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HOOPS – The Black Mamba!

The Black Mamba

I know what a lot of you are thinking… What about Mike!? What about PRINCE James!? MJ invented the killer fade away. MJ broke teams down with his ability to take over games and his “refuse to lose” attitude. Kobe clearly stole MJ’s moved, however he made them better! Kobe can shoot from anywhere on the floor… and I mean ANYWHERE!

LBJ is a physical beast! He dominates the basketball floor with his physical presence, incredible athleticism, and court awareness. Only one problem… his heart pumps cherry flavor Kool Aid!  Time will tell if LBJ’s services in South Beach pay off.  I have never heard of a KING that has NO rings…  Maybe 6 years from now I’ll crown LBJ a KING, until then PRINCE James can not be awarded a KSA.

Kobe is clearly playing in a generation where the athletes are superior to MJ’s generation (Just take a look at some old school pictures or footage of the NBA during the early 90′s). The game is faster, and more compact now that teams can play a form of zone defense.

Please enjoy the highlight reel so you can understand be reminded why Kobe gets the vote for GOAT in basketball!  Check out what Kobe has already achieved… The Black Mamba is still handling his biz night in and night out.  I see the focus in press conferences this year…  Kobe wants his 6th cookie!!!  Kobe doesn’t want to be compared to MJ…  He clearly wants to be remembered as better then MJ!

• 5× NBA Champion (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010)
• 2× NBA Finals MVP (2009–2010)
• NBA Most Valuable Player (2008)
• 12× NBA All-Star (1998, 2000–2010)
• 2× NBA scoring champion (2006–2007)
• 8× All-NBA First Team (2002–2004, 2006–2010)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (2000–2001)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (1999, 2005)
• 8× All-Defensive First Team (2000, 2003–2004, 2006–2010)
• 2× All-Defensive Second Team (2001–2002)
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1997)
• 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2002, 2007, 2009)
• NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner (1997)
• Naismith Prep Player of the Year (1996)

FOOTIE – Zizou!

Zizou

Yes, Maradona and Pele were both very special players,  both of these players were clearly ahead of their time.  Pele was playing during a time when the athletes had part time jobs.  There is no doubt in my mind that Pele could have been a good player in today’s game.  However, when I watch some of the old footage of Pele’s playing days, I wonder if that generation would be able to handle 3rd division clubs of this generation.  Maradona was very special!  He played during a time when the athletes were somewhat stronger, faster, and the game had evolved a bit from Pele’s playing days.  Maradona amazed us all on the world’s biggest stage (World Cup).  Maradona was dominant on the pitch…  tormenting defenses every time he had the ball on his feet.  I would also like to mention great players such as Ruud Gullit, Reberto Baggio, George Weah, Alan Shearer, Eric Cantona, and Louis Figo.  There are many great players that have made their mark on the worlds most beautiful game.

Zinadine Zidane in my opinion is the GOAT when it comes to soccer.  His balance on the ball, vision on the pitch, delicate touches, and powerful shot make him the most dominant player on any field!  A few key moments that will always remain etched in my memory…

1.  France VS England Euro 2004…  Around the 90th minute…  Free kick from outside the box, all the pressure on his shoulders, and calmly blasts the ball into the net to level the score 1-1!  Moments later, after a Stevie G blunder, Zizou slots it past Calamity James to win the game for France.

2.  France VS Italy World Cup 2006… Who in their right mind has the nerve to go for a “Panenka”?  Not to mention Buffon (Some would argue the best goalkeeper in the world at that time) in goal!  Zizou!!!  Il est trops fort!!!!

3.  France VS Brazil World Cup 2006… One of the best individual performances I have ever watched in my life!  Kaka, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Co looked like a bunch of school boys!  What a performance!!!  Many thought it would be Zidane’s last game.  I’m guessing that Zidane wanted to remind the world why he is the GOAT at Brazil’s expense…  If you haven’t had a chance to watch that game, please dig into the archives, throw some pop corn in the microwave, and enjoy!

Check out Zidane’s achievements…  In case you forgot how brilliant Zizou was,  take a few moments to watch the video with some of his highlights.  Believe me, the highlights don’t even tell a quarter of the story!!!

• Girondins Bordeaux
  • UEFA Intertoto Cup:
    • Winner: 1995
  • UEFA Cup:
    • Runner-up: 1995-96

• Juventus
  • Serie A:
    • Winner: 1996-97, 1997-98
    • Runner-up: 1999-00, 2000-01
  • Supercoppa Italiana:
    • Winner: 1997
    • Runner-up: 1998
  • UEFA Champions League:
    • Runner-up: 1996-97, 1997-98
  • UEFA Super Cup:
    • Winner: 1996
  • Intercontinental Cup:
    • Winner: 1996
  • UEFA Intertoto Cup:
    • Winner: 1999

• Real Madrid
  • La Liga:
    • Winner: 2002-03
    • Runner-up: 2004-05, 2005-06
  • Supercopa de España:
    • Winner: 2001, 2003
  • Copa del Rey:
    • Runner-up: 2001-02, 2003-04
  • UEFA Champions League:
    • Winner: 2001-02
  • UEFA Super Cup:
    • Winner: 2002
  • Intercontinental Cup:
    • Winner: 2002

• France
  • FIFA World Cup:
    • Winner: 1998
    • Runner-up: 2006
  • UEFA European Football Championship:
    • Winner: 2000

• Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year – 1994
• Ligue 1 Player of the Year – 1996
• Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year – 1997, 2001
• UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year – 1998
• FIFA World Cup Final Man of the Match – 1998
• World Soccer Awards Player of the Year – 1998
• Ballon D’or – 1998
• L’Équipe Champion of Champions – 1998
• French Player of the Year – 1998, 2002
• Onze d’Or – 1998, 2000, 2001
• FIFA World Player of the Year – 1998, 2000, 2003
• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team – 1998, 2006
• UEFA Euro Player of the Tournament – 2000
• UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament – 2000, 2004
• Serie A Footballer of the Year – 2001
• UEFA Team of the Year – 2001, 2002, 2003
• UEFA Champions League Final Man of the Match – 2002
• Best Foreign Player in La Liga – 2002
• UEFA Club Footballer of the Year – 2002
• FIFPro World XI All-Star Team – 2005, 2006
• FIFA World Cup Golden Ball – 2006
• UNFP Honorary Award – 2007
• FIFA World Cup Dream Team
• FIFA 100 Greatest Living Footballers
• World Soccer 100 Greatest Players of the 20th Century

UEFA Best European Player of the Past 50 Years

In 2004, UEFA conducted an online poll as part of their Golden Jubilee celebrations, celebrating the best European footballers from the previous fifty years. The poll, available on UEFA’s website, asked respondents to pick their ten favorite players from each of the five previous decades, from a shortlist of 250 players. Over 150,000 people responded, producing over seven million votes. Zinedine Zidane topped the poll narrowly from Franz Beckenbauer who was second, with Johan Cruyff closing out the top three.

(Achievements from Wiki)

In my opinion, the greatest known fighter in the world! Anderson Silva is a complete fighter. His striking game, astounding! His ground game, brilliant! What’s also very remarkable are the names of the victims caught in the spider’s web. In case you have not had the opportunity to see him in action, enjoy some of his best highlights!

The Spider is a remarkable athlete. If you’ve taken the time to watch the highlights, I’m sure you’ll agree that the way he slips punches and reacts to his opponents is quite extraordinary. Pay attention to how agile, nimble, and focused Silva is. it’s no wonder he strikes with the precision of a true lion!

When was the last time you did some reactive training? My favorite reactive exercises involve the reactive ball. At the end of tough workout, I will at times have my clients make multi-directional quick movements on a matted area. I toss the reactive ball, and expect my clients to catch the ball after one bounce. Three minutes with one the right hand, followed by another three minutes catching with the left usually does the trick! This exercise promotes good hand eye coordination, improves agility, and elevates the heart rate!

UNDERSTANDING THE GAME

Shotokan is a style of karate developed from various martial arts.  Shotokan originates from Japan and was founded by Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957) and his son Yoshitaka Funakoshi (1906–1945).  Shotokan was the name of the first official dojo built by Funakoshi.

Shotokan training is usually divided into three parts: Ki-hon (basics), Kata (forms or patterns of moves), and Ku-mite (sparring).  Techniques in kihon and kata are characterized by deep, long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements, and strengthen the legs.  Kumite (meeting of hands) techniques mirror these stances and movements at a basic level, but are less structured, with a focus instead on speed and efficiency.

Kumite

Gichin Funakoshi laid out the twenty precepts of karate, which form the foundations of the art. Within these twenty principles, lies the philosophy of Shotokan. The principles allude to notions of humility, respect, compassion, patience, and both an inward and outward calmness. It was Funakoshi’s belief that through karate practice and observation of these 20 principles, the karateka would improve their person.

A dojo ,is a Japanese term which literally means “place of the way”. Initially, dojos were adjunct to temples. The term can refer to a formal training place for any of the Japanese “do” arts, but typically it is considered the formal gathering place for students of any Japanese martial arts style to conduct training.

The Dojo Kun lists five philosophical rules for training in the dojo; seek perfection of character, be faithful, endeavor to excel, respect others, and refrain from violent behavior.

(Wiki)

EXCEL MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING CENTER (EMATC)

My journey on this planet has brought me to Syracuse, New York.  While searching for a gym where I could handle my biz (provide personal/group training services), I was fortunate to cross paths with my brother El-Java Abdul-Qadir.  Shihan (master instructor)  El-Java is a fourth degree black belt in shotokan karate, a world champion, and currently ranked number one by the North American Sport Karate Association.

Through the blessings of Allah, El-Java and I have formed an incredible friendship and working relationship!  I am now a proud member of the EMATC team!  I have started handling “Biz Ness!!” and I have added Shotokan karate to my fitness regimen.

MY MMA EXPERIENCE

Back in the days when I lived in Niamey, Niger (1987-1990) I practiced Taekwondo under the tutelage of Master Cho!  I was a very good student.  I represented my dojo very well and was invited to the national tournament for kids.  I got my but kicked, but honestly, I think I was caught up in the “flashing lights”.  I still remember my friend Jonathan Mvie consoling me after my defeat…  It wasn’t easy losing, especially with my family, my classmates, and what seemed like the entire world watching!

Fast forward to 2006…  I started getting more involved in “The sweet science” otherwise known as the sport of boxing.  Boxing has been a big part of my training routine every since.  It is one of my favorite forms or cardiovascular training and I encourage my clients to box for a workout as a part of their training program.  I’ve been involved in training professional boxers, amateur boxers, as well as sparring at gyms such as the world renown Gleesons Gym in Brooklyn, NY.

I am a big fan of mixed martial arts.  I am thrilled to add Shotokan to my repertoire.  Some of my favorite fighters have a background in Shotokan Karate, namely George St. Pierre and Lyoto Machida.  Rank is used in karate to indicate experience, expertise, and to a lesser degree, seniority. As with many martial arts, Shotokan uses a system of colored belts to indicate rank.  I am now…

9th KYU White Belt (Beginner)

Hachiji-dachi

Heian Shodan translates as, “Peaceful mind, first level.” and is the first of the series of five Heian kata. It teaches the karateka to ground himself in strong stances. Thus it represents Earth. It is one of the most basic kata and is usually the first kata a karateka learns.

There is an emphasis on basic low blocks/strikes and stepping punch, moving through the center and building strong and low front stances, hammer fist technique and face blocks/strikes, including transitionally timed blocks and strikes, back stance knife hand block/strike, proper basic breathing and application of kiai. Hip rotation, vibration, shifting/thrusting, reconnection.

(www.heianshodan.com)

This is the first Kata I will be required to perform.

An average adult consumes nearly a million calories a year. Despite this huge number, some healthy people are able to maintain a relatively stable body weight over years and decades without much conscious effort. When “calories in” equals “calories out,” a state of energy balance is achieved and body weight remains constant.

Metabolism is the process of converting food to fuel for the body. Metabolic rate is the number of calories used to fuel the body. Therefore, your resting metabolism is the amount of energy your body uses at rest.

THE ENERGY BALANCE EQUATION

The energy balance equation is driven by common laws of physics and thermodynamics:

• Energy cannot be created or destroyed.

Energy is either used or stored. When “calories in” are less than “calories out,” a state of negative energy balance occurs and body weight decreases.

In contrast, when “calories in” are greater than “calories out,” a state of positive energy balance occurs and body weight increases.

Being overweight is a result of being in a positive energy balance where “calories in” is greater than “calories out”. This can be caused by:

• eating too much
• not enough exercise or activity
• having a low metabolic rate

CALORIES IN

Food provides calories (fuel) for the body in the form of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Any calories from food that are not used immediately for energy production are stored. Each source of calories is unique in the way it is used and stored by the body.

Carbohydrates are usually the main source of energy for the body. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose (sugar) and stored in individual muscle cells in the form of glycogen. The body can only store limited amounts of carbohydrates as glycogen. Carbohydrates contains four calories per gram.

Proteins are used by the body to build and maintain body tissues and is rarely used by the body for energy. Like carbohydrates, the body can only store limited amounts of protein. Protein also contains four calories per gram.

Fat is the most calorie-dense of the nutrients. Unlike carbohydrate and protein, the body has an almost unlimited capacity to store fat and body fat stores act as the long term fuel reserves to prevent against starvation. A common misunderstanding is that you can only increase body fat by eating too much fat but studies show that an abundance of fuels, especially carbohydrates, also leads to increased body fat storage. Fat contains nine calories per gram.

CALORIES OUT

Watching the number of calories in the food you eat helps manage your “calories in,” but to achieve energy balance you also need to know your “calories out.” The body uses (burns) calories in three ways: Physical Activity, Digestion of Food, and your Resting Metabolism.

Physical Activity
The body uses more calories for physical activity than it does at rest. Physical activity includes exercise as well as all other activity that engages muscles for movement. Because most physical activity is voluntary, it is the most variable part of “calories out” in the energy balance equation. The number of calories burned during physical activity and exercise varies from individual to individual. Calories for physical activity may represent less than 20 percent of “calories out” for a sedentary person or more than 30 percent of “calories out” for someone who is very physically active. Calories for physical activity depend upon the type, intensity (how hard you exert yourself), and duration (minutes) of the activity.

Digestion of Food
The body also uses calories to digest, absorb, transport, and store food. The technical name for this process is called the “thermic effect of food”. Typically, the thermic effect of food represents only about 10 percent of the “calories out.”

Resting Metabolism
Resting metabolism provides the energy the body needs for pumping blood through the body, inhaling and exhaling air, maintaining body temperature, sending and receiving nerve impulses, thinking, and making important chemicals in the cells. Resting metabolism occurs in a continual process. Resting metabolism is the largest component (typically 60 to 70 percent) of “calories out” in the energy equation.

BALANCING THE ENERGY BALANCE EQUATION

Most people maintain a steady energy balance over time. You may eat a little more or a little less on any given day. You may do a little more or a little less physical activity. Your weight may go up or down by a pound or two, but for the most part, you maintain a balance. When the balance shifts, your weight changes. The key to gaining or losing weight is balancing the energy balance equation.

THE ROLE OF OXYGEN, VO2

Just like an automobile engine, your body needs oxygen to mix with fuel to produce energy. Your lungs (carburetor) and heart (fuel pump) deliver oxygen to the individual muscle cells and combine with fuels (fat, carbohydrates) for the production of energy. One of the by-products (exhaust) of this energy creation is carbon dioxide. You breathe in oxygen and you breathe out carbon dioxide.

At lower exercise intensities, your aerobic system uses fats and some carbohydrates as fuel along with a moderate amount of oxygen. Of these fuels, only carbohydrates have the capacity to be used as fuel without oxygen, or anaerobically. As the intensity of your exercise increases and you reach the capacity of your aerobic system, to bring oxygen into your body and you shift progressively to your anaerobic system. Your anaerobic system primarily uses carbohydrates (in the form of blood sugar or stored glycogen) as a fuel source and produces an increased amount of carbon dioxide exhaled.

For example, if you are walking up a few flights of stairs, as you get to perhaps the third flight, you begin to switch from your aerobic system to your anaerobic system and will notice an increased demand for oxygen and you will breathe harder and more rapidly. If you continue to climb the next flight of stairs, you will notice a burning sensation (accumulation of lactic acid) in your leg muscles and as this lactic acid accumulates in the muscle, your body attempts to rid itself of this condition by buffering it with bicarbonate in the blood. This buffering process produces additional carbon dioxide in the blood which causes you to breathe even harder. This point is typically referred to as your anaerobic or ventilatory threshold.

A metabolic assessment analyzes the volume of oxygen consumed (VO2) and the volume of carbon dioxide produced (VCO2) in a controlled setting to determine the type of fuels your body is using, or your “metabolic profile”. A Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) assessment measures the amount of energy used at rest. The RMR is then adjusted by an activity factor to produce the amount of calories you burn in a typical day. Your RMR can be used to identify your caloric intake needs for a weight loss program (e.g. 2000 calories per day).

An exercise metabolic assessment measures the VO2 and VCO2 along with your heart rate during exercise with a gradual increase in intensity until you reach a point sufficient to collect the desired exercise “metabolic profile”. Data such as heart rate, oxygen consumed (VO2 Max), and Anaerobic Threshold (AT) are determined and these are used to develop training program for you. Target heart rates are scientifically determined by your metabolic profile during exercise and can be incorporated into a fitness or weight loss training program by your exercise professional.

Metabolic assessments are better than estimates because the program is based on your unique response to exercise. Your exercise professional will have more information from the assessments on how your body is working which leads to more effective nutritional planning and exercise programming.

RESOURCE: www.newleaffitness.com

Music & Exercise

What exactly is the relationship between music and exercise?

Gyms are full of sound.  The grunts you hear from weight lifting, the clanking of weights, the sounds of people breathing heavily and of course the usually terrible “pop” music being played in attempt to please all the gym members.

Whether you are in a gym or exercising outdoors with mother nature, its hard not to notice the ear phones that are plugged into pretty much every participants ears.  What’s up with all the sound?  Why do we all seem to want music whilst we exercise?  Is it a fashion statement?  What is going on?!!!

MAGIC SYSTEM FEAT LES ELEPHANT

What the studies show…

For the last 20 years, Costas Karageorghis, a sports psychologist at Britain’s Brunel University, has been setting the research pace for understanding our need to groove and move.

In addition to his lab research, Karageorghis has helped create a half marathon in London that tries to find the perfect music mix of live bands based on his research of human reaction to rhythm. The second annual “Run to the Beat” event was held a few weeks ago with 9,000 laboratory rats, er, runners either enjoying the live music or listening to their own mix of tunes on their MP3. Karageorghis even offered a scientific selection of songs based on his findings.

According to Kargeorghis, there are four factors that contribute to a song’s motivational qualities: rhythm response, musicality, cultural impact and association.

The first two are known as “internal” factors as they relate to the music’s structure while the second two are “external” factors that reflect how we interpret the music. Rhythm response is tied to the beats per minute (bpm) of the song and how well it matches either the cadence or the heartbeat of the runner. A song’s structure such as its melody and harmony contribute to its musicality. The external factors consider our musical background and the preferences we have for a certain genre of music and what we have learned to associate with certain songs and artists.

Picking the right music can have several benefits

Syncing beats per minute with an exercise pace increases your efficiency. In a recent study, subjects who cycled in time to music found that they required 7 percent less oxygen to do the same work when compared to music playing in the background. Music can also help block out the little voice in your brain telling you its time to quit. Research shows that this dissociation effect results in a 10 percent reduction in perceived effort during treadmill running at a moderate intensity.

WERRASON

In the current study, published in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 30 subjects synchronised their pace to the tempo of the music which was 125 bpm. Before the experiment, a pool of music was rated using a questionnaire tool (the Brunel Music Rating Inventory) which then selected the most motivational pieces for the treadmill test. The subjects were given a choice of either pop or rock music.

When compared to a no-music control, the motivational synchronised music led to a 15 percent improvement in endurance.

“The synchronous application of music resulted in much higher endurance while the motivational qualities of the music impacted significantly on the interpretation of fatigue symptoms right up to the point of voluntary exhaustion,” Karageorghis reported.

Matching the beats per minute of our music with our exercise heart rate also takes an interesting non-linear path, according to research.

Karageorghis found that when our hearts are performing at between 30 and 70 percent of maximum, we prefer a somewhat linear increase from 90 to 120 bpm. However, when we reach our anaerobic threshold between 70 and 80 percent of maximum, we prefer a jump in rhythm from 120 to 150 bpm. Above 80 percent of maximum heart rate, a plateau is reached where even faster music is not preferred.

(http://www.livescience.com/health/091021-sports-running-music.html)

Effects on Respiration and Heart Rate

The effects of music on respiration and cardiac activity have been of particular focus to researchers due to the value of these physiological parameters to health and disease prevention. The ability to control cardiac activity may be desirable in the treatment of various heart conditions. However, much of the early research on the physiological response to music has been rejected by researchers because of poor research designs, inadequate procedures, and limits of the equipment (Dainow, 1977) . In a well-designed study, Ellis and Brighouse (1952) noted that respiration rate increased significantly with the onset of jazz music and tends to return to pre-music levels with the cessation of music. Heart rate was only moderately effected by the introduction of the music. The average heart rate is between 72-80 beats per minute while music tempos may range from 70 to 170 beats per minute. A review of studies indicates that heart rate tends to only moderately follow the music; increasing in response to fast music and decreasing in response to slow music (Dainow, 1977) . Dainow cites several investigations that actually show any type of music (sedative or stimulative) will show a moderate increase in heart rate. Much of this increase in heart rate by all types of music can be explained due to the fact that music does produce some kind of emotional effect, thus increasing the heart rate.

FALLY

The Influence of Music Elements on Aerobic Fitness

Information obtained from 70 college students (35 males and 35 females) enrolled in an aerobic dance class indicated that 97% of the students felt (perceived influence) that the music affected their performance during aerobic activity (Gfeller, 1988) . Respondents identified the following factors which influenced their aerobic performance: music style (97%), rhythm [beat] (94%), tempo (96%), lyrics (77%), volume (66%), mood (37%), and melody (17%). A strong correlation between male and female responses indicated that gender is not a particularly important factor to consider when selecting music for an aerobic activity.

Although performance may or may not be enhanced by the addition of music to the workbout, subjects regularly report that they felt their performance was better with the music accompaniment. Therefore, music may directly improve a person’s enjoyment and fulfillment of the physical activity, leading to greater exercise compliance; a worthwhile objective for any fitness educator.

DJ YAMS MIX ZOUGLOU DECALE

Music may evoke pleasant associations, while masking unpleasant stimuli (such as rapid breathing associated with exertion). It may also serve as a distraction to some internal feelings, possibly associated with discomfort. Accordingly, students may be able to endure the challenges of progressive overload of exercise with the music providing a pleasurable environmental stimuli.

(Len Kravitz, Ph.D)

113 & MAGIC SYSTEM

Cool toys

TANGERINE – http://www.potionfactory.com/tangerine/

Tangerine! lets you easily create playlists of upbeat music.  It works by analyzing the BPM and the beat intensity of your music

ADIDAS MI COACH – http://www.adidas.com/us/micoach/#Start/sdf/mdf

NIKE + http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikeplus/en_US/what_is_nike_plus

EXTRA MUSICA

My Riddimz

In my experience, music has pushed me across boundaries which I never thought I could cross.  Music has given me a “second wind” while exercising numerous times!  I always found it interesting when I would be running, all of a sudden one of my favorite songs would come on, and my body would be jolted with a sudden burst of energy!

Below are the sounds that keep me going…  The sounds that keep my legs moving even when I feel like I want to give up…  The sounds that have a way of blocking out the lactic acid…
Enjoy!

WERRASON

2 FACE – LOVE IS A CRIME

GLISSEMENT YOBI YOBI

SARAH VA BOUGER

DJ ARAFAT

P SQUARE

DJ ARAFAT

DJ JACOB

MAGIC SYSTEM

DOUG SAGA

RESISTANCE DJ

KOFI OLOMIDE

KOFI OLOMIDE

ESPOIR 2000

HOMMAGE A DOUG SAGA

TV3 DJ

DJ DOLLAR

ZOUKE DECALE

SEKA SEKA

DJ ZIDANE

ETAT MAJOR

EXTRA MUSICA

PEPE KALLE – ROGER MILLA

2FACE

HHP

MOVADO

MAGIC SYSTEME

LESLIE

CHEB KHALED

ZOUGLOUDANCE

BOUGER BOUGER

SLAI – La Derniere Danse

SLAI – Flame

SLAI – Apres La Tempete

DJ Matthieu

Dicaprio – Fatigue Fatigue

AWILO – KAROLINA

DJ ARAFAT

MAGIC SYSTEM

A person who shows great vigor, courage, aggressiveness! Are you a warrior? Are you the master of your body… honer unto death?!?

BALLA GAYE

WEST AFRICAN WRESTLING

MAYWEATHER

RAMADAN YASSER

KABARY SALEM

When it comes to fuel… There are a few small factors that I have to consider…

1. I am not a very good cook.
2. Quality (Choosing healthy).
3. My W. African taste buds.
4. Performance.
5. Price

I honestly enjoy cooking, however, I don’t have culinary skills that it takes to fuel my very active body. After a long day of training, the energy required to prepare a meal and clean dishes…. Let’s just say my “levels” are low! All I want to do is rest. We all know how important rest is, particularly if I want to perform at a high level.

I am doing my best to make good choices when it comes to what I fuel my body with. I am not a nutrition guru, but I know a few basics…. Carbohydrates hook me up with energy, Proteins help repair the muscle fibers I tear (recovery), and healthy Fats lube my blood vessels! I am not picky when it comes to food… I love veggies, red meat, seafood… You name it I’ll eat it!

I was raised eating dishes from W. Africa. For those that are unfamiliar… Lots of rice and stews. My favorites are cassava leaves, maffe, sauce gumbo, grilled fish with atieke, and pap. Some dishes would be considered healthy while others cooked in palm oil not so much! I enjoy eating meals that are spicy and get my taste buds fired up!

Food has a very important part to play when it comes to athletic performance. You wouldn’t but regular unleaded 89′ fuel in a Formula 1 car… The engine would burn the fuel quickly and chances are the engine would not last the test of time. I believe our bodies operate the same way. If I consider myself a F1, I need to make sure I am consuming complex carbs, quality protein, healthy fats, and lots of water.

Eating healthy in NYC comes with a price tag. How come it costs more to eat organic? Less chemicals to preserve the food should mean lower production costs! What is the solution to my nutritional needs?….

Cuisine Akogbeto!!!!!

Eric Akogbeto is answer to my nutrition needs! I like to call his cuisine “Afriasian Euro Fusion”. Eric is a very good chef who originates from Gabon in central Africa.

His dishes address all my issues when it comes to my diet. He chooses quality foods to create his magic, his cuisine is incredibly tasty, he customizes my meals to ensure that I can perform at a high level when training, and he is very affordable considering what I would be paying for alternatives. Almost forgot… My food is delivered to me twice a week!!! Can’t beat that!!!

If you live in NYC and would like your own personal chef… Holla at Eric Akogbeto!

Delicious