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Author: Chad “Robo” Robichaux
Title: Staying True
What’s on their mind:
What does it mean as a martial arts competitor and stay true to the martial culture?
I feel really blessed at this point in my life and career; my family, friends, my team, and great opportunity. I have been a martial artist since I was 5 years old. That gives this old guy over 30 years on the mats… In that time I’ve seen and learned a lot. I place a lot of my successes in the military and in life based on things I’ve learned in those many years on the mats. One lesson continually learn is you can find out a lot about who someone really is by the way they train and interact on those mats; it’s like a window into their life.
I have been asked a lot recently, regarding my upcoming bout in Bellator, “Where are you going to go train for it” “Who are you going to work with”. To me, this question brings up one of the biggest problems in our sport today… for this question to even come up shows many of us are off the mark of what it means to be part of a team. So I want to share my theory on this topic. From my position, I say why would I trust anyone to train along side of me for this match outside of my friends and teammates who got me to this point in the first place? Cross training is one thing, but who cares about me more to take care of my safety in training, who knows my game more in strengths and weaknesses, or who cares more if I win or lose than the guys I’ve sweat with daily for years? Does every team have the very best in each area of MMA? No, of course not, Greg Jackson himself will tell you the same! However, I put a higher value on the whole, what we can achieve as a group, day in and day out, elevating one another!
Would the Green Bay Packers Quarterback go to train with the Vikings to get ready for the Super Bowl? Of course not! It’s ridiculous… Then why should we be any different? When we do this we hurt our team, the team we in turn would depend on and depends on us. It’s the law of Camaraderie… It’s how we win wars, and achieve great and impossible feats. It’s based on loyalty and integrity, a character you can’t put your finger on, but you know it’s bigger than yourself. This is how greatness is achieved… it’s not done alone; it’s done by investing in others and them in you. Any other way and in the end you will stand alone. It’s the willingness to humble yourself to learn from your teammates. When did MMA Fighters become too good to keep learning martial arts? When I see an athlete prioritize sparring sessions over growing their skill sets in fundamental training, it really disappoints me in knowing they limit their potential over ego and shortsightedness. Everyone is in a rush to be on top, but it seems few are willing to make the sacrifices to do it right. I once heard a quote, “the elevator to success is out of order, you’ll have to take the stairs” fitting for many who are flooding into our sport today!
So, who will I train with for my next bout? My team and family at Gracie Barra! Who else? The ones who have invested in me, and care about me, and if we can’t win with the training that comes from within our walls, at least we know we fell short together and I know that my brothers will be there to pick me up and prepare ourselves for the next battle. And… our opponent will know he didn’t face one… he faced a brotherhood of committed and dedicated martial artist who stood together.
-Robo
………And that’s why I train at GB with Professor Chad. Well put my friend, I wish I could be there to help you prepare.
I knew when I first signed up that it would take allot of hard work for me to get what I wanted out of this though after spending some time with just a few of the guys and seeing what it was really about it just made me want it more. This team, this family is strong only because it works together to accomplish the impossible and to succeed in being the best. I am proud to say I am a part of Gracie Bara and part of something truely great thanks to Chad.
Well said man
Chad is one of a kind a fighter/father/husband/teacher and a man of god that’s why he is where he is now in his life that’s why I think he is one of the best in Houston to learn your craft from if bjj is for you
The ‘family’ philosophy at GB North Houston is what I love about training bjj, and is something I hope that all bjj schools are able to find. Professor Robo fosters a pure, unselfish, and welcoming training environment has made an impact on many lives, and I’m happy to count myself among the ranks. Amen, brother.
i agree. it seems like you can get a better idea of what someone’s about just by a training with them once or twice than you would under more typical circumstances. i guess it’s a lot harder to maintain a persona when someone’s trying to choke you. leave your ego at the door..
and as for aaron rogers training with the vikings, that wouldn’t happen. no one would stand for it. i’d also point out what free agency has done for all major league sports. sure, people still root for the home team, but their hearts aren’t into it when they don’t know if their favorite player will be back next year.
I think this is a well written “philosophy”. While I have no problem with anything said in the above, and I appreciate the loyalty that Chad Robicheaux has to Gracie, I also have no problem with cross training and true mixed martial artists gaining knowledge that they may not acquire at their current gym. I applaud Chad for what he says above but do so saying that what may work for him may not work for others. It is all about what an individual gets out of their experience. If they are not satisfied by going to just one place and can gain knowledge by training at another place, I also applaud that and applaud them for wanting to constantly get better. When it comes down to it, it’s not about “competition” which is a hidden point, because if the individual is paying more than one gym, you know they’re happy, it is about gaining knowledge to get better. I think lately that too many people are getting too occupied with what it reads across your chest when you are in public than what is on your brain when you are practicing a martial art.
Not taking anything negative away from what he says above, I applaud that. I simply say that situation may be awesome for Robicheaux and work exactly the way he wants but that may not work the same for each and every member.
Good luck in your fight.
Simply the best thing i have yet to read ever in relation to MMA
Robo is not blowing smoke. The dude believes and lives this. One of the most for real people u will ever meet.
Chad Robichaux and his gym is one of the best things to happen to our family. Our family has been with Chad and the gym since the beginning. Chad is a man of God and family. In addition to a Mixed Martial Artist, Chad is an avid BJJ Practicioner. Chad works tirelessly in training his students and promoting a family atmosphere in the gym. My boys (& wife) are the most important people in my life and Chad is helping me make sure my boys are prepared for an uncertain future. I would recommend his gym to anyone, especially those who have children.
hey great fighter we are a atheletic family sharing all our bad or happy avents grow up , succeed , win together or ——————- but i dont think we will have any fail if we stay one team cares about each other
any way u know the languege
im sure u are the best so complelt ur goal and dont look behind
with all my wishes
ali
re: Beenie,
I’m a team member at Gracie Barra under Professor Robo, I spent my formative years in martial arts, I’ve been with the Gym four less than four months and i can tell you that I will be Gracie family for life. Our gym is truely a team and a family. Honestly with the caliber of our coaches why would we train anywhere else, Our muay thai program is excellent, we lost our old coach and Professor Robo found us the best in Kru Ali. Constantly I hear from visitors, fighters from other gyms that train with us, and coaches that our gym is amazing and I’d have to agree. There is no need to look elsewhere for talent when we seem to just get them to join our facility that way the whole team benefits. And with an 11 and 0 record I think the Prof is doing something right. And considering Professor Chad is ex-military it’s no surprise he’s not just becoming a warrior, he is building an army ha ha ha. But I guess the only way to understand it is to come roll with us
oh and our team acts as translators for our harder to understand coaches lol just kidding
I didn’t mean my comment as a negative one, I think what Chad says in his article is great. I was simply stating that the philosophy of training strictly at one gym may not be the best option for everyone. It’s obvious that is what is successful for Chad, and that’s great. It’s just not “wrong” or should be looked down on those that may train different arts at more than one gym. Whatever works for a particular individual may not work for everyone. If it does…outstanding. If it doesn’t, that’s still ok. It’s all about what the person gets out of it.
It’s a great article that Chad wrote, no doubt. I wish him great success!
What a great article! Chad will shock everyone in this fight. He’s a complete fighter and I agree he trains with the very best.
Zach Makovsky is a beast. The best 135 wrestler in MMA. Im still pulling for Robo. make Texas proud!
Good luck Chad in your upcoming fight! Your Gracie Barra family will stand behind you 110% through thick and thin. GB 4 LIFE!!!
Absolutely, Beanie, at the end of the day if you are a fighter you have to do what works for you, that’s what makes our gym so great is it is about the fight, and more. we even have been known to fix each others cars when they break down lol, it’s family, and it’s in the true martial spirit
I agree with you also professor nothing wrong with crosstraining but most and almost all my training is at home with my Family! Steel sharpens steel.
Thank you all so much for the kind words and support for my upcoming bout.
Training is going great and I never felt better physically and mentally for competition; I’m so excited to compete.
I’m feel very privileged to compete at this level and represent our city on the National Scene, on such a great event and against such a formidable opponent. Zach is a classy guy and a great athlete, who’s been around for a long time. It should be a good match but I know I will be very prepared and have no doubt in my ability to win on April 16th.
In reflection to my article and its feedback, I guess it’s easy to feel how I feel with such a great team. We have so many great people at Gracie Barra to train with and for support. The students in the classes alone are such a valuable training component for me. My friends and family who are believing in me.
For a coaching staff I could have a better crew to prepare me. I’m regularly working with:
BJJ;
-Two 4th degree Black Belts: Draculino and Ratinho – both have prepared guys for the highest level of competition to include Werdum’s win over Fedor. Who has two 4th degree like this on hand?
-Other Black Belts like Todd Moore, Alex Gotay, Ulpiano – Todd not just being a WEC and Dream Vet but having trained daily with me for 3 yrs worth of training camps for each other.
-Boxing and Muay Thai;
33-1 Pro Lewis Wood, Kru Ali, Matt Wald – All PHENOMENAL strategist and striking trainers who know my game and how to best implement it.
-Wrestling;
2x NCAA Jody Tranthom, D1 Collegians Kody Williams and Brett Gerard.
-Not to mention sparring partners like Alex Morono, Levi Forrest, Chris Bodron, Chaffee, and so many others! I’m so blessed and going to be so ready!
Thanks to everyone!
April 16 – MTV2
http://www.ChadRobo.tv
Zach interview on Robo
http://mmadiehards.com/videos/bellator-champ-zach-makovsky-its-just-the-beginning-and-i-have-a-lot-of-improving-to-do/
Chad, You rule! Great article, we’re all behind you and you are a man of honor. I’m new to the sport along with my three sons and I couldn’t image a better gym or person to learn from. We were hooked from the day we met you, Hunter and Haydan.
Strength is in numbers and we’ll all be with you on the day of the fight
Sounds like you guys have a great thing going over there.
This was a great article from robo. I’ve only been training about 6 months now but everyone there is devoted to the art and to the gym and it shows. Good luck in your fight professor. Wait…..do ur hear something? It’s a tapping noise lol.
Although I’ve only been with GB for short while, Its been a honor to share the mats with Chad and all of the GB Team. I have felt excepted and part of this family since day one. That alone showed me that it doesn’t matter if you are a beginner. They were there once themselves but, didn’t let egos get in the way of making this gym what it is today. Chad, I thank you and we are all in corner.
Organized like a team, fighting like a family…Says it all bro..Good luck Proff Robo!!
A true man among men… Professor Robo makes you want to be a better person. I know I am for just knowing him and being apart of Gracie Barra. Thank you and the whole GB family for all you do!! WAR ROBO!!!
good to see how you have a team for a reason we always be here for you Chad thank you for always be a good guy and keeping the legacy alive
Re: Beanie
I can understand where you’re coming from. over the years I’ve trained at a lot of different schools, and learned a lot from each of them. I think that’s great. as for training in general, i don’t think that anyone at the top would suggest to train the same way with the same partners for your entire career, which i believe was your point. there is one thing i have noticed that several of the world’s top competitors have in common – when it comes time to prepare for a specific event, they tend to stay home, and i believe it’s for the same reasons that chad mentioned above. your biggest fans (besides your family) will always be the guys in your school, and if you go prepare for a big fight somewhere else, then your guys at home won’t be as invested in your success. if you don’t believe in them, why should they believe in you?
I knew when I first signed up that it would take allot of hard work for me to get what I wanted out of this though after spending some time with just a few of the guys and seeing what it was really about it just made me want it more. This team, this family is strong only because it works together to accomplish the impossible and to succeed in being the best. I am proud to say I am a part of Gracie Barra and part of something truely great thanks to Chad.
Good stuff Chad, Keep training hard with your family and team. Only great things will be accomplished by staying true to what got to where you are.
The GB family is one that I am glad I became a part of under Chad’s leadership. He truly has built a place where a team is strong and the support is stronger. Besides having one of the best group of instructors assembled in Houston, you have a winning team that proves it at every tournament we attend. Some guys join a gym and get a membership for a few years, but I feel like I have one for life! I can’t think of too many gyms I actually want to get up at 5:30am to train at and it is because of the quality of the team! Way to go and thanks for making it that way! Good luck with the fight, you know we are behind you 110%!!