My name is Ted, and this is my fight story. I have been fortunate to experience different worlds, from my childhood in the Philippines to my teenage and adult years in California. Martial arts has always been a passion of mine since childhood. For many years I viewed it as a means of self-defense and ability to fight against an aggressor, but for me, it became a tool to combat a silent and invisible enemy. On January 19, 2022, at the age of 45, I unexpectedly suffered a major heart attack while driving, leading to a car crash and a subsequent cardiac arrest. Thanks to the swift response of the Alameda County Fire Department (Engine 6), I was resuscitated and rushed to the nearest hospital. I spent over three days in the Intensive Care Unit. What I had was called “widow maker,” which has a survival rate of less than 12%. My recovery was uncertain. Potential complications loomed around – ability to breathe normal again, effects to my cognitive abilities, the possibility of life in a wheelchair, or worse, death.
Against the odds, I miraculously stood on my feet within a week and have fully recovered since. Reflecting on my journey and the reasons of my survival, I realized that martial arts training played a crucial role. Four years prior, at 41, I stepped into ZMATA, a grappling gym in Castro Valley, CA, to learn Jiu Jitsu. Weighing 150 lbs at over forty years old, I knew it would be tough. Yet, I persisted, competed, trained consistently, challenged my physical capacity, and, most importantly, acquired the skills needed to survive. Little did I know the survival skills I acquired on the mats would prepare me for the greatest fight of my life. As I learned more about what I went through, I realized that there are many factors at play, not just martial arts – being at the right place at the right time, support and prayers of my loved ones, and a touch of a miracle. Being on the brink of death is a crazy experience and as much as I want to take all the credit, I know that having a support system is important as we navigate through life. Most of us are given one life and only a few are granted a second chance at it. We all face individual battles, be they physical, mental, psychological, spiritual, and I have learned that each has to be filled. If you’re reading this, know that life is beautiful and worth fighting for. There’s more to do, more love to give, more things to accomplish (big or small). I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Fight Story for sharing my story. Thank you to all first responders, friends, my ZMATA family, my Dad and Sisters, my kids (Kaleb and Katelyn), my wife Grace, and above all, to God Almighty!
“As we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope – hope that does not put us to shame, for God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us”
Romans 5:3-5