New Advice Column

My associates at BCLP&A (see my Wikipedia page to learn more about them) thought it would be a good idea if I started answering questions from MMA fans. Since I spent more time on this first response than I usually do on my blogs, I thought I'd post it here as well:

Dear Pink Pounder:

I've recently found myself in situations where the topic of MMA somehow comes up, but the environment is certainly one in which violence and things of such nature are frowned upon. Please help me describe the great sport of MMA properly and in a way that sheds it in the best possible light and does not leave me looking like some sort of brute or woman beater.

Signed,

Anonymmaous

Dear Anonymmaous,

This is a problem that I frequently encounter when discussing my current activities with individuals from my university as well as others that I encounter when I am working in the schools.

Most often I work to emphasize the commonalities between MMA and other, more acceptable, sports. There are numerous misconceptions about the sport that continue to hold strong in our society despite the growing popularity of the sport. Just as football or baseball have rules that can essentially go unstated because the common fan has fully accepted them, it is important to note that these competitions in MMA are not simply free-for-alls with no rules. This is one reason why I would like to see the term No-Holds-Barred pass away into obscurity. When the public understands that this is an organized sport with rules, regulations, and leagues, they begin to see it more completely. A large part of the battle is simply creating an understanding with the common person.

Additionally, many people don’t understand that the level of dedication of athletes to this activity easily matches the dedication of other professional athletes. When I first explain to people how much time I actually devote to this sport, they are generally astounded. I also try to emphasize the history of the sport and discuss how legitimate athletes (Olympic medalists, college All-Americans) have been using MMA to extend their athletic careers. Most people see this as a fringe sport, but when we look at the sport as having a colorful and distinguished history, they develop a much greater respect for it as a whole.

But beyond positive speech, the best way to shed a positive light on the sport is to be a respectable representative of the sport. By being a good role model (who just happens to be involved in MMA) a person can create a greater change in the public image of the sport than any amount of speech possibly could. In the last year, my fighting image has gone from people talking about the sport as “barbaric and idiotic” to being talked about openly in my mother’s church. This includes prayer requests for my safety and praises for my victories as well as numerous handshakes and congratulations. Most surprisingly, the women’s group at that same church, which consists primarily of ladies over the age of 60, now includes the watching of my fights as a part of their regular activities.

So simply be a good person and speaking intelligently without attacking your audience for their ignorance, and you will find that the sport can and will be readily accepted by most any group.

Peace.

OMG! WTF! It's the new blogger.

Today I was finally forced to start using the New Blogger. I wonder how long they will call it "new" for?

If you are wondering why I don't write about nature and pastoral poets right now, it is simply because I don't have a single literature class right now. My only English course is Literary Criticism and that dry ass drivel has little value to me. Although I do know a hell of a lot about The Great Gatsby now since one of our books is full of analysis of that.

I have been reading gardening books to try and get me through the seasonal depression. I am thinking about hopping in the car next week and driving somewhere warm. It might be a good idea.

I read a book the other week, but I've forgotten what it was. I got is for my birthday, read it in two days, and now have no memory of it. Is that bad?

I really can't remember anything these days. Lost my digi camera for a week and then found it in the pocket of some pants that were hanging on the back of my door in Winona. There was a gift card to Gander Mountain in there too. I've got way too much going on.

The show for next week is having all sorts of trouble. We've had two guys drop out in the last week, so we are scrambling to come up with opponents for guys. Luckily, we had three guys fight this last Saturday in Nebraska, and all three managed to come through without too much damage. Liffrig is now 16-4 after knocking out a rather large BJJ guy (Travis is cutting down to 185 while his opponent was 6'3" 240), Forest was dominating when he took a shot to the groing that was so hard he couldn't continue the match, and our little beast, Alex Rutter, continued his winning ways as well.

Peace.

You thought I forgot?

Well, I didn't. I've just been quite busy.

I am opening a gym in Rochester, but rather than getting my own building I am simply renting space and time from Fred Gommels and his academy. Convenient to have relatives in that business.
Right now I am busy with paperwork. The LLC paperwork is all done and needs to be sent it. I have to register as a sport's agent in the state of MN. And the insurance is the last piece of the puzzle. I overestimated my paperworking abilities, so the opening has been delayed. How sad.
It should be going by the beginning of March.

I am also promoting shows with the new company that my teammate Kevin and I have formed. Rochester Mixed Martial Arts's first show will be March 3rd at the Relay Station in Mantorville. We expect 700-850 people. I know how to turn a profit.

This is all being done so that I don't always have to fight. And so I won't be scared if I ever get injured, which I will.

Peace.