Time for an update on the big guy.
Andrew hit a huge goal of losing 100lbs that I posted in my last blog a few weeks back. Last week on the scale he was 389lbs. He is losing a half a pound a day and with every weigh in he is gaining more confidence and his motivation is increasing to lose more. He still has a long way to go but he can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Appart from the serious pain and suffering I apply to Andrew, we also shoot the shit at the club. The other day I see Andrew chasing around my dog, laughing like a little kid. It gave me such a huge smile because I know that he wouldnt have been able to do this last year or even 6 months ago and its great to see him happy. The progress this guy is making on getting his life back is outstanding. I might be helping him by setting up his routines but he is doing all the hard work.
  If you dont know Andrew I can tell you its worth meeting him if you see him about. He is always positive , well mannered and is very approachable. If anyone can inspire you its this man. 
 By this time next year Andrew will be around 275 or less if he continues at this pace. I look forward to the many laughs and stories we will share along the way.
To be continued..........

I admit that I am a bad blogger. Especially when we have had so much going on. For that I am sorry. I am hoping to change that but probably not with everything we have going on down the road at the club. Just to fill you in a bit: 
The A-train Andrew Mcloughlin has crossed the 100lb mark of his weight loss(down from 500lbs to 399lbs). He did it in less then 10 months. At this rate he will be very close to his goal of 275lb this time next year. I will be pushing this guy all the way as I have many hours into to this and there is no way I wont let him down. He has been posting every 3rd week on his facebook account. He appreciates the support and it fuels him to continue
 Vasil Stefan(Vassi) former Romanian Olympian wrestler joined our club just recently. We are trying to develope a strong wrestling team and compete at a national level. That being said our girl Claudie De Muylder came 5th in the province after only starting wrestling 8 weeks prior. I look forward to seeing what's in the future for Claudie and the team  as this class is getting more popular every week.
 We started running circuit classes every Monday Wednesday and Fridays mornings at 9am. Its run by trainer Noel Wallace. I have seen so many improvements to the people in that class over short peroids of time. If you are looking to tighten areas you didnt knew existed this is your class. Great fun atmosphere ( to Noel watching you sweat) good music and calories burnt.
 We now offer Judo classes on Monday nights. This class should humble any body that wants to lay a hand on you. My god there are some scary throws. Every heard of a brat in the UFC called Ronda Rousey? Judo is her backround. Has anyone been able to mess with her? Try it ! You'll love it
 We are trying to spruce up the front entrance of the club right now. Try to make the place look less intimidating. That is a job in a half. We run the club out of one of the oldest bulldings in the Valley. Lots of character we like to call it. There will be more renos in the next couple months. Pics to follow
 Private lessons are picking up.  I am inspired in seeing be my clients getting stronger,faster and sometime cockier. lol. I enjoy the challenges I encounter with each individual as they all meet certain needs. Some have injuries, weaknesses, poor balance  or just plain ol lazy. Others are advanced athletes trying to be challeged.Coming up with a fitness routine for each person keeps me on my toes and stimulated.
 Im going to cut it short and hopefully get some time in the near future to write again.
 Always in your corner
 Jonny

I have know Andrew McLoughlin for many years. Never ever had he had anything bad to say and always seamed to be positive. This was just the outside face of this big kind man. On the inside his body was starting to fail, feelings of depression and the day to day teasing he heard from people had him in a huge rutt. You could only imagine the difficult daily routine he had to go through. From getting out of bed, washing, getting his clothes and personal hygene. Nobody knows the troubles he has seen and nobody would hear it from him even if they wanted to know.
 I would run into him from time to time and he would always say " I should come down and see you at your club". At first I just wrote it off. Everyone says that to me when I go out. But Andrew said "he just had to wait to get some cash together and he would be down". Thats when I piped up ( maybe it was the drinks) but I said " I will train you for free if you just show up on Tuesday at noon. That Tuesday came  and I was there finishing up with another client when he walked through the front door. That was the hardest step he had to take in order to change his live.

Here he is week two at the club. He weighed over 500lbs and his skin and hair was terrible.
I sat down and explained to him that we were going to take things very slow. We were looking at 2 to 3 lbs a week and he needed to consult a doctor with his routine. I could see him counting in his head. That will take over two years.
 I did a physical assessment of him and tried to see what he could and couldnt do. This is where I thought i might be over my head. I asked him to give me 10 push ups and 10 sit ups on the ground. I didnt know at that time he needed help to get on the floor and 2 people to help him up. I asked him to raise his legs to get on a step and he couldnt. I knew i had my work cut out for me.
To be honest In my mind I thought this is not going to last. I've seen people come and go and when people get discouraged they usually find an excuse not to come back.
 I found some exercises he could do to get him moving for his first workout, got him sweaty and sat down with him and discussed what goals he wanted to achieve at  the end. ( in order to get to a destination you should follow a map, this is the route we were plotting) First he wanted to get under 500lbs, second is that he wanted to compete in a charity wrestling event. He tried the year before but couldnt get in the ring. He was very dissapointed about that and his 3rd goal was to get to 450lbs.

 From the very beginning  we struggled with his diet. Not because he was a binge eater. It was because he was at a low income tax bracket and couldnt afford what he needed to help shed the weight. He had to visit the food bank a few times and we all know what kind of food goes there. Starched, pastas , bread, milk and processed food. We were going to have to do it the hard way and beg for some help. My sister donated some farm free run eggs, my friends Tia and Shaun donated veggies from a local farm and I did some fishing and gave him some big hunks of salmon. Even with help it just wasnt everything we needed. We needed protein powder and multivitamins, some c.l.a., msm and fish oils. Too far out of our budgets.
 That wasnt the only problem. He couldnt do many things that an ordinary person could do like walk long distances, push ups, sit ups or leg lift to name the few. This took a lot of thought.
 After a good few week the momentum was rolling. He was able to do a bit more each time. I added a bit more weight, more time and more difficulty to each training session. He came in happy one day to tell me that he was now under 500 and he had lost about 5 pound. That was a start. I asked him to weigh in ever 3 weeks from then on.

He came in after a weigh in and he was down. I asked him why? He thought he had let me down and that he had only lost 2 pounds and was expecting 6lbs. I stopped him and googled 2 pounds of butter. I said to him" every weigh in is going to be different and be happy that you lost 2lbs and had not gained it. His motivation has been positive from that point on. He can now do more then he has ever have in his adult life. He is now able to get down and up off the floor, he swings 50 lb Kettle bells like they are toys. He is able to run short distances, kick and punch the heavy bag, he walks to and from the gym, completes each workout and is breathing 100 times better. In the last month he doesnt have to take heart medication and the diabities is all but non existant. He have been and insperation to many people and now has a group of people that want to follow his story and that is why I am writing this blog. We have brought in other Heavyweights to help them in their struggles but Andrew is my number 1 concern. 
Today Andrew weighed in at 450 lbs. He had set his 3rd goal. Something that was so hard to achieve but he stuck to it. For that I told him we have to go to the next level and ask for help. Get the right things he needs so he can drop more. I posted a short message on facebook and within an hour we were set for 3 months of food and suppliments. I am very proud to be part of this transformation. A-Train insires me as well and has become a good friend. I want to thank everyone that has helped along the way from supplying him with food to pressing "like" in his blogs to saying very kind word on his stauses.
Below is his latest picture. If you look up top and compare that is over 50 lbs and has gained about 20 in muscle. This is a feel good story but it far from over yet. His next goal is 425lbs by the end of November early December. If anyone can do it Andrew will be the man.

Its that time again ladies and gentlemen. We all make some sort of plan to get into great shape, lose weight and eat right. Or do we?
 The problem for most is that they go at it alone or con some buddy into going to the gym. They read some article written by Dr. Phil on some new diet  and they think they have it all figured out. "Its that simple!" 
Here lies the problem. They go to their gym and there is 100 other people there moping around like the walking dead looking for any available machine. They bounce around from machine to treadmill to free weight and don't get a "proper" workout in. Their buddy gives up so they stop going. They fall off their diet for a day and say screw it. I see it every year and it is disappointing. 
 Here is where I can help out. Let us do most of the work for you. Set classes starting with a beginners class to get the muscles used to taking on the stress of a workout and building your way to become the best "you" you can be in our advanced classes. We offer many different styles of workouts so if you are not into Boxing or any combat type sport you don't have to worry. Our strength and conditioning class is unique and will not find anything like it anywhere. I guarantee this.
 We have a great support system where every new student is welcomed not only by the instructors but by the TEAM. This is not an individual sport. Behind every athlete is network of people that got them there. 
 I take pride in the Comox Valley Boxing Club and the family that stands behind me. Let us help you achieve your goals and have fun doing it.
 Happy New year my friends and hope to see you soon.
 

 Here is some motivation for the plus size people and some that have just thought to themself that its too late.
Here is a guy ( Dylan Moore) that has busted his ass to become a role model for many including myself. Dylan has lost a total of 125lbs since he said enough is enough last January. Many people try to take the easy way out and look for the "magic pill' or some fad diet that so call works over night. The fact is that if you want to look good you have to live a healthy lifestyle. Exercise, hydration and proper nutrition are your key components in loooking and feeling great.

Here is a picture of Dylan a week and a half ago. Dylan has been down at the club training almost every night and when he is not there you can catch him running up 6th st east  or at the the rec center lifting weights.
 I am not going to take credit for Dylan's success because it was his effort and determination that got him to where he is today.
Dylan is set to fight late November in the Battlefield Cage in Vancouver. This will be his second fight but the first time at this weight. I am looking forward to seeing him compete as he has more confidence then ever before. If you would like to meet this outstanding athlete feel free to look him up or pop by the club as he is more then eager to help anyone that might be interested in changing their life.

I speak with experience when it comes to the subject of bullying. I wasn't always the man I am today. I battled with being "Husky" most of my life. Not only that but my teeth were not perfect and I had a messy mop for hair. ( I wish I had that mop today lol) I changed schools quite often so I had to try to make new friends. When you add the imperfections from all the above you have a formula as being the easy target.
A bullied child is often powerless to stop the bullying without  outside help. Bullying is an everyday occurance  and can happen right under our own noses. Most parent , teachers or guardian dont even know that this is happening because the child is too scared to let anyone know thinking that it will only get worse if they do.
 Bullying is the act of power through aggression. Victims suffer from low self esteam, are at risk for adjustment difficulties and even worse , depression.

This is where we step in. Starting October 9th we will be taking two separate groups of girls and boys (6 per class, 3 per trainer) ages 10-14 and help them overcome the torment of their abusers by building self confidence, work on fitness as well as self defense. This will give them and opportunity to channel their aggression to something positive and meet other kids with similar problems. I have been dealing with kids like this since I took over the club and now it's time to take it a step further. The cost is $50 a month and is co sponsored by Bryce Hansen and Anna Jorgensen to keep the cost down.  We will be running this course at Marc St Jules new location in Comox called the Living Room. Its a nice comfortable environment and less intimidating then a boxing club.
 St. Jules is a longtime promoter of anti-bullying awareness campaigns and has
put on events for UFC Vancouver in which he used the UFC as a sounding board.
This in turn went global and initiated the Fight Foundation (Knockout Bullying
Non-Profit Organization) out of Las Vegas founded by Keebo Robinson who took
part in St. Jules' UFC Vancouver anti-bullying events.
For more info on times and if their is spots available pm me at 250-898-7444 or Marc St Jules at marc-stjules@hotmail.com

As of September 2012 the Comox Valley Boxing Club will be opening its doors for its 29th season. We have come a long way from its early beginnings.
Its changed location a dozen times and has had 3 seperate owners.  Many things have changed but our morals have always been the same. Produce the best fighters in the country ( now in the world), create workouts that push our students, surround our clients with support , provide a welcoming environment,  affordable so that even a kid on a paper route could enjoy our sport and most of all be very charitable.
 If you are a first timer or a pro athlete we have a spot for you. Many people can feel intimidated walking into a new health club never mind a boxing club. Let me reassure you that the hardest part about being part of CVBC is walking thru the front door. Once you enter our club you are greeted by smiles and awesome people.
 We dont just offer boxing these days. We also have Kickboxing, MMA, Stregth and conditioning, Axe Capoeira, Wrestling and private classes. We are looking at adding new classes in the very close future. Our eyes are set on creating more space and adding day classes for those that cant make evenings.
 I am inviting everyone that reads this to a free workout and hope that you take me up on my offer. I look forward to meeting you or teaching you again. All is welcome!!!

Pardon the headline. It comes from a youtube skit about the Honey Badger and one of Mike Hackert's favorites.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r7wHMg5Yjg
 If you watch the video it explains how the Honey Badger is the toughest animals on  the planet and that is exactly what Mike's attitude was coming into his fight against 5 time UFC vet Tim 'the thrashing machine' Hague in Fort Mac on the Prestige FC 4 card
 

It was a long trip to Fort MacMurray but the Bulldog Fight Team showed up in force. It consisted of Mike Hackert, Fraser Jordan, Kent Fourneau, Nathan Swayze, Ali Wheeler, Nova Dickenson and myself Jonny Mac. The plane ride was very  bumpy and after 2 lay overs we were somewhat happy to land in this industrial city. We got in on Wednesday night and had some time to get together with friends that we knew in the area to show us around. Needless to say we werent impressed by its beauty. We had some dinner and looked forward to a good nights sleep.
 Kent and Mike didn't have to cut any weight as they are in the heavyweight division but Fraser had about 12 pounds to sweat off so Thursday was a day that was spent around his cut. We went to the biggest sports facility I have ever seen. Mac Island was its name so of course I thought it was an awesome place. Fraser didnt take more then an hour to shed the weight. This guy is a stud when it comes to discipline and dieting for a fight. He weighs in at 185lbs and by the time he walks into the cage he is 205lbs. I would like to name him the "garburator" because the boy eats everything in site after he steps on the scale. I dont know where he stores it but I wouldnt want to pay his food bill every month.
 

At the weigh ins we had the pleasure of meeting ufc vet Patrick Cote and also ran into my old friend John McCarthy. Its always cool to run into these big stars of the sport because they once were in our shoes at one time and always have words of wisdom before the fight.
 This got he guys pumped up including myself and knew that we were in a big show and Mike was one of the big stars in this event.

Weigh ins went smoothly as all the guys made weight. Kent came in at 265lbs. Fraser came in at 185.5 lbs and Mike came in at 229lbs. Tim hague topped the scale at 265lbs where he had to cut 15lbs. Like the caption in the picture says "the honey badger don't care"
  After the weigh ins it was time to fuel up and relax because the next day we were set for battle and the calm before the storm can be a little scary if you dont have a good atmosphere.
We are a great team. We laugh and crack jokes. Play pranks and just get along like any great disfunctional family. We had a couple beers ate some good food and had a good  sleep.
 Friday was fight night and all the guys were relaxed and ready to do there jobs. KICK SOME ASS!!
 First up was Fraser Jordan. He as always is cool as a cucumber before his match. Taping his hands I just knew that this athlete was going out to kill this guy. He was focussed and in the zone. When we entered the cage we looked out at 3000 people in attendance and across from Nathan Swayze and I was Patrick Cote. I thought to myself "I sure would like to get a win over a UFC vet" and Fraser delivered. They both started the fight with a couple wild kicks and punched but after 20 seconds Jordan calmed down and took control of the match. He showed why he is the #1 ranked amateur middleweight in BC. I would even say in western Canada. He finished the fight 1:29 seconds in the very first round. Tapout to strikes. I am not even sure he was winded. He says he wanted to finish early so that it wouldnt be a long night for everyone.lol
 Next up was Kent 'the furnace" Founeau. Between the 2 fighters they weighed over 525lbs. They started in the center of the cage and a slugfest broke out. Kent dropped his head to get under his opponent but got caught in a standing guilitine. Andrew Buckland (MMA instructor at the club) just went over the defense to that very move 3 nights before the fight so Kent was able to to get out of it. Kent bulldogged his way across the cage and they slammed into the fence. I swear to god the whole cage moved 6 inches but when they bounced back Kent fell into a bad position and his opponent mounted Kent. Fourneau turned and gave up his back and Jannie shots were too much for Kent to handle. The ref stopped the match so that they could fight another day. Both fighters gave each other a huge man hug in the middle of the cage.
 We had to wait it seemed an aternity for the main event as there were 13 fights on this card. Mike could care in the least. He was patient and didnt show any sign of stress.( I will add a link to his fight as we have it all on video.) When it was time to get in the cage nobody had heard of the Honey Badger but after it was over nobody it that packed arena will forget him. He moved like he was born for battle. He made Hague look like he wasnt in the same league. Beat him up like a red headed step child. Watch the video and you will see that Mike is going somewhere in this sport. He is bound for greatness. I knew this 8 years ago when I met Mike and trained with him in his shed behind his house. The guy has what it takes.
 After the fight we received phone calls from 5 different promotions wanting a piece of Hackert. Jounalists, agents, friends and family. My phone battery went dead trying to keep up with all the hype.I was glad too as it was time to party and celebrate this huge victory. The rest of the night was a blurr so I cant really get into detail but I know that we had a great time.
 I couldnt be more proud of all my fighters , supporters and my fellow corner man. We all did an excellent job. We worked as a team and I had one of the best experiences of my life. I have owned the boxing club for 6 years now and everything is starting to pay off. We are officially on the map of the MMA world.
Take notice people as we are not going anywhere!!! CVBC est 1984. 28 years of kicking ass!!
 http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/22687478
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6TW7d3oBTk&feature=share

I do and say some crazy stuff when I have a few beers and I am always accountable for my actions. Let me fill you in.
 This last weekend I spent the afternoon in the Snow to Surf race's beer gardens with some great friends. I was later invited to dinner at Chris Ketch's ( owner of Bodynetix) house with a bunch of his friends and clients. They had formed a team to enter the Whistler Tough Mudder event this coming June. 
Way back in the day they used to get innocent men piss drunk in taverns and recrute them to work in harsh conditions at sea as  sailors. They would wake up in the morning and poof they were in a ship on the ocean. No turning back. This is how I felt when I woke up the next day because I had 5 texts with links to where I had to sign up for this event. (Thanks Tia ! I need a person like you to get new members down to my club) I was trapped!
 I had heard of the Tough Mudder but didnt know exactly what it detailed. I followed the links to their website and once there my stomache did a backflip. I am in deep sh*t my friends.!  Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie
As a trainer at the club I have to stay in somewhat good shape but I have been slipping a bit in the last years or so on the cardio department . This event is in 6 weeks and I have to be in top shape as this course is not for the weak and I will never give up.
 I am going to train for this event the same way we train for a fight at the club and go balls to the wall. I will be part of a 20 person team mostly out of the Bodynetix gym and some of my mma friends will be there to stand shoulder to shoulder. They have had some time to train for this event so I have to step it up and catch up to them. This event is not a race but a team builder and a test of courage and determination. Not only at the event but the training up to it. I look forward to training with these poor souls.

I figure I have a lot to offer this squad as I have experience training and preparing great athletes at my club. They can also rely on my past leadership roles that I have from rugby and hockey from wearing the 'C' on my jersey to get these guys motivated to get over the walls and help them to finish where they might have stopped.  
 Chris Ketch has been getting them prepared and I am sure wouldnt mind some help but I hope they dont mind my work ethic as I dont eff around when it comes to getting ready for tough challenges.

I am going to leave a couple links on here. One will be the event itself and the other will be a link to pledge money for the Wounded Warrior fund in which I will be raising money on my behalf.
 Anytime you feel sorry for yourself just look at what these soldiers have sacrificed in your honour. I hope you give generously as it will drive me even more knowing I have people supporting me and this cause.
I will be posting more blogs on our training with pictures so please follow me on my biggest challenge to date.
http://toughmudder.com/
https://www.raceit.com/fundraising/donate.aspx?event=6581&fundraiser=r3672143

Mike Hackert's fight draws closer to the date. He has been writing a blog about his trainning and what is going on in his world.