Workout of the Day:
Muscle-Up Clinic – working on transitions and modifications for effective muscle-ups,
and then,
CJ’s Birthday Fun Factory
7 Rounds:
1 x Suicide Run
8 x Walking Lunge Steps (each leg) w/ 32kg/16kg KB (use two kettlebells. hold one in a farmer carry and one in a waiter carry. alternate positions of each after 8 steps)
5 x Snatch (95/65)
Happy Birthday CJ Martin!
In honor of our great head coach, the other coaches of CrossFit Invictus have all decided to share something about or for CJ.
Please post anything you would like to share to the comments.
Michele Vieux:
“Gimme Gimme…Ode to CJ” (another Haiku by Michele Vieux)
Christopher Martin
Otherwise known as CJ
Wise beyond your years
Laugh in face of fears
The funniest guy I know
Dances just for show
And kinder than most
Always putting others first
Helps all reach their dreams
You’re a BFF
We share the most special bond
No words can explain
I am blessed to have
You in my life every day
My brother in play
I do hope to share
Many more joys over years
Happy birthday, friend
George Economou:
My first outside-of-the-gym experience with CJ ended with him projectile vomiting and me sleeping in the snow. It was January 2008 (?) and we had signed up for a Sierra Club Wilderness Basics Course. We were seeking a challenge, adventure, and women. What we ended up with was confirmation that we were the coolest people in attendance, exposure to new and interesting places to poop, and we met some of the oddest folks hiding out in San Diego. The culmination event (after seven weeks of class time and 4 adventures in the desert) was a snow camp in the Sierras. The day of departure, I get a phone call from a very sick, very disappointed CJ who had just sprayed his fellow litigators with yarf…he would not make the camp. I may have cursed him a few times as I gnawed on my frozen zone bar in my frigid tent, but it was probably for the best. CJ once wore 4 upper body layers because it was nippy in the desert (actual temp, 65 degrees) and is partial (I’ve heard) to being the little spoon. It would have been a very uncomfortable/awkward weekend.
Calvin Sun:
I must admit, CJ is quite an impressive athlete. He weighs about the same as your average 13-year-old girl and yet he has the uncanny ability to overhead squat 225 pounds for reps. An impressive feat to say the least. Of course, being a hobbit certainly helps as he only has a fraction of the distance of a human to reach full-depth on his squat. The irony is that CJ isn’t actually strong enough to snatch-grip push-press 225 pounds up to the overhead position. In order to overhead squat 225, he sets the rack at lockout height and steps out of the rack with the barbell overhead. Meanwhile, I’m simply amazed his spine doesn’t collapse under such a load. Seriously though, CJ is an amazing coach, leader, colleague, and friend, not to mention he’s the strongest weak guy I’ve ever met.
Dani Dufrene:
“Leadership is much more an art, a belief, a condition of the heart, than a set of things to do. The visible signs of artful leadership are expressed, ultimately, in its practice.”
Happy Birthday C.J. – It is the condition of your heart and the way you move through this world that make you such a phenomenal individual and a natural leader. I hope that today you can stand back, look at the community you have created and smile. Because it is your heart and your goodness that brought all of these people together. I hope it is a perfect day for you.
Mark Riebel:
CJ,
Thank you so much for being the trainer I want to become. I hope you have a fantastic birthday and that you’ll keep dancing to Britney until late in your years.
Moses Aum:
Thinking back to the day that I knew I wanted to join the CJ army. My first exposure to CrossFit was the free saturday community workout days at CFSD. A little hesitant to stop by alone I convinced my then roommate and friend Brad to come with me. As some of you might have experienced, it was quite intimidating. We were part of a crowd of about 40 people, some well seasoned CrossFitter’s, who appeared weary of the new faces. After walking in we sort of moved behind a group of people and wondered out loud “what the hell are we doing here.” Well the first person we talked to was CJ, he walked over to us, introduced himself and got us set up with waivers. Our first workout was the Fight Gone Bad II fundraiser. After the WOD we tried to slip out unnoticed, but CJ made a point to say goodbye to us calling us out both my name. Brad swore never to return, but I convinced him to come back next week, and when we walked into the gym, CJ welcomed us and remembered our names! Well this was the the last time Brad to my knowledge has ever entered a CrossFit gym. We are no longer good friends, the reason for this one can only imagine. When I came back a few weeks later, I mustered the courage to come alone, again greeted by CJ, and I am thinking the whole time “who is this ninja man.” Well the following week was Thanksgiving and I was able to convince another friend to come by with just the promise of a good workout. That friend was Wayne Slavin. His first WOD was the infamous Turkey Trot. A week later we took the oath with CJ and signed up for our intro sessions.
Thank you CJ for being so awesome. I might still be doing bicep curls if you had not actually cared about who walked into your gym.
Tabitha Stine:
My favorite thing about C.J. is that he is such an encourager. He never even said anything negative when my shorts exploded open while I was squatting right in front of him! Full seem rippage while at the bottom of a heavy back squat..must have been a sight! Seriously though, my family and I are very appreciative of all that he does and consider ourselves lucky to learn from and work with him. Happy Birthday C.J.
Sage Burgener:
CJ, you are so ultimately cool. Your hard work has definitely paid off with the gym. People rant and rave about the place that you’ve put a lot of time into creating. What you’ve done is truly inspiring and I feel so blessed to be apart of the Invictus family. Keep being so ultimately cool.
Today’s WOD also requires you watch this video a minimum of three times. It gets funnier each time. Trust us.
CJ, Happy Birthday. It’s no secret that you are an exceptional person, friend, coach, and business owner. Over the past two years it has truly been my pleasure knowing you and having the priveledge of being your friend and student – I know that I would not have stuck with CrossFit if it were not for your outstanding coaching and motivation. For that I cannot thank you enough! I wish you all the best in the coming year, and I know that you will reach any goal you set for yourself.
For everyone else, one of my favorite CJ stories is during a workout where we had some weights over our head, I was struggling as per usual, all of a sudden CJ jumps 6 inches in front of my face. He was busting out the same dance moves you saw in the video. This was during the WOD, while I had the barbell over head – pure comedy. Not only was this the first time CJ unveiled his dance Pièce de résistance, but it remains a running joke in the gym.
Happy Birthday CJ!!
Out of love for you I will spare you the many stories I could share about you!!
I will share that you are my inspiration, my teacher, my greatest supporter, my
most honest and gentle critic and most of all my deepest reason to smile every
day!! Thank you for sharing your life with Dad and I!!
Someone will be fired tomorrow.
In all seriousness, thank you all for your kindness. You all have allowed me to live my dream, and I will forever be grateful for your support. This is an amazing community, and you all are amazing friends. Thank you.
Wayne, I am still kicking your ass for that video.
Just make sure you knock me out with one punch. Thanks.
CJ, Happy Birthday. I hope you take a few minutes out of your usually busy day to reflect at what a successful community you have built. Those who enter your gym know that you are genuinely concerned about them and their well being. It is a testament to your hard work and belief in doing what is right that has set you and your gym apart. I admit that I name drop your name when talking CrossFit with new people and without hesitation every one of them says nothing but positive and complementary things about you. That to me is a sign of a great person. Thank you for being a great trainer and an outstanding friend.
CJ,
I can’t tell you how happy I am to have seen the dream you had grow into reality and exceed everyone’s expectations. Your care for the gym and your vision to make it one of the best affiliates in the CrossFit community, and one of the best gyms anybody can go to is evident in the explosive success we have had and will continue to have. Your natural role as a leader inspires all of us to be better–better coaches and better people. Thank you for being a great friend and someone I look up to.
I’m also sorry I didn’t get this out to the masterminds before the official post. =(
…….I can’t let Wayne take the entire beating CJ. We did hatch up that video idea over dinner last week. So I deserve some of the beating as well. Unless you can get to the Burbank Airport by 9pm tonight I will have to get my beating through your outstanding programing.
Happy Birthday CJ……..you are without a doubt one of my hero’s! May your day be filled with sunshine and happiness….:)!
CJ, I have no gift… but I’ll let you continue to date my sister which should be gift enough, ever since I told her “short and bald is where it’s at” she’s taken to you… I’m not sure why..:)
(kidding)
I too have you and only you to thank for my CrossFit experience being what it is, and still growing. After only a handful of free Saturday sessions I went to the Cert and had no idea what I was getting myself into. After that, when I became a member, CJ remembered me from a cert with hundreds of people and welcomed me with open arms. Without that I too, would still be doing bicep curls and using the Smith machine to squat.
Thank you for creating such a wonderful community and for being such an amazing coach.
Happy Happy Birthday, see you soon!!! We can’t wait!
Happy Birthday! I’m so proud and happy for you. Everyone at the gym sees all of heart and soul that he put into Invictus, but it doesn’t stop there. What you don’t see are all of the late and sleepless nights he puts in at home. He has worked so hard to build CFI into what it has become and I couldn’t be happier! Thank you for being the amazing man that you are. Happy Birthday!
Oh and I take full responsibility for the blog, no need to fire anyone. Wayne and POS however, you are on your own!
Happly birthday CJ. You are an awesome coach and an even better person. I have learned so much over the time I’ve been here and I thank you for that.
Happy Birfday homie – I truly appreciate and value the training and wisdom you’ve shared with me. Cheers!
CJ Martin,
Truly the most awesomest CF coach on the earth, and not just that, but really just a pretty good person overall. Everytime I step foot into your gym i look around, I realize just how fortunate we all are to be able to use such an amazing facility. What you have done here at CFI has far surpassed any expectations i had previously set, the wealth of knowledge you and you’re fellow trainers bring to the table keeps me coming back. I wish you a very wonderful birthday Sir, and continuous success in the future. No doubt I shall see you later in the day.
Happy Birthday, C.J. TMac and I love your gym too.
I just almost spit coffee on my computer during the slow motion part of the video (and I’ve already seen this part 20 times)! Phew.
Big birthday hugs to you, CJ!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CJ!! What you have created with Invictus is absolutely incredible!! Only two months into the “FUN FACTORY” my passion for crossfit grows stronger everyday. And for that, I thank YOU, the fantastic coaches and the awesome crossfit community. Crossfit Invictus is truly the highlight of my day!
Too many stories and too little time! I just know that I want to be like you when I grow up. Happy Birthday, my son.
CJ, Happy Birthday!
My first experience with CJ was similar to that of Moses’. I first came to Invictus in February of 2009. I knew absolutely no one and didn’t really have any idea of what to expect. CJ greeted me at the door just like he has almost every time since. After attending GloboGym for the past ten years of my life, it is truly refreshing to have a coach like CJ around. He makes every feel at home and gives Invictus the community feel that I think we all really enjoy.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday CJ! Loved the video…
Thanks for letting me join your family, I will never be the same! (that’s a good thing)
Best wishes for a great birthday. I appreciate the good coaching and the spirit of friendliness and fun you and your team cultivate and share. Your scientific approach and enthusiasm are contagious and it has been a pleasure getting to know you and learn from you. Congratulations on the success of CFI and I hope it only gets better.
CJ,
Happy birthday to my fellow LEO. I am amazed at what you have accomplished in your life so far. You have excelled not only in your education and outstanding business,(not a business really as much as a calling), but in your personal life as well. You have obviously had a profound effect on many in the Cross Fit community, (unless they are all just looking for a free month at the gym). Everyone who knows and loves you are proud of you and pleased for you. Bask in the glory of the day and have a great one!!
CJ, Hope you have a wonderful birthday!! Your a very inspiring and caring person. Thanks for all your help.
Happy b-day CJ. You’re a class act and an inspiration to what can be accomplished when you truly love what you do…..great video! and Calvin, you kill me, that was pretty funny
Happy Birthday CJ, it’s the best feeling in the world coming into the gym you’ve created(Or rather the community you’ve created) everyday and being welcomed by couches such as you that know my name and are happy to motivate me individually when I’m ready to quit. I first learned of invictus at the Farmers Market in little italy. I didn’t have great expectations, but I exitedly brought the flyer into the coast guard gym where we had been doing our own crossfit WOD’s. I said, “Two Weeks Free, Let’s at least check it out” and we originally had about 4-6 of us Coasties coming. Now I think it’s only Cody & I, but I don’t think we’d trade it for anything.
CJ: Your enthusiam and encouragement is a huge factor in my decision to come to a grueling friday session after a week of intense WOD’s in spite of a sore body from head to toe that’s screaming to spend the day moving as little as possible. Thanks for having the intestinal fortitude to living and sharing your dream with us all. You are a pioneer and an inspiration, and that perspective trancends beyond the gym and into everyday life. Thank you, and again happy birthday.
Happy BAMF-in Birthday CJ! I hope that you have a wonderful day! Thank you for the community that you have created at CFI. It makes my day walking into the gym and knowing that I am surrounded by the best coaches and people around. Your passion for Crossfit and life in general is evident every day. There is no mistaking what an amazing leader and coach you are. So thank you, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
And I have yet to see this so-called “dancing” that you do to Britney Spears. So please, enlighten me. Maybe we could have a CJ, Michele dance-off. I know Michele has got some moves, but I have yet to see yours.
I’ll make my first post to say Happy Birthday, CJ! Coming to the gym is always an exercise in courage for me, and you and your team make me glad I came every time. I hope you have an amazing day.
Happy, happy birthday CJ…I remember meeting you for the first time when you were still a disposable billing unit slaving the days away at a desk…after meeting you I was hardly surprised to hear that you took the risk to fulfill your dream, and now look- truly amazing. Invictus rocks, and no doubt that is first and foremost because of you. Enjoy your day knowing you have many grateful people behind you who feel lucky to train at your box.
From meeting and working with you at my Level 1 Cert, to your gracious gift of your time and experience with my questions, the happiest of birthday wishes to you.
Happy birthday CJ!!! You are truly an inspirational coach and person! Although it’s already been said a few times you really created such an amazing community at invictus and I am so thankful to be a part of it
happy birthday!!!
Ohhhh C-Jigga . . . I remember the first time you showed up to CFSD. Now, you have your own place. Sighhh . . . You changed my world that Saturday afternoon when you said, “Lizzle, I would like to see what you are like when you are healthy- without an injury”. Stopped me dead in my tracks. I had forgotten that being injured was not actually a part of my life’s quilt. You are solid. You deserve all of your success and I am so happy for you. Happy Birthday Old Chap!
Happy Birthday CJ! I have to admit that the first time I walked into your gym, I was pretty much petrified. Not only was I about to work out in front of a super-stud boyfriend for the first time ever, I was going to do it in front of all his friends–including this “CJ” I had heard about so many times. It didn’t help that when I told my roommate (who had at least a spattering of CrossFit exposure) the WOD was Filthy Fifty, her eyes got huge and she simply said, “Oh God!” My fears were quickly assuaged, however, as you walked me through the exercises and showed me all the modifications without any judgement about my abilities (or complete lack thereof.) Your constant encouragement since that day has been great. Thank you for creating an environment where everyone, regardless of physical ability, feels welcome and empowered. Invictus isn’t just a gym. Like so many people have already said, it’s an awesome community, and I feel honored to be a part of it. Have a fantastic birthday, CJ, and thank you for all you do!
CJ,
What can i say that hasn’t already been said… Happy Birthday!
I feel compelled to add a short story about a ninja i once met one late night on the streets of San Diego.
I’ll spare ya’ll the details but it boils down to CJ being the baddest MotherF***er on the planet!
Congrats on everything and i wish you the best in the future. Even if you are an old man…
Dutch
Happy bday CJ. You have built a gym that is
truly special. Thanks for all the
encouragement and the desire to help everyone improve on their weakness.
Happy Birthday CJ. We are proud to know you and wish you and your vision for Invictus the world! Thanks for your leadership!
HAPPEEEEEEE BIRTHDAY CJ!!!!!
Where do I begin….
Back in the day at CFSD—when I was still paranoid about aggravating old injuries, CJ did my 1 on 1’s…& He was sooooo patient! He listened to my laundry list of fears yet knew just what to say to get me back in the door the next day! At that time I felt broken—In my mind, I was not an athlete anymore & felt like I had lost part of my identity. But CJ kept telling me I was strong & overtime I stopped thinking he was crazy & started to listen. I never imagined a year later I would have the privilege of representing CFI at the games! Thank you for being you! You are an incredible coach & have assembled an amazing team!
I am an addict & you are responsible! Yes folks…It is CJ who is responsible for my full blown CF addiction
The community at Invictus is truly outstanding. I still can not contain my enthusiasm for crossfit & often find myself talking to others about it like I’m sharing some mystical secret with them. uhm….I’m not sure you’ve noticed but I have cut back on recruiting drunk boys in bars though…probably because I’m drinking less ; )
But I digress…
CJ—Happy Birthday Mr!! You are freakin awesome!
& Wink….the video….LUV…10times….almost peed my pants…again!
Happy Birthday CJ! Awesome video. Patrick and I love CFI. You should feel very proud of yourself that you have created a gym that makes Patrick actually want to work out. That’s no small feat. Hope you have a wonderful day.
CJ!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! One of these days (Saturday to be exact) I’m coming to your gym! I miss you guys way too much!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday CJ! Keep rockin – awesome vid.
I hope you had a fabulous birthday!
Thanks for all you do, I am a better stronger more confident person because of it:)
CJ, Happy birthday man. Thank you for creating a place outside of work where I finally feel like I fit in, and for starting a gym that promotes such a special attitude.
Happy Birthday CJ! Hope you’ve enjoyed a great day & I love the video! I also love CF Invictus – you’ve really created something special! So glad to be back!
CJ Happy late birthday son. Your the tits brother.