Matthew Cano

Matthew Cano, 5280Holistics Ambassador, CBD athlete, MMA, BJJ
 
Name: Matthew Cano
Age: 34
Hometown: Cheyenne, WY
Sport(s)/Activity: Jiu Jitsu
Affiliations/Groups: Jitsu Kurt Osiander Black Belt
Social Media Handles:
FB: Matthew Joseph Cano
SC: @wyobjj307 
 
 

1. Why did I first choose my sport?

Initially it was for self-defense. Which later turned into fighting MMA, then to full time Jiu Jitsu athlete.

2. Why do I continue to play my sport?

For the love of it. I've been training so long it's just become a lifestyle.


3. If I could achieve anything I wished for in my sport, what would it be?

I want to win to a Pan Am title as well as Master World title.


4. What are the physical things I do really well in my sport?

The physical things I do well are, play a good open guard and side control pressure.


5. What are the mental things I do really well in my sport?

I stay calm in bad positions.


6. How physically fit/strong do I need to be for my sport?

In Jiu Jitsu, for me being fit is extremely important. If you’re not at the top of your game with dieting, running, weight training and grinding it out on the mats. Then just natural ability will only take you so far. "Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard."


7. What skills and attributes do the best athletes have in my sport?

The skills that acquired through Jiu Jitsu are all from countless hours of drilling, training and studying new techniques. Being persistent with this is key to becoming successful on the mats.


8. What do I need to do to make sure I’m physically prepared for my sport?

In order for me to be prepared I need to ensure a healthy diet as well as functional weight lifting schedule


9. How many hours of sleep do I need each night?

I need at least 4 hours of sleep.


10. How do I make sure I get a sound night’s sleep?

I train really hard every night so it's easy for me to sleep well.


11. How do I know if my recovery is working?

For me it’s easy to tell if my recovery is working. I’m going to be 35 now with about 13 years of Jiu Jitsu. I listen to my body when it tells me to slow down or to take a break. So, to answer the question whether it’s chiropractic work, massages or CBD products I will definitely feel if it’s working for me. Which most of the time it does.


12. What about sport brings me the most joy?

The mental relief it brings me is euphoric. The camaraderie on the mats is like no other.

13. How important is achieving my sporting goals to me?

My Jiu Jitsu goals are the most important things in my life. My life revolves around Jiu Jitsu.


14. Where does confidence come from?

For me confidence comes from training my whole life. I know that any circumstances that I face physically or mentally. I’ve endured worse through training. Staying calm and always working new ways of problem solving is something I’ve obtained through Jiu Jitsu. That is where my confidence comes from.


15. What am I going to change tomorrow to make me better than I was today?

Focus on getting 1% better every day. When you focus on major changes in whatever it is in your life whether it’s Jiu Jitsu, running lifting etc. Just knowing that it takes time to achieve your goals. Change doesn’t happen overnight. So, for me it’s honing in on the little goals that will make a big difference down the road.


16. Any other info you want to share about yourself or your sport?

Well, I’m a military veteran, I’m a Mexican America, a Kurt Osiander Black Belt, I’m a father of 3 beautiful children and I’m trying to bring more awareness for auto immune diseases through Jiu Jitsu.