Kenny Gaudreau is a member of our gym that happens to be down south working with the military currently. He has successfully juggled the military life with his training to win his professional mixed martial arts debut this past weekend on May 11, 2013. Kenny is a solid dude with some of the most serious work ethic I have ever seen put forth. Read on and learn from the man…
1.) First off congrats on your win in your pro debut last weekend… much deserved. Let’s start off by having you tell the readers a little bit about yourself and how we came to work together.
Thank you Chris, its been a long time coming. As far as background goes, I had been training with Joe Bauserman’s Team Misfits (now Team Disciple West) in Winchester, VA for about 5 years. Having grown up in Sterling, VA most my life, I yearned to be home. So, I secured an apt, started a new career. All I was missing was a new gym to call home.
When researching potential gyms, Disciple MMA stood out immediately because of three names; Dustin Pague, Eric Marshman, and their corner, Kru Scott Howard. It was at Valhalla 4 in Richmond, VA that I was to have my first amateur fight. Unfortunately my opponent pulled out the day of and I was now attending as a spectator. A blessing in disguise, for that night I witnessed from Dustin, as well as Marshman (my high school wrestling team captain); that Kru Howard produced valiant and humble killers. Eric won by RNC and even though Dustin lost by a controversial decision, these two martial artists were capable of picking apart the best opponents piece by piece.
As the years competing as an amateur went on, Kru Howard had refereed many of my fights. I never talked much with him, but saw from his demeanor and the performance of his fighters, that he was a great leader. Also, one of my former training partners Anthony Cordero had just joined the Disciple ranks. As you can see, there were many reasons Disciple was the first gym I would be looking at.
So, one night I stumbled through the door of Disciple MMA. Trained with the team, and after, had a memorable one on one conversation with Kru Howard. It was during this conversation I learned our outlook on MMA competition, training and the goals I have set for the sport, were very much in sync.
I had thought Disciple MMA was the by-product of the dynamic duo Kru Howard and Dustin Pague. I learned that night it was in fact due to a trinity. The third key player, the missing link, was you Chris. I knew Disciple MMA offered high class grappling instructors, precise and knowledgeable striking coaches and the best fighters around to spar with…but then to find out renown Strength/Conditioning coach and fitness Guru CHRIS MERRITT was on-board!?! Man, icing on the cake.
2.) You are an active member of our US Military, so thank you for your service right off the bat… What branch are you with and what do you do?
I am in the United States Army Reserve. Soon after moving back home and getting nestled into a new chapter of life, I was mobilized to Ft. Benning, GA. My mission for the last year has been to process personnel deploying to different areas of the world.
3.) You train harder than most anybody I know… How do you balance the military life with your training? I know you’ve told me before that they are very supportive of your fighting, so maybe if you could fill the readers in a little bit on what your lifestyle currently looks like on a daily basis.
Thank you, I have had my goal of being the worlds pound for pound greatest, all time fighter since I was a kid. I am still very far from that goal. I certainly didn’t fully understand what that would mean when I made that decision. Though with continual positive growth in my training pattern, I will chip away at my goal one opponent at a time until I secure my standing.
My training consists of many parts: Nutrition, Physical/Mental/Spiritual harmony and consistent learning. Eating correctly fuels my physical body properly to complete the daily training routine without injury or fatigue. Keeping a journal documenting everything Ive learned and drilling techniques strengthens my mental state. Following an outlined strength/conditioning program religiously, turns my body into a machine capable of things I thought I would never be able to do (Beyond Strength Performance ALL DAY!). Finally, surrounding myself with others as passionate to learn and apply those teachings during during sparring builds my spirit. I meditate to allow my mind and body the most efficient active rest possible while also using it as a way to connect spiritually with the outside world.
Early morning: Alternate daily between boxing routine or Strength/conditioning
Go to work
Midday: 30-45 mins of high intensity conditioning
Go to work
Early evening: Nap/Meditate
Night: Head to the gym and train 2-3 hours
4.) That’s a pretty busy schedule… really shows how dedicated you are. Let’s go more in depth on nutrition. You approached me a while back to help with your nutrition. We made some simple changes and I reviewed your journals every week for a few months. What changes did you make in that time? What have you learned and do you have any recommendations for our readers?
I began eating more frequently, much cleaner, and larger amounts than I regularly would on a daily basis! I believe the changes that made the biggest impact was to drink a gallon of water a day and cut out any carbs that rise. That would be my only advice I am willing to share with readers. For further knowledge, I highly recommend those interested in healthier lifestyle get up with you! I literally did not have to go into a sauna at all for my last weight cut to 155! It had more to do with what and when I was eating than not eating and doing extreme weight cut cardio. The nutritional knowledge you shared with me holds very high value. I’ve been approached by many asking how I do it, what do I eat, do I just not eat, etc. Due to this value I hold, and the fact that as a fighter, not a nutritionist, I refer them to you.
Attached you will find the picture from weigh ins, just LOOK! 6’3, 156.0. I’m telling you, your program has been a god send.
5.) Freaking shredded bro! I know this was a long time coming with all of the cancellations… So how did it feel to finally get your pro debut out of the way?
6.) That’s an awesome attitude to have about it all… So what’s next for you?
Well, I am about to complete my mobilization here at Ft. Benning. I would like to come home and reopen the chapter of life I started before getting picked up. Team Disciple is growing and is already a force to be reckoned with. It will only get better as the two new affiliate locations strengthen their bond with Disciple HQ. There are many changes going on in my personal life and various issues that haven’t quite settled themselves yet. The plan will remain the same and hopefully it works out how I would like. I hope to complete (2) more fights this year. Nothing is guaranteed in life though so for now, I’ll do my best to keep the wind at my back, the sun on my face, feet on the ground and keep training!
7.) So I think that about wraps it up on my end… thanks a ton for doing the interview! Now is the time so say anything you wanted to touch on and thank whomever you would like. Thank again!
Sounds good man, I appreciate you taking the time and interest in conducting this interview! I would love to this opportunity to shout out my thanks. My mother foremost, for instilling personal strength and courage within me. Born. Bred. Warrior. All experiences good/bad that life has thrown my way. Those individuals within the experiences who have hurt me, as well as those who have loved me. Every training partner I’ve had the pleasure of sparring or training with. All coaches who have ever provided me with nuggets of information that have contributed to the application of my craft. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!
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