Welcome to Urban Jungle!
Welcome to Urban Jungle!
Hi, I’m Jose Reyes, and I’m excited to share my journey with Urban Jungle Self Defense as part of their “Fight2BFit” initiative. This is my story—a journey of transformation, discipline, and incredible support that helped me become the best version of myself both physically and mentally.
Growing up, I struggled with my weight. By my senior year in high school, I was 315 pounds, and after graduating, my unhealthy habits pushed my weight up to 330 pounds. As a magician, my confidence often wavered because of how I felt about my appearance.
Things began to change when my friend, Daniel Fernandez—a fellow magician and someone I deeply respect—encouraged me to take control of my health. Together, we committed to supporting each other on a journey to better ourselves. When I started searching for fitness programs, I found Urban Jungle Self Defense, and I decided to give it a shot.
Walking into Urban Jungle for the first time was intimidating. I felt self-conscious about my size and remember borrowing training clothes that didn’t fit me properly. But everything changed when I met Tony. His energy and motivational teaching style inspired me to shift my mindset.
One pivotal moment stands out: during training, a 110-pound practitioner was able to control me effortlessly. That experience was a wake-up call. Despite my size advantage, I realized Jiu Jitsu was more than theory—it worked. That moment fueled my determination to keep coming back.
The beginning wasn’t easy. Flexibility, breathing, and endurance were all major obstacles for me. But with consistent training, I started to see improvements. Six months in, I had lost 130 pounds.
Two years later, Daniel and I set a bold New Year’s resolution to run 100 miles. With no prior training for long-distance running, we managed to complete 54 miles in 28 hours—essentially an ultra-marathon. That experience taught me the power of pushing beyond my limits.
Transforming Physically and Mentally
Jiu Jitsu has changed my life in ways I never imagined. Physically, I feel like a different person, and mentally, my confidence has skyrocketed. Urban Jungle became my sanctuary, a place where I built incredible friendships and countless memories.
One of the things I love most about Urban Jungle is the variety. Every instructor has a unique teaching style, and as a family-run business, the atmosphere is welcoming and supportive. The sense of community made a huge difference for me, especially when I was just starting out.
Even when I barely knew anyone, the people there cheered me on. That kind of encouragement is rare, and it’s one of the reasons Urban Jungle feels like home.
The transformation I’ve experienced at Urban Jungle has carried over into my work as a magician. Losing weight and building endurance has opened up new possibilities for my craft. I’ve even incorporated challenging stunts like endurance-based acts into my performances, something I couldn’t have done before.
My love for magic began seven years ago after watching a magician perform a simple but stunning trick for a police officer. That sparked my curiosity, and I started learning through YouTube tutorials. Over time, I dug deeper into the art, studying classic magic books from the 1950s and 60s, and adding my personal twist to old-school effects.
Six years into my journey, I decided to pursue magic full-time. It’s been a challenging road, but also incredibly rewarding. Lately, I’ve been pushing my limits even further by mastering the art of sword swallowing and other intense acts.
Taking that first step into the gym was the hardest part of my journey. But once I did, I discovered I was closer to unlocking my potential than I ever thought. If you’re considering starting Jiu Jitsu—or any fitness journey—don’t wait. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve when you surround yourself with the right people and take the leap.
My story is just one of many at Urban Jungle. I’m forever grateful for the community, the discipline, and the lessons that have transformed my life. If you’re ready to start your journey, I promise you won’t regret it.
Thank you for letting me share my story!
For collaborations and bookings, reach out at Jreyesmagic@gmail.com
Mind Reader | Master of Psychological Illusions
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