FTM Fitness World

Greetings, I'm writing this long (pun intended) overdue email to officially announce my retirement from FTM Fitness World. I will send one last email after this to explain the logistics of what it means and to introduce you to the new management team. In this email I want to review my time so far. For some, especially those who normally know me to be a very optimistic person, it might seem dark and gloomy but it's just a realistic way to show you the other side of things. Not for pity but with the hope that the new people who are taking over will be treated with much more grace, dignity and patience as we're going through this transitional period. First, I can never be too proud to say that I've created the first EVER bodybuilding competition event for men of Trans experience. On only year #2, it was on the front page of CNN and dozens of other outlets around the planet in multiple languages. I did it with $0, zero experience... only an idea and amazing people who believed in me and/or the idea. These people include you if you've ever come to an event, donated, liked/shared our pages, volunteered, or participated in any way, shape or form. Now, there are a lot of things that I have to mention that I will take with me moving forward. There were many people who belittled, discouraged or slandered my name since the beginning of this event, and basically it all came down to money. So much so that I wasn't even included in the documentary of my own business. Money was used as a reason to divide and some people used their already preconceived prejudices to believe that I was a bad person instead of trying to get to know me personally. Let's be real. I've always had an entrepreneurship mindset and money has never been impressive to me. I've never had to worry about money until I started my transition and was financially cut off. So if I wanted to be rich, I would not start a Trans related business because I know many of us are in the same situation. I simply wanted to start something that will impact the community in a good way. Many people don't know that I was homeless for a big chunk of time while all this was going on, that I still do not have any surgery and that I'm undocumented. In fact, the grant that started IATB was a grant for undocumented immigrants funded by Jorge Ramos and other entrepreneurs and philanthropists. I have many ideas that I could have proposed but wanted to do this final step of splitting FitCon and IATB to make things right for both audiences. And yet, despite me moving around every few weeks or so living out of a box, I still managed to write a book within 3 months and self-publish it on Amazon. So if you don't know me, you'd think I'm bragging... and rightly so, but I say all this to say that if you think the world is ending because you're Trans, you need to turn your TV off and wake up! The wealth that is inside of you is only killed by fear and because you listen to the wrong people. Anyone that discourages you from being the best version of yourself is either afraid of your potential or is projecting their own insecurities. I'm officially retired with a great feeling as I pass it on to the best people I could ever think of. I call it divinely ordered. And I can't wait to see where they take it. For now, I'm spending the next year putting things in order to allow for a smooth transition before I move on to bigger things. You will be seeing me around, and if you want to get in touch, search for my Professional Facebook Page (Neo L. Sandja). I am working on putting together something amazing for FitCon this year (the actual seminar/conference part), so if you'd like to meet up, not only I'll be there, but I won't be running around like crazy as in the past years :). I want us to talk about EMPOWERMENT. How can you empower yourself as an individual (not the checkmarks/checkboxes you fill out)? How can your newly empowered self empower your community? And can we work together to empower each other? So come on, do whatever you must, and show up. Book your flight, megabus, or put air in your bicycle, whatever, then let's find you an airbnb, checkout couchsurfing.org and I will even have some people crash with me (don't get used to it). Don't even worry about the website glitching (if you're a web guy, we need you to come help us fix it).... just send an email to [email protected] and say "yo, I'll be there and my name is NYX" and we'll add you to the list. Don't have the money for it? Send the email anyways! What I've always cared about is people's commitment for unity and self-improvement... not the money or the idea of money that keeps people mentally enslaved. So... I've said enough... and I plan on saying more (positive, worthwhile things) when I see you in person. I love you and I'll never give up on my community!

                                All the latest IATB news here!

The International Association of Trans Bodybuilders is now accepting applications for both the bodybuilding and powerlifting events to be held in Atlanta, GA, Saturday, October 6, 2018. Between FTM Fitness World and the IATB, we will be celebrating our fifth year of offering bodybuilding competitions to athletes from around the world.

We are excited to be transitioning from a for-profit to a non-profit model to get better funding to help you get the quality events you deserve. Thanks for believing in us as we do our best to show the world what we can do when we unite!

We are in the process of making sure the new president and head judge, Bucky Motter, has all the tools to take over. If you have any questions about the information below, please contact Bucky at [email protected].

Here goes, some bullet points to steer you in the direction you want to go. Whether you are a competitor, a spectator, a potential sponsor, an individual donor, or want to host an IATB event in your city, all the info is either listed below or available to you on the IATB website.

Also, please be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you can keep up to date with all the latest info.

we need judges in different cities: Read specifications on website (http://iatb.info/certification/ ) and if interested, send an email at [email protected]

Competitors:

Bodybuilders who identify as Trans (belonging at any level of the Trans spectrum) are invited to compete. Get your Annual Membership here, then register for Atlanta!

The Powerlifting competition is open to all genders. Winners are judged against each other by the Wilks Formula, which focuses on the absolute strength of each lifter and compares them on an equal standing.

Spectators:

Tickets for the Bodybuilding Competition are available here and at the door, location TBA. Look for the “ Buy Now” button on the bottom right corner of the web page.

Sponsors:

Sponsorship Packages are available now. If you’d like to be a sponsor, contact Bucky Motter at [email protected]. Many levels of Sponsorship are available, for example, $250 buys all the trophies needed for the competitions. Your company logo will be included on banners and print materials.

Individual Donor:

There are now two ways to donate to the IATB. Any amount, no matter how small, can help us reach our goals. You can donate to IATB here, or to the new GoFundMe campaign. Our strategy is to get lots of folks to donate small amounts, though larger amounts are certainly appreciated. Also, posting the GoFundMe link to your Facebook page is a huge help, even if you can’t donate yourself. We realize a lot of you are saving for surgery, and you may not have much disposable income. Consider $10, $20 ,or whatever you can afford. Thanks in advance for your help!

Host an IATB event:

We have all the information you need to hold an IATB event in your area. Simply contact IATB President and Head Judge Bucky Motter at [email protected], or go to the IATB website and click on Events, then Host a Competition. Bucky can walk you through the process, and he will help you find judges in your city as well as attend your event as Head Judge.

We need judges in different cities: You can read specifications on website and if interested, send an email at [email protected].

OK, that’s it for now. Thanks for reading this far. Again, thanks for believing in us as we do our best to show the world what we can do when we unite!

Hope to see you in Atlanta!

In Gratitude and Service,

Hi friend, If you’re reading this, then you’re meant to read it. So I encourage you to take a few minutes to finish. Maybe you’re aware of this, maybe you’re not. But the world is at a crossroad and all of us have an important role to play in it. I’m not writing this as an activist or any other label that we love to use to describe the things and the people that we’re familiar with. I’m writing this as a friend and someone who’ve been in your shoes in many ways. I’m writing from the perspective of someone who understands. I can’t help anyone unless I’ve learned to help myself but this also means that I must have needed to be helped at some point. Which means that I’m just as vulnerable in this world anyone. I do not take this message lightly; I wrote it with a “light” heart after contemplating the heaviness that has been plaguing many of us recently. Because the truth is, this world needs a lot of healing, especially now. If you look with your physical eyes you’ll see natural disasters throughout the world: fires, floods, earthquakes, etc. When a big change is about to happen, it often starts in nature. Have you noticed how many animals are becoming more aware and friendly to each other even when they’re of different species? But of course, with many changes, humans often come last. If we can’t heal the world from the division and pain that we’ve created, then we’ll keep on destroying it with no consideration for nature, the animals and even the people that we love. If, for only the time it takes you to read this message, you forget who you are: gender, race, ethnicity, pollical affiliation, religion, class, etc. and lose your (ego) self, that inner voice that remains will be your (higher/true) self. You will recognize it because it will feel peaceful, loving, and unafraid. Then as you continue reading this, you’ll see it from a different perspective. Not the one that you’ve been conditioned to see from since birth. Everything that we’ve created to define the concepts of this world, to embrace our individuality and to have a sense of pride in our humanity and our rights as co-creators of this earth, is now destroying us because it has reached a point that I call toxic individuality. Where the “me”, due to habit, has created many layers of separations between itself and others to the point that it’s blind to other people’s reality. Recently I woke up and refused to be Black, African, an Immigrant, Trans, Straight, Christian, and anything else that has clothed me since birth. Once I have denounced and removed all these layers, I realized that I’m more “US” than “me.” “WE” are all the same: WE are SPIRIT experiencing growth through a human experience. Because we’re co-creator of this earth, the key to destroy or rebuilt this world is in our own hands. Look around you. Not only mother nature is suffering, but when I leave my home and walk outside, I feel it all around me in most extremes that I ever had before. It’s duality/polarity to its highest point. But there is still so much fear and fear doesn’t heal. Fear happens only when we try to hold on to something that is not real or doesn’t truly belong to us. You can’t lose what you never had. When we’ve believed in an illusion for so long, it’s difficult to break from it. And that’s completely normal. Yet, if you’re honest with yourself, and if you look from your higher self, you’ll see that every end has a new beginning. It only hurts because the glass house is being destroyed and it’s all you’ve ever known. But don’t be afraid. It’s important to destroy ego-identities to rebuild healthier ones from our higher selves. And it only seems catastrophic because demolishing a house happens much faster than rebuilding it. But the rebuilding process has already started. The law of gender states that everything that exists has a masculine and feminine energy. To be a true co-creator of our universe and to stop destroying our earth and each other, we must all balance these energies. I don’t need to explain any further why it is crucial especially for Trans people to awaken from the deep illusions of this world and why we’re the last layer of separation and division (or label) of this world. The world as we “know” it, will no longer be the same. And we each have a choice: to assimilate, drift, keep the veil on, resist change and continue to subscribe to an old concept by creating more layers of separations, OR Oneness; openness, love, freedom, acceptance, understanding, flow, change and healing. Only you as an individual can make that choice. When it’s said that “salvation is individual” it’s because generalization takes all the apples and put them all in a basket. Our Creator gave us a gift: the power of choice – Freewill. I am me as I am, you are you as you are, but together we’re still one. But your “salvation” or the return to your higher self, can only happen when you take yourself out of the basket and observe this world for yourself. Because each apple will see a different side of the basket, it’s important then to realize that the basket is limited and limiting, confining, and restricting, and to realize that there are many other baskets but what’s outside of the basket is more real, simple, and free than what’s inside each individual one. Everything is relative. Your problems are valid and yet subjective. When you compare them to others, you’ll realize that we all have them, that some have it worse, and that the only way to change the world is by helping each other solve our problems instead of only focusing on our own. Help other apples get out of the basket. Everything happens in cycles. This is a new one, a very important one. But someone once said that we can’t solve a problem with the same mind that has created it. Hence, the importance of getting out of the basket and seeing it from a different perspective. Change your thought patterns, question EVERYTHING you believe with the question “WHY”? If, after asking enough questions, you realize that it’s because that’s how it’s always been, or that’s how you’ve been conditioned, that’s what others do or that it’s just a habit, then you’re making progress to getting out of the basket. Remember, shadow only exists because there is light. Seeing things from your higher self means taking the effort to judge less and to understand that even darkness is part of the light. Darkness cannot overcome light but a small candle can light up a room full of darkness. Choose to light yours brighter instead of dimming others. Choose to get out of the basket and get the others out of it. Lastly, everything is energy, and energy is mutable. We cannot repress or restrict energy; we can only change it from one form into another. Transmute your pain in healing thoughts, words, and actions. Actions that put you on the other side of the past illusions that we’ve always subscribed to. Actions that remove layers. Actions that not only take you out of the basket, but make the basket completely obsolete. Choose life, choose love. From my heart, Neo P.S. To receive notification of the coming up audio version of my book or to join my group mastermind coaching program, e-mail me directly at [email protected] .

Hey guys, Do you know anyone in the UK or who would like to travel for a powerlifting competition? If so, checkout this press release from our friends. The First Ever “LGBT International Powerlifting Championships” are happening in London in July 2017 … In July 2017 the strongest LGBT people from around the world will come together for the first ever LGBT International Powerlifting Championships. Organisers are expecting up to 60 participants from across the globe including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, United Kingdom, United States of America and Slovenia. Athletes competing will include first time novice lifters through to World Champions and World record holders. The Championships are the idea of Gay Games Powerlifters Chris Morgan and Dominic Patmore in response to Powerlifting not being included in Gay Games Paris 2018. Powerlifting had been part of Gay Games since it was first held in San Francisco in 1982. The new championships aim to bring LGBT lifters together from across the world to compete, socialise and discuss the future of LGBT Powerlifting. Co-Promoter Chris Morgan, an eight time world champion in the sport, said … “It is very important that LGBT Powerlifters are given the same opportunities as I’ve enjoyed over the last 18 years in the sport. LGBT lifters are very much a minority in the sport of Powerlifting and it is important that we are able to come together as a group to compete at least once a year. We have never had our own annual international championships, so to bring everyone together in London 2017 will be a very special occasion”. Co-promoter Dominic Patmore is a Gay Games Gold Medallist from Cologne 2010, continued … “London is the perfect location for the world’s first LGBT International Powerlifting Championships, with its diverse communities and wealth of visitor attractions. In 2017 the Powerlifting Championships will be happening on the weekend in between the World Para-athletics Championships and the World Athletics Championships , so participants will be visiting a city alive with sporting energy”. Participants of all abilities are welcome, regardless of age, sexuality, ability, gender and health status as there are no minimum qualifying standards for the LGBT International Powerlifting Championships. The weekend will consist of a free coaching clinic, powerlifting competition, athletes banquet, congress and closing party sponsored by Eagle Bar and The World Famous Horse Meat Disco, with participants encouraged to come together and meet both new and old friends from within the sport. The competition itself will take part on Saturday 29th July at Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club, which was established in 1926 and is well known for its strong commitment to diversity within the communities it serves. Events being offered are Full Powerlifting (Equipped & Unequipped), Single Lift Squat (Equipped & Unequipped), Single Lift Bench (Equipped & Unequipped) and Single Lift Deadlift (Equipped & Unequipped). The host hotel for the event is the Holiday Inn Express,(London City) that is within walking distance of the competition venue and is close to the restaurants and amenities offered by the trendy Shoreditch and Spitalfields Market areas of London. Holiday Inn Express are offering a special discounted room rate, all people associated with the LGBT IPC championships, staying between Thursday 27th July and Tuesday 1st August. Visit the LGBT IPC website for details. International guests will also be interested to learn that The LGBT IPC weekend is happening the weekend before the UK’s biggest pride festival so international guests will be able to visit www.brighton-pride.org. Brighton is on the South Coast of England and is only one hour from London by train, giving an ideal opportunity for them to extend their stay and make a vacation of their trip to the UK. For more details about the LGBT International Powerlifting Championships and to register your interest visit their website:www.lgbtpowerlifting.org or their Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/203653086703441/ or their Facebook Event Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/events/1695602424035594/ For more information about the event contact Chris Morgan Phone: 07545 781455 Email [email protected] Editors Notes:

The LGBT IPC weekend has a full programme of activities including Novices Coaching Clinic (Friday 28th July), Competition (Saturday 29th July), Athletes Banquet (Saturday 29th July), Congress (Sunday 30th July) and Closing Party (Sunday 30th July) Visit www.lgbtpowerlifing.org for more details

Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club was formed in 1926 and is a community funded gym, located in Central London www.bgwlc.co.uk

The LGBT IPC weekend closing party is sponsored by The Eagle Bar and The World Famous Horse Meat Disco www.eaglelondon.com/horse-meat-disco

The sport of Powerlifting was part of the programme of Gay Games in nine Gay Games from 1982 San Francisco through to Gay Games 2014 in Cleveland Ohio. It was also part of the World Out games in Montreal in 2006. Bench Press Single Event was part of the Eurogames in Munich in 2004.  Powerlifting has not been included in Gay Games Paris 2018 www.gaygames.org www.paris2018.com

World ParaAthletics Championships is happening in London 14th to 23rd July 2017 and World Athletics Championships 4th to 13th August 2017 at the Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park London. www.london2017athletics.com

Brighton Pride Festival, The UK’s biggest Pride Festival is happening Saturday 5th August 2017 www.brighton-pride.org

I’m the symbol to the meaning of it all

The interlocked triangles that transcend duality

I’m the circle of infinity, the pointed edges and rigid angles of divinity and the smooth flow of continuity…

From the source of its frequency to the amplitude of its vibration 

I’m the intentional upward movement because everything moves

And the imperfect direction of the waves because everything changes 

I can show you how fire teaches us to create so that our passion build us up…

How earth teaches us to feel so that as we dance barefeet, our hearts synchronize…

How air teaches us to see so that as we breathe, we observe time…

And how water can take us where everything flows and where words are irrelevant 

In my world we’ll shine brighter than our darkness without ignoring our shadows…

We’ll let the music transcend our souls until we transmute our sadness into healing wings…

And we’ll make love until we reattribute each color to its corresponding sound. 

I’m the mirror that will show you the true climax achieved when your energy creates and realigns you to your true nature. 

I’m the sculptor that will show you that your body represents the symbols that hold the secrets of this world. 

I’m your magic staff, designed to heal through balance and awaken through the senses.

NEO L. SANDJA

In case you missed it!

CNN Great Brig Story published a while ago a story about Preston Martin. Preston was the 2nd place winner in the 2015 bodybuilding competition.

FTM Fitness World #TransFitCon 1st Annual Powerlifting Competition.

Hello there!

You might want to read this...Every year, I get all kinds of emails from people telling me they wish they could attend the conference but aren't able to for different reasons: time, money, because they aren't fit enough... So this year I decided to send a letter BEFORE we even start planning FitCon17, so that everyone who truly want to be there has the chance to do it.

      First, you don't need to be fit to come to FitCon. Our slogan is "Fitness for the mind, body and spirit" for a reason. It's true that the bodybuilding competition has been the highlight of the event but the truth is that we focus on all the 5 core areas of our lives: Wellness, Spirituality, Finances, Relationships and Personal Development. So for that reason "not being fit enough" is not an excuse; plus if that's the case, you should come and be motivated and inspired to stay fit if that's what you wish for.

So let's talk about time and money...

    Everyone has the same amount of time, and it's our most valuable asset, and yet often our most wasted one. It's not about having "enough" time, it's about knowing how to allocate and prioritize your time for the activities that will increase the value of your life's experiences. Past attendees will tell you that FitCon is worth it. In fact it's worth way more than the financial investment or time you put into it. Therefore, if you plan ahead, you're accomplishing two things:

1. Commitment: Often people drift through life and time passes them by because they don't take enough commitments. If nothing, or no one (not even yourself), holds you accountable to do things, it's easy to feel okay starting a sentence with "one day..."

2. It's one thing out of the way to worry about. When you start hearing about all the coming up excitements for FitCon17, you'll be grateful to have signed up earlier.

NOW.... About money.

FitCon offers:

1 Meal a day with every ticket!

Bodybuilding Competition

Weightlifting Competition

Educational and applicable workshops

Entertainment

Networking and lifelong friends

Healing

Meaningful conversations, and so much more.

All this in 3 full days at only $165 (PRICELESS!)

And guess what?

Today, I want to see who is actually going to take the opportunity to not only commit but learn to recognize opportunity when it knocks. So all excuses aside...

I give you plenty of time (one full year)...

I give you A HUGE (Actually ridiculous!) discount...

And I give you a Money Back promise that if you can't make it and know it by Spring 2017, we give you a full refund.

I give you this but it comes with a catch. The catch is that you only have 24 hours to commit by emailing my assistant Jane at [email protected] with the Subject Line: "I commit to FitCon17" so that she will prioritize your email and send you an invoice. Why 24 hours? Because opportunity doesn't wait around....

Ok... I know I still haven't said how much it is.... and if you can't see the value in it, then you need to talk to those who've paid $175 for our first event....

I'm offering you this for ONLY $65. And you MUST email Jane NOW!

In fact, the first 3 people who email her will receive a FREE ticket.

ALL MEALS INCLUDED.

This is basically free, because you're technically just paying the hotel for your meals...

In fact you might be wondering why I'm doing this? I knew you'd ask...

For three reasons:

1. Because we have a great deal with the current host hotel and the money will be going directly to reserve the hotel for next year so that nobody else takes our spot (don't you just love how private it is?).

2. I have a BIG announcement to make that will have a serious impact on Trans visibility. WORLDWIDE. I want you to be there live to hear it. And..

3. To be honest with you, I want to start a movement. A movement of doers: people who challenge the status quo not just with their words but also their actions; people who redefine how we're perceived: not as victims but as WARRIORS. People who CHOOSE to unify the community even as we're all healing individually and yet choose to give back and grow at the same time.

Is that you?

If so, join me in this movement. Don't wait until New Year's eve to make a resolution that you'll "hope" to keep.

Commit to FitCon17 TODAY.

See you soon!

You read that right! We're offering FREE tickets to encourage more people to experience the true magical experience that FitCon really is. You cannot fully describe it until you experience it, so come check it out for yourself! So what is this about? It's simple, if you buy two or more tickets, you get one ticket completely free. This is very beneficial if you want to come as a group or have an extra ticket to give to a friend who would like to come at the last minute but the prices have gone up. So spend your tax refund money wisely and take advantage of this while it lasts. We're limiting this promotion to only a very few tickets in order to still be able to cover the logistics costs, so take advantage of this offer while it lasts! Go to http://transfitcon.com/register/ and select the number of your tickets. You will not be charged for the last one. See you in October! - TRANSFitCon Team