IBJJF champion and Dingmans Ferry, PA native Mike Bannon lives his daily life under the mantra that dedication equals excellence.
It’s late afternoon. Somewhere between Turkey Hill and The Dimmick Inn on W Harford St. in Milford, PA, Mike Bannon is en route.He’s en route, behind a classically confused Milford driver, yet in peace, for he knows where he’s headed.
Revelations BJJ, in association with Marcelo Garcia, is home for Mike Bannon. It’s exactly where he’s going; where his heart belongs.
It’s Bannon’s gym, nestled in the heart of Port Jervis, NY.
No matter the content of the day – whether it was the hustle of a more traditional 9-to-5 job, or meeting with a plethora of clients in showcasing his teachings, or training himself in New York City in his tireless pursuit of perfection – Bannon understands what’s at stake.
The Dingman’s Ferry, PA product, 33, understands that knowledge is precious. It must be passed along.
“I never take learning, or understanding the art of BJJ for granted,” Bannon told me as he prepped for his next class. “It’s this passion that drives me.”
Whether it’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, Kettlebell, or some good old-fashioned Mixed Martial Arts, Revelations BJJ prides itself in offering all.
What’s more, is this process is about body, health and mind, rather than physical appearance, athleticism, or wit.
“There really isn’t a typical student, Bannon added. You could be the most in-shape, intimidating monster walking this planet, yet not have what it takes to train with us.”
In fact, some of Bannon’s top students are those who seemingly come out nowhere.
“If you judged all of my students purely on looks, you’d be doing yourself a major disservice. What matters most is what’s inside…in your heart and in in between your ears.”
“One of my favorite students not only walked in those doors reluctantly, he fell in love with the art to such an extent that its literally changed his life. Medication, mind, body, soul…everything about the kid is completely different. We strive for entire positive overhauls.”
What’s not to trust? Bannon’s credentials are absurd.
In addition to competing professionally in MMA – carrying around a professional 5-2 mark which included a stint with world renowned Bellator – Bannon is coming off the heels of his most cherished accomplishment.
A little over a month ago, Bannon turned his attention to BJJ by taking first in the Brown Belt, Middle Weight class of the prestigious PAN International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Championships (IBJJF).
“It was crazy,” Bannon said in reference to his IBJJF experience. “To just be in the presence of so much talent and knowledge about BJJ…it was humbling, yet so exciting all at once.”
Brown / Master 1 / Male / Middle / PAN IBJJF results:
- First – Michael Paul Bannon – Alliance
- Second – John David Butler – Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu
- Third – Stephen M. Saccone – Anchorage Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Third – Abel M. Macias-villarreal – Dartanian Jiu-Jitsu
As he spoke, everything suddenly made sense. It hit me all at once whether he said it aloud or not.
“Dedication is excellence.”
It’s this dedication that led Bannon to this life. It’s this constant pursuit of excellence that led him to find the great Marcelo Garcia and brand his gym with one of the more respected names in the history of the industry.
Exhausted, down on your luck, or simply aggravated, these emotions serve a roadblock. A roadblock that should only serve as just that: a “roadblock.” They should be avoided en route to your goal, or your mission, or your personal gym.
If dedication is met, excellence is achieved, regardless of result. This is what Mike Bannon wants for all of his students.
This is what he strives for, every possible day, en route to Revelations BJJ.
