Athlete of the Month Chris Civello 1) How long have you been training?
I have been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for 8 years or so now and have achieved my Brown Belt. I started weight training at Model A a couple of years ago. Throw in some wrestling, kickboxing and endurance racing and there you have it. 2) Age? I am 33 but only on paper. 3) Sports history?
I was dedicated to swiming in highschool and rode BMX in all my other free time. Before that there wasn''t a whole lot going on for me. I am a severe asthmatic and had to overcome alot of obstacles to get where I am today. Recess in grammar school would end up to a trip to the hospital if I ran one length of the school yard. Being excited for Christmas presents wasnt much different. Now I fight MMA, compete and train regularly and will achieve my goal of doing a Triathlon hopefully this summer. 4) What do you like most about training at Model A?
I would have to say the best thing about going to Model A has been working with my strength and conditioning Coach Kevin Kratochvil. He has helped me exceed anything I ever thought I could do in regards to being in the best shape of my life. He is an unbelievable coach, a lynchpin in my MMA and BJJ camps, and is a great friend. I would strongly suggest working with Kevin to anyone trying to get an edge on their competition or just pushing the boundaries of what you thought you could do. He will get you there. 5) Body/performance changes (weight, BF%, strength gain etc)?
I am a vegetarian so its a little more challenging to make the gains I believe I would make if I ate meat. With that being said beating personal records is a weekly occurrence here at the gym. I am about 165lbs and have been at 6% body fat. This fluxuates in and out of camps for fights and competition. 6) What is your biggest limitation to future improvement?
I always say that "the toughest opponent I will ever face is myself." I believe that my own mind limits me more than anything or anyone ever will. Anything is possible if you can conquer yourself.
For more information on Sakura Brazilian Jiu Jitsu visit www.sakurabjj.com in Dover, NJ. | 
