Profile of a Badass in the form of a Checklist

As I increase the number of conversations I have with people about the badass gentleman concept, I've identified some fundamental differences in perception of what this means. To provide more clarity, I'd like to offer my own Badass Profile as a working prototype that can be further evolved as we go along.

Before continuing, there's one distinction I'd like to make crystal clear. The badass I have in mind is not a thug, and being a hardened criminal is by no means a requirement. In fact, in the context of a badass gentleman, it's not even desirable. This viewpoint was clarified through recent conversations with a good friend, Luke Miller, around his own definition of badass. Once again, thugs might be badass, but they are not the badass I aspire to be.

Here's the Badass Profile I came up with:


1. Peak physical condition. Luke made a point that's worth repeating. Lifting weights doesn't make you badass. He's right, it doesn't. But in my mind, I cannot separate badassness from superb physical conditioning. I've decided the first goal to be 8% body fat.

2. Close-range combat. Badasses should be able to handle themselves in hand-to-hand combat. I've chosen Muay Thai (a highly effective striking martial art). The goal would be to work towards smokers and eventually amateur fights.

3. Longer-range combat. My favorite gun is the Beretta 92FS. It's a beautiful, semi-automatic 9mm pistol manufactured in Italy and used as the standard-issue military sidearm for number of countries (including the US and France). The goal here has not yet been set.

4. Transport. There is a strong tie in my mind between badass and the skill to harness speed. I've chosen the Mazda Miata as the platform for developing my driving skills. There are of course innumerable cars with more horsepower, but in terms of pure racing skill development, one can easily argue that Spec Miata is an excellent path. Had my first track day a two weekends ago, and will continue progressing through this with additional track days and critical car upgrades (brakes and tires to start).

This profile might remind you of a modern-day knight, and that would be pretty much spot on.