost signification arm movement and strength in my left arm due to a pinched nerve at my cervical spine. I also have a full SLAP tear in my left shoulder. It’s been a tough year. With all the physical issues, I have to say though, it’s been harder mentally. I have had to relearn to do many common things like brush my teeth and even eat. For those that don’t know, I’m left handed. Although even I’m amused when I spill a drink because of my busted arm, It has been very challenging. Even more so on the mat.

On the mat I have had to retool my game. I have a huge vulnerability and my concentration has been on protecting that weakness. Inherently it seems that people attack the left side a lot, and I am known for loving my half guard, especially deep half guard. My left side underhook gets dominated with a simple pummel, I can’t stop it, so I just needed to find a way. In NoGi it has been extremely challenging as there is no lapel or blouse to grab. So the answer? Don’t get stuck there. Only if life were so easy, right? This is where extra mat time with Professor Orlando and the entire team came into the picture. I have worked hard to find alternatives and transitions out of problematic situations. It’s always going to be a work in progress, but I have built a strong foundation to work my game from.

Today I feel confident in my ability to kick your ass even if it’s with one arm. I have worked my ass off. Yeah, I complain and chat about my injuries, a lot in fact. But what I want you and everyone else to take away is if I can do it with one arm, you have no damn excuse. If I can train 4-5 days a week with one arm, you should also be on the mat. When I am giving higher belts a run for their money because I want it more, I hope it motivates you! I no longer want to live in a world where I make excuses, and I expect the same out of my teammates and training partners. I thank God every day for being on the best team in the world. I am a Bulldog.

I am not one to dwell too much on stripes or promotions really. It’s a great marker of where your progress is. It’s based on your school and your Professor and at least with belts, they will be used to classify you in competition. Real talk? I’m not in Jiu Jitsu for a belt. That said, this has been the longest gap in my time training without earning that marker and it has certainly weighed on me. What can I do better? What am I not doing to get better? How can I improve my game? I search for answers and really it’s right in front of me. The answer’s always there. Train more, learn more. Stay on the mat and you will continue improving.

I earned my 3rd stripe this week along with some well deserving teammates who got their belts and stripes. I am proud of my team and our continual improvement. Lets all continue getting better and stop making excuses. The answer is right in front of us and it all starts with stepping onto the mat.

Blue Belt Three

Merry Christmas to you all. See you on the mat.

With love,
One Arm Bandit
#OSS

Once a Sailor Always a Sailor

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Life takes many turns. In October 2007 I separated from the Navy. It was a great decision that has been the conduit leading to where I am today. My time in the Navy however is the foundation that afforded me the opportunity to move through that conduit with success.

Today would have marked 20 years of active duty in the World’s Finest Navy had I stayed in. I am glad I got out when I did, but I am and will always be proud to be a U.S. Sailor!

The Eagle Still Stands Tall!

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15 years ago on this date I was floating a few hundred miles off the coast of California onboard the U.S.S. John C. Stennis. We were steaming home towards sunny San Diego from a 6+ month deployment. It was the first U.S. Navy WestPac of the Millennium. We where enforcing the no-fly zone guarding against attacks from Saddam and Iraq during our months in the gulf.

This weekend while you’re BBQ’ing and enjoying the holiday, remember what it’s for. Our independence and the foundation set when our forefathers fought to bring this soon-to-be nation freedom is the very thing our troops defend to this very day. Don’t lose sight of that!

Enjoy safely with your loved ones, but also reflect and educate our little ones. Tip a couple back for those willing to volunteer, those willing to suffer the ultimate sacrifice for you, all in the face of protecting true freedoms across the world. Whether you care to believe it or not, they are out there standing the watch for you and your loved ones while you’re eating ribs and popping bottle caps!

Thank you to all my brothers and sisters that stand the watch! I think of you every single day! I am honored by the oath you’ve taken and your vow to protect my county and my loved ones.

God bless you. God bless America!

The Eagle still stands tall!

DreJitsu Blue Turns Two

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I have been training Jiu Jitsu for about two years now, and it only gets more intriguing every day. I have learned a lot about patience, self-control, how to become calm in pressure situations, and yet I am just scratching the surface.

There’s an inner gauge I am learning to read that enables me to slow myself almost into a state similar to a lion when it’s getting ready to attack. Poised to pounce, completely still and focused, and with an unmistakable burst of smooth movement ramping up an overpowering and aggressive attack that’s hard to escape. All the while I’m in a place where I find myself using little power and maximizing energy conservation. Sounds easy right? Yeah, no!

I am two years into this wonderful journey and I am only starting to scratch the surface, literally! I’m a newborn cub in the wild, and I’m glad to be here! It’s sometimes hard to put into words to those not familiar with Jiu Jitsu how challenging the journey is. All I can say is get on the mat and start training. You’ll immediately see how difficult it is, and quickly you’ll learn how addictive and rewarding the journey becomes!

Today I reached a new marker of progress and I am very excited about it. Coach Orlando called me up after a great night of training and striped me up. I earned my second blue stripe tonight, and I couldn’t be happier.

DreJitsu Blue Two

I’ll continue to train and continue to grow. Hopefully one day I get to grow into a lion. Not so much for the sake of promotion, but with the hope that I can one day read that inner gauge like a master!

Have a great week on the mat!

OSS!!