Michael Caicedo is the founder and CEO of MKY Combat Supplies and MKY Bounce Houses. He holds a 2nd-degree brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is an active mixed martial artist based in Central Florida. Over the past eight years, Michael has dedicated his life to intensive fitness and combat sports training under the guidance of Tommy Wales. He has honed his skills at the Vortex Jiu-Jitsu Academy and competed in prestigious tournaments such as ADCC trials, IBJJF, and NewBreed, NAGA tournaments statewide. Additionally, Michael has showcased his prowess in super-fight cards like Fight2Win, SubmissionHunterPro, and SubStars, as well as in mixed martial arts promotions like Combat Night and Rise of a Warrior. In 2019, he was honored as the Competitor of the Year by the Renato Tavares Association. This journey inspired him to establish MKY Combat Supplies, understanding the athlete's need for quality products firsthand.
Struggles and Challenges
Life has not been easy for Michael. He faced significant struggles from a young age, losing his mother at 14 and getting incarcerated at 18. These challenges could have deterred many, but Michael chose a different path. He returned to the basics, rebuilding himself through combat sports and competitions.
Physical and Emotional Impact
Physically, these struggles fueled Michael's determination to transform his body. He began his journey at his heaviest, weighing 298 lbs, and now competes at 155 lbs in MMA and 77 kg in Jiu-Jitsu. Emotionally, he had to fortify his mind and soul. The dedication to Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and combat sports became his lifeline, helping him navigate and overcome life's challenges.
Personal Reflection
Michael's advice to anyone facing similar struggles is simple yet profound: never give up. Believe in your ability to change your situation. Focus on improving your body, mind, and soul. Surround yourself with supportive people and stay dedicated to your passions. Remember, you can always reshuffle the cards life deals you.
Looking to the Future
Michael's future goals are as inspiring as his past achievements. He aims to continue inspiring those who need it most and compete against the best. He is committed to growing MKY Combat Supplies, ensuring athletes have access to quality products for their training and competition needs. His life now revolves around his faith, family, teammates, and the mission to help others defy the odds, just as he has.
The Spirit of AGOGIAN
Michael Caicedo embodies the spirit of AGOGIAN. AGOGIANs are the dedicated members of the AGOGIE community, each possessing an indomitable spirit and unwavering resilience. They are the torchbearers of persistence, not allowing any hurdle to obstruct their path.
Like every AGOGIAN, Michael’s journey is not linear. He has encountered obstacles, faced challenges, and endured hardships, yet he sees these not as impediments but as opportunities for growth. His journey is a powerful reminder that no matter the challenges we face, we have the power to overcome them and achieve greatness. AGOGIANs do not measure their victories by the number of battles won but by the number of times they've stood up after being knocked down. Michael's story is a perfect reflection of this philosophy.
Being an AGOGIAN means recognizing the power that lies within oneself. Michael knows his worth and does not let others define it for him. His strength nurtures humility, understanding, and empathy, extending a helping hand to those grappling with their own battles. His success is not merely personal; it is a communal victory, a testament to the strength and resilience of the AGOGIE community as a whole.
We are honored to have Michael Caicedo as our AGOGIAN of the Month and look forward to sharing more stories of incredible individuals in our community.