MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — 

ATHLETE INFO

Name: Joey de Los Reyes

Age: 49

Sport: Martial Arts

Years participating: 30+

Years Coaching: 22

School: Kombat Arts Training Academy

To say Joey de Los Reyes has “experience” in Martial Arts is a bit of an understatement. This 49 year young athlete has over three decades worth under his belt, which includes training/competing in Boxing, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Savate Boxe Francaise, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, Jeet Kune Do, Krav Maga, Kali, Law Enforcement Tactics and Self Defence.

“I think I’m a go-getter in that I try to achieve all my goals and challenges,” he says. For this martial arts veteran, that means much more than simply reaching his potential as an athlete.  It’s also helping others through his training academy, Kombat Arts—and with dedication like his, it’s no wonder the community he’s built there has become renowned in the sport for athletes of all ages and skill levels. Joey says it’s an honour to be part of another athlete’s journey as a coach. “If they train with you for one season, or many, you rejoice in the fact that you contributed to their life.”

What are your athletic goals?

Joey de Los Reyes: As an athlete, stay in amazing shape, minimize injuries (which has been a challenge), and develop a winning mindset. Injuries aside, working towards a Blackbelt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and being proficient in Judo. As a coach, my goal is to continuously bring the best out of my athletes. At a basic level, I want them to realize their physical potential. I also want them to be mentally strong, resilient and have a winning mindset. At a higher level, I want them to apply martial arts to everyday life—demonstrate focus, grit, achieve goals, discipline, and mental toughness.

What do you love about your sport?

de Los Reyes: You are totally responsible for your actions and the results of those actions—and you have to live with those results. It’s so applicable to life. There is a team that gets you into the ring, cage or on the mat, but you have to take action and those actions have consequences. Some good, some bad. Same with life. In the end, it’s up to you—your actions will have results that are either the best or worst for you—and you have to live with it.

Do you have a pre-game ritual?

de Los Reyes: It starts the night before. I make sure I pack my gear bag and prep my meals. In the warm up area I can be found reading a book, listening to music, podcast or book. I also squeeze my left hand a lot. On the mat, I usually focus on breathing with my diaphragm, look at my opponent, visualize myself standing over them, go back to breathing and say “execute” to myself.

Can you describe a mistake you made in your sport and how you managed it?

de Los Reyes: When I competed in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), I won a tournament and I got my blue belt—in BJJ, that’s the next level after the first, white belt. I thought that was a pretty big deal.  A few days later I got submitted by a white belt. I learned later that he too was about to receive his blue belt—we were both the same level. I didn’t respect him. I let ego and pride cloud my judgement and I got caught. Always respect your opponent.

Best advice you were given?

de Los Reyes: My mom was right! She said, “Birds of a feather flock together”. My success can be partially attributed to the people that surrounded me. Every time I levelled up, I also changed the company I kept, or added more to my community.

Your favourite saying or motto?

de Los Reyes: I heard this one recently and it really resonates with me: “Enjoy yourself. It’s later than you think.”

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