Conversations with Miguel Sy Qui

Today we’d like to introduce you to Miguel Sy Qui

Hi Miguel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
so the beginning of my exposure was when i was growing up in the Philippines. Had a few friends that were training in martial arts and decided to try it out. Combat sports is deeply embedded in the culture with Kali, Boxing and so much more predating to a time where colonization was common. I started my formal training with Professor Alvin Aguilar of Team Deftac then life moved me to the USA and landed me in Fresno, Ca and trained at Pacific Martial Arts which was a Dave Camarillo affiliate. I Got exposed to a high level of wrestling due to the fact that its the central valley. I lived 45mins outside of the city and was travelling back and forth due to working as a chef. To avoid wasting time i picked PMA since its close to work and convident. With patience and resilience i eventually got my blue belt .

I competed as much as i can since i took it seriously and chased the dream of becoming a world champion. it was challenging working in the kitchen and competing is not easy. i had to sacrifice a lot. Fast forward to 2009 when i had to leave Fresno due to financial hardships and move in with my brothers in San Diego. Still worked in the restaurant industry while training as much as i can with the team at The Stronghold at the time and eventually got my purple belt in 2011 the day we became an affiliate under Atos Jiu Jitsu under the leadership of Professor Andre Galvao.

Since then i stayed with Prof Andre to my pursue my dreams. i quit my job and put all my time and effort in the best athlete i can be. From there the growth and knowledge i acquired from Galvao was special, to see a level not everybody experiences and being at the beginning of the start of one of the best teams in the world. Thru hardwork and dedication i eventually got my brown belt then my black belt in 2019

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It wasn’t a smooth road at all. immigrating to a new country. making new friends .making money trying to survive was an experience I would’nt exchange it for anything else. It developed a never quit attitude, mental toughness etc. and it grounded me and have a space where i can escape and adapting to a new culture
For the team and business, it started as a simple idea in the garage during Covid. I had my doubts in committing to the idea and as a brand and business. In 2021, in a transformative and pivotal experience in my life I subleased a small space in a gym. This experience made me realize that it was now or never and decided to get my own space which i now called SyQ Jiu Jitsu.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I created a space built on community, family, fitness and focused on competition thru the art of Jiu Jitsu. Where everyone can come and have a collective environment. What sets me apart is my ability to bring people from different walks of life come together and and be a one unit with the goal of exceeding once potential and elevate to the next. I strive to have a high level both on and off the mats. I’m proud of how far I’ve come on this journey, especially the special people that believed and helped to get to where we are today. Looking forward to the growth and opportunities that lies ahead.

What makes us unique is we partnered up with Busy Fit Warrior ( BFW ) a non profit that focuses on helping veterans across the world, by giving them access multi-disciplinary outlets with a personalized approach.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
It’s trust and character i need around me. you know, who you choose to be around you lets you know who you are.

There’s a lot of fake people out there that has no values no culture, Snakes on the grass.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syq_jiujitsu?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561150220222&mibextid=LQQJ4d