V3ctorMan
Smash Champion
First off, I know this most likely doesn't belong here, and I understand if it doesn't... I just wanted to make sure everyone knows how much this community/smash have really meant to me... 
, and wanted to make sure anyone would get a chance to see this. If you wish to close this thread.. I understand...
Bio about my Career
You know... I remember as if it were just yesterday when I started off. Lol, I wanted to be the next Falco (Bombsoldier.) I had studied all his videos, and even learned advanced play off of youtube rather than proper training, mostly of him even, and I just would try to copy. I was so dumb.. I had no idea of other amazing Falco players such as Dope, Forward, Kaito, DA Dav3?, Lambchops, DSW, PC, Rob$, Zhu, PP, Axe, Sion, FalseFalco, Blunted, Mango, man I could go on for years. There are so many, talented players it's too difficult for me to keep up. Old school, new school. I'd want to name everyone, but I'd offend someone in the process, so for that I'm sorry, if I did not mention your name(s), but sooo many of you are so talented beyond belief.
I wanted to join the rank(s) of these players one day, and hopefully make a little resume for myself. I remember making multiple threads about myself, trying to make a name, and grab some attention, and build up hype. Such good times. SOOOOOO many of you, players, friends alike, helped me out w/advise, strategies, ideas to advance my game it was astounding. I was honored to even receive help from some of the ^above mentioned players, giving me the "light" of day to help me out...To make a long Falco story shorter... in due time, I had become a "solid" Falco player, ofc not as good as any of the forementioned names above, but a small little reputation, all because of the help I had received here on these forums, and ofc, the will to what I like to call the 3 Lessons that helped me advance, that I try to pass on to others that I've helped..
Lose
Listen
Learn
To me, this all goes in a COMPLETE circle, within one another. Winning didn't teach me as much as losing did. Winning does teach, I just think you get more out of losing. LOSING, opened up my eyes for weaknesse(s) in my game, which increased, and enabled my ability to LISTEN to the "veteran" player(s) that caused me to lose, players trying to help me/make me better and point out my flaws. And finally finishing off with LEARNING and adapting everything that they've taught me into my own game. This process alone is a mindset we all use alone to get better throughout our entire career. Of course repeating this over and over, until improvement is made, and of course maintained, and increased as we progress in our goals, each and everyday.
In due time I was the best in my city, and became a tournament director and organizer for our small town. Later on, I eventually met a player named Jeff, or as you all know him now as "Axe" Most of you know we are the closest of friends, however it didn't start that way... He hated my living guts. Ironic as it is, I was a "low tier hater" using my own "failures" with Yoshi/Mewtwo as guidelines to his. In short (I was overconfident, I felt as if I had gotten good enough at the game where if I couldn't do it, how could a player not as good as me could?) He was only a Pikachu/Fox player at this time. Funny, because he beat me in the set we played with Pikachu... You bet I felt embarrassed, I had also never lost a game (at this point in my career as well) He was my 1st sign of "realization" well that perhaps any character can be played at top level. Afterwards I trained/practiced and remained best in my city for about another 6 months or so.
During this time, I felt my 1st piece of "importance" I guess you could say, when Axe pretty much asked me to help teach him Falco. I was honored, and to make this part of it shorter... Many aspects of Axe's Falco are taken from my Falco, and things I've taught him. (Many people actually don't know this) He just made it cleaner/smoother/faster... and of course, I took parts of Falco from the ^above mentioned players, specifically Forward, and BS. Of course, there are strategies he came up with himself, and some movements etc, but I taught him the major idea of how the character is played. I felt accomplished as a player, and Axe now is considered one of the top players, and it feels good knowing I at least helped him get there... To THIS DAY, I'm still trying to catch up to the Falco players I have mentioned above...
My 2nd realization of low tier play was watching Taj's Mewtwo and his release of the combo video "ShadowClaw." It was here when I realized, that indeed ANY character can be played, with proper effort/mindset. Mewtwo was actually the character I wanted to use, but I barely knew how to play at the time and my cousin was a Sheik player, so I never won, and gave up on Mewtwo early, same thing with Yoshi (ironically I came back to these characters and they are arguably my two best characters now but i'll explain that later) Taj became, and STILL is, my inspiration, and rolemodel, and my favorite player to date. I wanted to be just like him, I wanted to rival him, I wanted him to acknowledge me as a player, I wanted his attention, I wanted him to respect me, perhaps even admire me as a player back. I wanted to join him as a Mewtwo legend. I began to study his videos, over and over, and over again, trying to imitate/duplicate lol I wanted to impress him.
Later on I finally met him at my very first AZ tournament, Axe, and I were both newcomers trying to show off our abilities. Both of us made a name for ourselves by placing rather well. (Funny, we both actually lost to a Young Link player that goes by the name of "Hanki" He's beaten all of AZ's Falco's actually. Forward, Axe, myself and all AZ's Falco's at the time. If he were to still play, he'd be AZ's Young Link. Joining, AZ's unique set of low tier players. Sadly, he left melee at the very top of his game, and I feel I'm doing the same. To this day, I still don't know the exact reason why he quit, so I'm assuming "Life" just happened? Anyway, I got to play Taj, and first thing he said to me was "Wanna be in ShadowClaw 2? so I played him using Falco on FD.... LOL BIG mistake. (To this day I STILL think he's unbeatable on that map in the Falco vs Mewtwo MU) I got worked so badly, I was so happy though, knowing that any character can be played with proper dedication/motivation.
As time progressed I seemed to catch Taj's attention, and my Mewtwo was impressing him, and he taught me many things. He'd watch me, help me, even learn some things from me. I never surpassed him like I had wanted to, but I was honored to be at least noticed by him. Axe and I got better, and better advancing another step, each month, each week, each day it was awesome. Eventually, we were able to hang with the likes of Forward, Taj, Wobbles, Light, and AZ's best players, finally fitting in with the more elite players of AZ. Sadly, I myself, NEVER really actually felt like I fit in w/this group of players. I actually felt Axe had pulled away, and I was just his shadow per se. for about an entire year straight. wherever he placed, I was right behind him in placing, but I never really got the type of "hype/recognition that he had received for becoming a known player. I was kinda the unknown player or The "Falco behind Forward" It hurt a lil, but I kept trying to improve ya know? Luckily, Axe always kept my spirits high, with compliments, and acknowledging my abilities. Even now to this day he just calls me an "underrated player" and in due time people will recognize. I hope he's right. Now, AZ's up and coming stars such as GG7, Tai, Silly Kyle, Okami, and Rubyiris are now the new generation of players and I'm so proud of them.
Years had passed, some players left, new faces arrived, and I had joined the military. My career was put on a major hiatus. I went smashless for a good 8 months or so, however this is when I discovered my love for possibly becoming a "video editor" producer of combo videos. I released my first combo video "Future Sight", and shortly after "The AXE Effect" during this time (a year later or so ShadowClaw IV, and Eggstinction") I later visit AZ on leave, and entered a tourney and was eliminated by Tai, a player 8 months ago, I had no trouble of beating.. This raised speculation pretty much in AZ, that I was pretty much "washed up" "A has been" and everything I felt I had worked for, completely vanished. Can't say I blamed them, I was losing to players I'd normally beat, many players were doing well vs me and I had 8 months of inactivity. Practice or no practice, rust, or no rust. It's not in my character as a person to "John" about anything, regardless of reason(s). I pretty much just used it as my motivation to get back to the top of my game.
Sadly, I never really got to "redeem" myself in that aspect, as my initial goals as a player changed, and I announced my desire to change my main to Yoshi and push Yoshi's metagame. Axe had with Pikachu, Taj had with Mewtwo, my own Mewtwo wasn't too bad, and I felt as if I could do the same with Yoshi, with the right determination/motivation. (my motivation was my Failure using Yoshi in the past when I had started, but Axe/Taj changed that for me and I can't thank them enough for that) not to mention Fumi has done this as well. so I set myself on a new goal.
I struggled at first, and had many flaws in my game (to this day I still do) like any player does. I joined the Yoshi forums, and received hype rather quickly. Videos of me were uploaded vs Axe and other players and I got good enough to where I'd start taking games off of him with my Yoshi. Success, and hype were coming quickly, and of course, players had doubts. I was "overhyped" or Axe was "staging" his matches with me and the players that thought I only would do well vs my own state. Players, thought I didn't know enough about Yoshi, because of my lack of experience, and I had only months of Yoshi experience, while the other Yoshi players had years on me, and I understand the doubters, to an extent. AZ players such as Taj, Axe, Rubyiris, hyped me up big time, and even some top players showed their respects, such as Hungrybox. It was an honor.
Time passed, and I got back to my form. AZ would see rare uses of my Falco, and I got back to the top of my game, however I had nothing to vouch for it, since I would go Yoshi at AZ tournaments to increase my experience/knowledge of Yoshi. It pretty much went to a point where "judgement was used on my part, and I was even ranked by character for a bit. lol. (i.e. 3rd Vman's Falco. 11th Vman's Yoshi) I was fine w/that. Placing well with Falco, had absolutely no value to me anymore, I wanted to prove it all with Yoshi. AZ gave me **** for months as my tourney placings stayed lower than my average, for multiple tourneys and I don't think it was COMPLETELY let go until I proved my worth at Pound V by making it out of Pools with Yoshi. Now, my goal(s) are to further pursue competition in my area, and teach/train/help players become the best they can be...
Retirement Thoughts?
Sadly, I've tried to come up with solutions to keep myself going I guess, (meaning playing melee) but atm in time. I can't think of anything...I'm going through a stage in my life that I don't exactly know how to explain. Symptoms seem to be the first stage of "depression" but i wouldn't be able to tell you. So at this time, I'm announcing my "unofficial retirement." Only thing atm I know i'll regret is me quitting at the very prime of my game. I say "unofficial" because i'm STILL going to be posting/contributing/helping the community. Helping any players who ask, hopefully new yoshi players come along that I'd LOVE to help. Maybe even be lucky enough to teach upcoming Falco/Mewtwo players. giving ideas, and perhaps (if admitted) my admission to the MBR, where I truly believe I can be useful to the community. I still want to make combo videos, I still want to contribute to the community I still wanna attend events and further increase my community and help anyone i can, not just in the state of AZ, but anyone who I feel I can help. n_n; I simply won't be playing myself as a player, despite regretting my decision(s) to do this, but for some reason this community is....different..somehow
Message to Community
As homo as this may sound, (and you all can lol at me or whatever, I don't care) all you of you guys/this community, I love you all as if you were family. Most would say this is an exaggeration, and to an extent, it is, but I really care about this community and you all so much. I freakin love you guys. It's tough for someone to show their emotions, but even as I type this, I can't help some tears that are coming out of my eyes right now. I've been a part of many other communities, but none quite like this one. I've never really been an "outgoing" person, life was rough for me during my younger years, and growing up, and it's difficult to trust people, that you've yet to lay eyes upon. I didn't have too many friends.. I feel as if i've gained not just friends in this community, but some family as well here. A unique family indeed, but family nonetheless. I've never felt that connection with a group of people in which I haven't even met ALL of you just yet, but I just know from my experience at Pound, just getting to meet MOST of you. Many of you all have good intentions. I don't think you guys will EVER understand how much of an influence/impact that's had on my career, and even my life... I envy so many of you, I don't know any other way to say it honestly. To something as basic, as MANY, and I mean MANY of you that helped me advance my game, with characters such as my Falco/Mewtwo/Yoshi, to more complicated aspects of my life such as times of crisis in my life, good times, bad times, even helped me travel across the country, to meet/play you guys, and hopefully my Yoshi not get worked... ><
There are players, groups, friends of every character, every race, and for the most part, most of us treat each other right... Seeing this ... is beautiful. I grew up in such a bad neighborhood, my outlooks of life early on weren't always positive ones, especially growing up in crime filled areas. Most of my family is either .... well let's just say not good places. I don't even wanna continue on. I'm not saying i'm the only one who's had it tough, I know many of us have. I'm just glad to be part of something good, since a "first impression" of things like what i've said above, can sometimes affect someone...for life. Seeing such positive in A COMMUNITY, when I couldn't even find it in my front yard, I'm grateful, I honestly don't think I can EVER thank you all enough.
I just wanted you all to know in a sense. ALL of you as a community are my "personal" heroes, and I can't thank you enough, I honestly don't know how else I can put it. You all mean so much to me..... Gosh, i'm gettin all teary again.....
I love you guys... ALWAYS...
~Vman~
, and wanted to make sure anyone would get a chance to see this. If you wish to close this thread.. I understand...Bio about my Career
You know... I remember as if it were just yesterday when I started off. Lol, I wanted to be the next Falco (Bombsoldier.) I had studied all his videos, and even learned advanced play off of youtube rather than proper training, mostly of him even, and I just would try to copy. I was so dumb.. I had no idea of other amazing Falco players such as Dope, Forward, Kaito, DA Dav3?, Lambchops, DSW, PC, Rob$, Zhu, PP, Axe, Sion, FalseFalco, Blunted, Mango, man I could go on for years. There are so many, talented players it's too difficult for me to keep up. Old school, new school. I'd want to name everyone, but I'd offend someone in the process, so for that I'm sorry, if I did not mention your name(s), but sooo many of you are so talented beyond belief.
I wanted to join the rank(s) of these players one day, and hopefully make a little resume for myself. I remember making multiple threads about myself, trying to make a name, and grab some attention, and build up hype. Such good times. SOOOOOO many of you, players, friends alike, helped me out w/advise, strategies, ideas to advance my game it was astounding. I was honored to even receive help from some of the ^above mentioned players, giving me the "light" of day to help me out...To make a long Falco story shorter... in due time, I had become a "solid" Falco player, ofc not as good as any of the forementioned names above, but a small little reputation, all because of the help I had received here on these forums, and ofc, the will to what I like to call the 3 Lessons that helped me advance, that I try to pass on to others that I've helped..
Lose
Listen
Learn
To me, this all goes in a COMPLETE circle, within one another. Winning didn't teach me as much as losing did. Winning does teach, I just think you get more out of losing. LOSING, opened up my eyes for weaknesse(s) in my game, which increased, and enabled my ability to LISTEN to the "veteran" player(s) that caused me to lose, players trying to help me/make me better and point out my flaws. And finally finishing off with LEARNING and adapting everything that they've taught me into my own game. This process alone is a mindset we all use alone to get better throughout our entire career. Of course repeating this over and over, until improvement is made, and of course maintained, and increased as we progress in our goals, each and everyday.
In due time I was the best in my city, and became a tournament director and organizer for our small town. Later on, I eventually met a player named Jeff, or as you all know him now as "Axe" Most of you know we are the closest of friends, however it didn't start that way... He hated my living guts. Ironic as it is, I was a "low tier hater" using my own "failures" with Yoshi/Mewtwo as guidelines to his. In short (I was overconfident, I felt as if I had gotten good enough at the game where if I couldn't do it, how could a player not as good as me could?) He was only a Pikachu/Fox player at this time. Funny, because he beat me in the set we played with Pikachu... You bet I felt embarrassed, I had also never lost a game (at this point in my career as well) He was my 1st sign of "realization" well that perhaps any character can be played at top level. Afterwards I trained/practiced and remained best in my city for about another 6 months or so.
During this time, I felt my 1st piece of "importance" I guess you could say, when Axe pretty much asked me to help teach him Falco. I was honored, and to make this part of it shorter... Many aspects of Axe's Falco are taken from my Falco, and things I've taught him. (Many people actually don't know this) He just made it cleaner/smoother/faster... and of course, I took parts of Falco from the ^above mentioned players, specifically Forward, and BS. Of course, there are strategies he came up with himself, and some movements etc, but I taught him the major idea of how the character is played. I felt accomplished as a player, and Axe now is considered one of the top players, and it feels good knowing I at least helped him get there... To THIS DAY, I'm still trying to catch up to the Falco players I have mentioned above...
My 2nd realization of low tier play was watching Taj's Mewtwo and his release of the combo video "ShadowClaw." It was here when I realized, that indeed ANY character can be played, with proper effort/mindset. Mewtwo was actually the character I wanted to use, but I barely knew how to play at the time and my cousin was a Sheik player, so I never won, and gave up on Mewtwo early, same thing with Yoshi (ironically I came back to these characters and they are arguably my two best characters now but i'll explain that later) Taj became, and STILL is, my inspiration, and rolemodel, and my favorite player to date. I wanted to be just like him, I wanted to rival him, I wanted him to acknowledge me as a player, I wanted his attention, I wanted him to respect me, perhaps even admire me as a player back. I wanted to join him as a Mewtwo legend. I began to study his videos, over and over, and over again, trying to imitate/duplicate lol I wanted to impress him.
Later on I finally met him at my very first AZ tournament, Axe, and I were both newcomers trying to show off our abilities. Both of us made a name for ourselves by placing rather well. (Funny, we both actually lost to a Young Link player that goes by the name of "Hanki" He's beaten all of AZ's Falco's actually. Forward, Axe, myself and all AZ's Falco's at the time. If he were to still play, he'd be AZ's Young Link. Joining, AZ's unique set of low tier players. Sadly, he left melee at the very top of his game, and I feel I'm doing the same.
To this day, I still don't know the exact reason why he quit, so I'm assuming "Life" just happened? Anyway, I got to play Taj, and first thing he said to me was "Wanna be in ShadowClaw 2? so I played him using Falco on FD.... LOL BIG mistake. (To this day I STILL think he's unbeatable on that map in the Falco vs Mewtwo MU) I got worked so badly, I was so happy though, knowing that any character can be played with proper dedication/motivation. Actually if you watch "Shadowclaw 2" i'm in the VERY first clip. I'm the blue Falco with the KROE tag.. ahh what an honor. I'm also one of the Mewtwo's he's owning as well.
I'm also one of the Mewtwo's he's owning as well. As time progressed I seemed to catch Taj's attention, and my Mewtwo was impressing him, and he taught me many things. He'd watch me, help me, even learn some things from me. I never surpassed him like I had wanted to, but I was honored to be at least noticed by him.
Axe and I got better, and better advancing another step, each month, each week, each day it was awesome. Eventually, we were able to hang with the likes of Forward, Taj, Wobbles, Light, and AZ's best players, finally fitting in with the more elite players of AZ. Sadly, I myself, NEVER really actually felt like I fit in w/this group of players. I actually felt Axe had pulled away, and I was just his shadow per se. for about an entire year straight. wherever he placed, I was right behind him in placing, but I never really got the type of "hype/recognition that he had received for becoming a known player. I was kinda the unknown player or The "Falco behind Forward" It hurt a lil, but I kept trying to improve ya know? Luckily, Axe always kept my spirits high, with compliments, and acknowledging my abilities. Even now to this day he just calls me an "underrated player" and in due time people will recognize. I hope he's right. Now, AZ's up and coming stars such as GG7, Tai, Silly Kyle, Okami, and Rubyiris are now the new generation of players and I'm so proud of them. Years had passed, some players left, new faces arrived, and I had joined the military. My career was put on a major hiatus. I went smashless for a good 8 months or so, however this is when I discovered my love for possibly becoming a "video editor" producer of combo videos. I released my first combo video "Future Sight", and shortly after "The AXE Effect" during this time (a year later or so ShadowClaw IV, and Eggstinction") I later visit AZ on leave, and entered a tourney and was eliminated by Tai, a player 8 months ago, I had no trouble of beating.. This raised speculation pretty much in AZ, that I was pretty much "washed up" "A has been" and everything I felt I had worked for, completely vanished. Can't say I blamed them, I was losing to players I'd normally beat, many players were doing well vs me and I had 8 months of inactivity. Practice or no practice, rust, or no rust. It's not in my character as a person to "John" about anything, regardless of reason(s). I pretty much just used it as my motivation to get back to the top of my game.
Sadly, I never really got to "redeem" myself in that aspect, as my initial goals as a player changed, and I announced my desire to change my main to Yoshi and push Yoshi's metagame. Axe had with Pikachu, Taj had with Mewtwo, my own Mewtwo wasn't too bad, and I felt as if I could do the same with Yoshi, with the right determination/motivation. (my motivation was my Failure using Yoshi in the past when I had started, but Axe/Taj changed that for me and I can't thank them enough for that) not to mention Fumi has done this as well.
so I set myself on a new goal. I struggled at first, and had many flaws in my game (to this day I still do) like any player does. I joined the Yoshi forums, and received hype rather quickly. Videos of me were uploaded vs Axe and other players and I got good enough to where I'd start taking games off of him with my Yoshi. Success, and hype were coming quickly, and of course, players had doubts. I was "overhyped" or Axe was "staging" his matches with me and the players that thought I only would do well vs my own state. Players, thought I didn't know enough about Yoshi, because of my lack of experience, and I had only months of Yoshi experience, while the other Yoshi players had years on me, and I understand the doubters, to an extent. AZ players such as Taj, Axe, Rubyiris, hyped me up big time, and even some top players showed their respects, such as Hungrybox. It was an honor.
Time passed, and I got back to my form. AZ would see rare uses of my Falco, and I got back to the top of my game, however I had nothing to vouch for it, since I would go Yoshi at AZ tournaments to increase my experience/knowledge of Yoshi. It pretty much went to a point where "judgement was used on my part, and I was even ranked by character for a bit. lol. (i.e. 3rd Vman's Falco. 11th Vman's Yoshi) I was fine w/that. Placing well with Falco, had absolutely no value to me anymore, I wanted to prove it all with Yoshi. AZ gave me **** for months as my tourney placings stayed lower than my average, for multiple tourneys and I don't think it was COMPLETELY let go until I proved my worth at Pound V by making it out of Pools with Yoshi. Now, my goal(s) are to further pursue competition in my area, and teach/train/help players become the best they can be...
Retirement Thoughts?
Sadly, I've tried to come up with solutions to keep myself going I guess, (meaning playing melee) but atm in time. I can't think of anything...I'm going through a stage in my life that I don't exactly know how to explain. Symptoms seem to be the first stage of "depression" but i wouldn't be able to tell you. So at this time, I'm announcing my "unofficial retirement." Only thing atm I know i'll regret is me quitting at the very prime of my game.
I say "unofficial" because i'm STILL going to be posting/contributing/helping the community. Helping any players who ask, hopefully new yoshi players come along that I'd LOVE to help. Maybe even be lucky enough to teach upcoming Falco/Mewtwo players. giving ideas, and perhaps (if admitted) my admission to the MBR, where I truly believe I can be useful to the community. I still want to make combo videos, I still want to contribute to the community I still wanna attend events and further increase my community and help anyone i can, not just in the state of AZ, but anyone who I feel I can help. n_n; I simply won't be playing myself as a player, despite regretting my decision(s) to do this, but for some reason this community is....different..somehowMessage to Community
As homo as this may sound, (and you all can lol at me or whatever, I don't care) all you of you guys/this community, I love you all as if you were family. Most would say this is an exaggeration, and to an extent, it is, but I really care about this community and you all so much. I freakin love you guys. It's tough for someone to show their emotions, but even as I type this, I can't help some tears that are coming out of my eyes right now. I've been a part of many other communities, but none quite like this one. I've never really been an "outgoing" person, life was rough for me during my younger years, and growing up, and it's difficult to trust people, that you've yet to lay eyes upon. I didn't have too many friends.. I feel as if i've gained not just friends in this community, but some family as well here. A unique family indeed, but family nonetheless. I've never felt that connection with a group of people in which I haven't even met ALL of you just yet, but I just know from my experience at Pound, just getting to meet MOST of you. Many of you all have good intentions. I don't think you guys will EVER understand how much of an influence/impact that's had on my career, and even my life... I envy so many of you, I don't know any other way to say it honestly. To something as basic, as MANY, and I mean MANY of you that helped me advance my game, with characters such as my Falco/Mewtwo/Yoshi, to more complicated aspects of my life such as times of crisis in my life, good times, bad times, even helped me travel across the country, to meet/play you guys, and hopefully my Yoshi not get worked... ><
There are players, groups, friends of every character, every race, and for the most part, most of us treat each other right... Seeing this ... is beautiful. I grew up in such a bad neighborhood, my outlooks of life early on weren't always positive ones, especially growing up in crime filled areas. Most of my family is either .... well let's just say not good places. I don't even wanna continue on. I'm not saying i'm the only one who's had it tough, I know many of us have. I'm just glad to be part of something good, since a "first impression" of things like what i've said above, can sometimes affect someone...for life. Seeing such positive in A COMMUNITY, when I couldn't even find it in my front yard, I'm grateful, I honestly don't think I can EVER thank you all enough.
I just wanted you all to know in a sense. ALL of you as a community are my "personal" heroes, and I can't thank you enough, I honestly don't know how else I can put it. You all mean so much to me..... Gosh, i'm gettin all teary again.....
I love you guys... ALWAYS...
~Vman~
