Who are the People in your Neighbourhood

Oh, who are the people in your neighborhood?
In your neighborhood?
In your neighborhood?
Say, who are the people in your neighborhood?
The people that you meet each day

In case you missed the tune

Meet Lou Cerqua…he is a “people in our Crossfit Neighbourhood!”

I train in Brazilan Jiu Jitsu and I’m an amateur boxer. I got involved in all this training about 3 and half years ago. I started out training at two gyms, boxing at Cabbagetown Boxing Club and began my Jiu Jitsu at Toronto BJJ, but left after about a year to train at Budokan BJJ.

I’ve been Crossfiting on and off for close to 2 years.

For training for a tournament depending on what I compete in, I’ll train Crossfit at least 4-5 times a week on top of 2 hour training session with either BJJ or Boxing at least 5-6 days a week. After that I usually try to get out for a run 5 days a week as well. This changes depending on if I’m working full-time with construction - then it’s 10 hr workdays, Crossfit, training either boxing or BJJ…crazy I know (I get it all the time).

Crossfit is the ultimate total body workout. I swear it was created for fighters cause all of its movements and training is sport specific…you develop such a strong core, muscle endurance and cardio that is all transferable to what I do. I feel like a monster everytime I compete after training my “butt” off with Crossfit, it makes the difference in the final round that’s for sure

Well I’ve had some pretty big accomplishments in BJJ! I’ve metaled in the Pan American Games, the Mudials (worlds), The Arnold Classic, and I’m a two-time Joslin champion. I’m also the first Canadian to represent Canada in the world BJJ tournament in Abu Dhabi, after winning the qualifier in Montreal in March. I’ve trained with some of the best in the sport in California and in Brazil at the Nova Uniao Club.

In Boxing, I’ve had a few fights, winning my last bout in November. I plan on competing in the Golden Gloves tournament when I’m fully healthy with my shoulder. I trained boxing at La Habra Boxing Club in California, with Dave Martinez who has worked in the corner for 5 title fights, and now I train at Cabbagetown Boxing Club.

Fave WOD: Anything that can physically break me.  I push myself to never break mentally but it happens, so when it does, that is my fave workout. That ”Badger” workout I did (today) is my new fave..lol!

Most Hated WOD: Anything that can physically break me…LOL…it’s a love-hate relationship, what can I say!

Best Skill: Not to sure!?   I enjoy kettle bell swings, they’re really fun for some reason

Goat: Skill I suck most at…has to be most of my workouts! Compared to Pete the Cyborg and John V the Animal…these guys just make it look way too easy. Makes me think im doing everything wrong for sure!

Fran Time (you know we HAD to ask it!): Sorry no Fran time, no Crossfit Total score!! Don’t really keep track…just go in everyday to get my ”butt” kicked, push myself past any comfort zone i might have had that morning, and come to the brink of unconsciousness…

I just want to say thanks to John and Machiko for letting me train here and believing in me.  Without you guys it would be tough to continue at this pace, you guys are amazing!  A big shout out to my mom Nancy, she is is my biggest motivator!!! She hits the morning class and sets the tone for me when i come in later. There’s no way I can lose to my mother…and if I do, theres’ no way she will know about it (right Pete!?). Also to Gary for conquering the double unders in such short notice, you are my hero..thanks for the time, it’s been fun!

Lou