Testimonials by Nate Compagnone

Nate Compagnone - August 16, 2010

I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in the summer of 2009. Everything in my life was put on hold for over 6-months as I was trying to force myself into remission. Any physical activity was practically impossible during this time. This would be the hardest part of the disease since going to the gym and training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was my passion.

Cooper's New England Martial Arts Leg conditioning.

Eventually, I had it in my head that I was not going to be able to train martial arts anymore and only go to the gym if I could (whenever that would be, I thought). In the winter of 2009, my doctor was able to find a medication that worked for me.

By late winter/early spring, my body was starting to heal and the 25lbs I lost in the whole ordeal were starting to come back. I knew I still wanted to train, but was unsure of how successful it would be since I have not done this intense of exercise since I was 100% healthy. I ended up looking for MMA gyms near my home and found Cooper’s Martial Arts. That night, I went and sat in on a class to check the school out. Needless to say, I liked what I saw and the next day I went for my free trial. 
MMA and Muay Thai training

I instantly felt welcome in the school. It seemed like a family in the gym, very personal and everybody was not only focused on improving their own training, but other’s training as well. Cooper, Orest and Eduardo saw that I was becoming very interested in the Muay Thai aspect of the MMA class (completely different world from my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu). They all went out of their way, and spent plenty of time doing it, to help me develop my new passion. Cooper has also opened me up to some new techniques that have greatly improved my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

I have been a member at Cooper’s Martial Arts since May 2010, my health has gotten better and my confidence in my body has grown exponentially. I did not think these activities were possible anymore, but the welcoming family environment was all I needed for the mental aspect of my continued health. I am no longer stressed out about living with Ulcerative Colitis, which in turn helps me maintain my remission. I would like to thank all of those at Cooper’s Martial Arts who have helped me through this journey. For this, I am grateful.



Nate Compagnone