-Graphical/Digital/Abstract artist
-Classical pianist for 10+ years
-Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Currently, I'm working a steady job to support my creative, artistic, and athletic pursuits. I'm also really into psychology; philosophical about how to best live a life. I'm always open to learning a new concept that I can apply to better myself.

I'm not easily offended, have a dark sense of humor, and pretty easy going socially, despite being ambitious and driven.

I love a good stout/porter beer and burger and don't smoke.

I'm trying to make what I can out of the limited time and resources available, to make this a good life.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm planning a road trip around the USA, stopping at jiu jitsu gyms to train, and performing music at different cities.

It would be cool to make friends along the way through cities I don't yet have friends in!

Interests

• arts
• graphic design
• piano
• art
• digital art
• performing
• comedy
• brazilian jiu jitsu
• comedy clubs
• piano music
• grappling
• open mic
• pianos
• piano playing

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite music I play on piano: Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Muse, Arcade Fire, and Indie rock when playing with a band.

Random music I like: Cubicolor, Pendulum, Alt-j, the Mars Volta, Sohn, System of a Down, Radiohead, Beach House, Hiatus Kaiyote, Gorgon City, Grimes, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Gramatik, The Who, Infected Mushroom, Nine Inch Nails, Linkin Park, Muse, Gareth Emery, Markus Schulz

Random movies I like: Magnolia, Ace Ventura, I heart Huckabees, The Dark Knight, The Room, Her, Ong Bak, Stranger than Fiction, The Neverending Story

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I spent a week in Costa Rica, and visited all 4 corners of the beautiful Country. I'm hoping the next trip I take will be even more amazing.

Teach, Learn, Share

I teach private lessons in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to beginners thru blue belt and love sharing the art. I have a "silly" style, and like to throw in a lot of cartwheels when I'm rolling, but have a firm grasp on fundamentals as my base to be able to do all my weird moves. I'm happy to give private instruction, as well as walk in with you to your local academy, to help you feel more comfortable trying it out without having to be alone.

If you like my artwork in my profile pic, I will happily gift you a print for hosting me. If you like to do art too, I love collaborating, especially when I have hours of downtime. I'm pretty good with Photoshop and Illustrator, and really like drawing abstract line-work with ultra fine point pens and fountain pens. Would like to get better with Adobe Premiere, using color pencils, different paints on canvas, and improving my ability to draw real (not abstract) objects, so I'm not as limited in my art.

I know a little Armenian, enough to barely get by from my childhood. I just barely started learning Japanese, so I really don't expect to be able to be conversational for a few years.

If you play an instrument, let's jam! Though I play classical music, I've played with my friend's indie rock band for a while. I've done a tiny bit of jazz, but I'm not an expert. Overall, I've been able to develop my improvisational skills enough to be able to put my fingers to the keys and "play what I feel," and have it sound nice. I can read sheet music, and I know some theory.

Also, here's a curve ball: If you are into investing or want to learn, I'm fairly experienced and knowledgeable about options trading, stocks, bonds, margin, portfolio planning and automation (I don't mess with bitcoin). It's pretty boring/lame and numbers-oriented to talk about socially, so I keep it to myself unless you ask.

I have a dynamic range of passions and knowledge, because I try to indiscriminately look for what will improve my overall life and future. If I was more idealistic, I'd say what I'd ultimately want to be is a jiu jitsu coach blended with a life coach. I'm pretty open and empathetic, so I love helping move good people to a better place.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm fairly low maintenance, friendly, and empathetic. If you have a piano, I'd be excited to play it.

I mainly just need a place to sleep and a shower.

I would really appreciate the use of laundry since I train a lot, but if not I have no issues using an outside facility.

Since I plan on performing music where I go, if I can, it would be very useful to hear the local scoop on where to go and where I may possibly book an evening gig playing piano.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States