grapplator: inspiration

Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts

Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts

Down Syndrome, MMA fighter

Here's 23-year-old Garrett. He's an MMA fighter who also happens to have Down Syndrome. His parents have apparently taken quite a lot of flack for letting their son fight in mixed martial arts against someone without a disability.

Although these concerns are understandable, I'd argue that there is no easy way to hold a real fighter down when he wants to fight. And Garrett here undoubtedly is just that: a real fighter.

And as this great, inspirational video says: "What do we see in a reflection?" Are we looking at an individual with a disability, or someone with possibilities? If Garrett doesn't label himself, why should we?

Make sure you visit Garrett's fight to read more about a young man who is a role model for other people with disabilities, and who also have begun teaching MMA.

Here's 23-year-old Garrett. He's an MMA fighter who also happens to have Down Syndrome. His parents have apparently taken quite a lot of flack for letting their son fight in mixed martial arts against someone without a disability.

Although these concerns are understandable, I'd argue that there is no easy way to hold a real fighter down when he wants to fight. And Garrett here undoubtedly is just that: a real fighter.

And as this great, inspirational video says: "What do we see in a reflection?" Are we looking at an individual with a disability, or someone with possibilities? If Garrett doesn't label himself, why should we?

Make sure you visit Garrett's fight to read more about a young man who is a role model for other people with disabilities, and who also have begun teaching MMA.

MMA training kicked in

MMA fighters - Illustration from Flickr

A mixed martial arts trained college student and army vet have rightfully been hailed as somewhat of a hero after his MMA training kicked in and he took a robber down recently in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

GVSU college student Zack Thome stepped up and saved the day when a local business was robbed in broad daylight (10 in the morning) Thursday.

With all the negative press martial arts in general, and MMA in particular, gets from time to time, it is really nice to read about these kind of positive stories.

Here's what fox17online says about the incident

MMA training kicked in

The man that walked into Spike N' Mike's Party Store around 10:00 a.m. last Thursday morning, intending to rob the store, was charged Monday morning.
38-year-old Brandon Slanger was charged with assault with intent to commit an armed robbery, and being an habitual offender. Slanger's preliminary hearing is set for April 5, 2012.
Slanger didn't count on a vigilant, mixed-martial arts trained customer stepping in, however.
"I look at the cashier, I kind of know him, I come in there every day. I whispered to him, I mouthed to him, 'Are you getting robbed right now?' He said, 'Yeah,' like really scared," said Zack Thome, the GVSU college student who tackled the suspect.

We definitely need more of these kind of inspirational stories. If you have any, then I'd really appreciate it if you took the time to share them!

MMA fighters - Illustration from Flickr

A mixed martial arts trained college student and army vet have rightfully been hailed as somewhat of a hero after his MMA training kicked in and he took a robber down recently in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

GVSU college student Zack Thome stepped up and saved the day when a local business was robbed in broad daylight (10 in the morning) Thursday.

With all the negative press martial arts in general, and MMA in particular, gets from time to time, it is really nice to read about these kind of positive stories.

Here's what fox17online says about the incident

MMA training kicked in

The man that walked into Spike N' Mike's Party Store around 10:00 a.m. last Thursday morning, intending to rob the store, was charged Monday morning.
38-year-old Brandon Slanger was charged with assault with intent to commit an armed robbery, and being an habitual offender. Slanger's preliminary hearing is set for April 5, 2012.
Slanger didn't count on a vigilant, mixed-martial arts trained customer stepping in, however.
"I look at the cashier, I kind of know him, I come in there every day. I whispered to him, I mouthed to him, 'Are you getting robbed right now?' He said, 'Yeah,' like really scared," said Zack Thome, the GVSU college student who tackled the suspect.

We definitely need more of these kind of inspirational stories. If you have any, then I'd really appreciate it if you took the time to share them!

Used jiu-jitsu to protect sister

Honolulu - Illustration from Flickr.com

It's always great to have a big brother protecting you, as case here from Hawaii is a shining example of :-)

11-year-old Jonah Yano used his years of jiu-jitsu training - as well as his brotherly love - to help fight of an attempted carjacker in Honolulu.

The incident occurred in November 2011, according to kitv.com. Go there to read the whole story and watch the video.

Jay Yano didn't have the day after Thanksgiving off, so he planned to take his two young children towork with him. As his kids loaded into his truck, parked right outside their home in Honolulu, Yano left the vehicle running as he quickly walked to the truck's rear.
"That's when I noticed the guy walking from across the street, coming over," said Jay Yano.
Yano said within a split second, his truck began to pull forward, with his 9-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son inside. He ran to the driver's side door.
"(When) I opened the car (door), I saw my son holding the guy down with his left hand," said Yano.

Apart from the happy ending and brave actions of Yano, the case clearly shows how quickly bad things can happen.

Honolulu - Illustration from Flickr.com

It's always great to have a big brother protecting you, as case here from Hawaii is a shining example of :-)

11-year-old Jonah Yano used his years of jiu-jitsu training - as well as his brotherly love - to help fight of an attempted carjacker in Honolulu.

The incident occurred in November 2011, according to kitv.com. Go there to read the whole story and watch the video.

Jay Yano didn't have the day after Thanksgiving off, so he planned to take his two young children towork with him. As his kids loaded into his truck, parked right outside their home in Honolulu, Yano left the vehicle running as he quickly walked to the truck's rear.
"That's when I noticed the guy walking from across the street, coming over," said Jay Yano.
Yano said within a split second, his truck began to pull forward, with his 9-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son inside. He ran to the driver's side door.
"(When) I opened the car (door), I saw my son holding the guy down with his left hand," said Yano.

Apart from the happy ending and brave actions of Yano, the case clearly shows how quickly bad things can happen.

A great wresslin' move

Don't know about you, but I get all warm and fuzzy when I see wrestling moves like this one pulled off in a fight :-)

Don't know about you, but I get all warm and fuzzy when I see wrestling moves like this one pulled off in a fight :-)

MMA fighter beat mugger

Illinois -- You got to be pretty brave, or daft (take your pick) trying to rob a skilled MMA fighter. To prove the point, just take a look at the mugshot below.

Inquisitr.com reported about how a convicted felon, attempted to hold up a vehicle in Chicago by asking the driver for a light, and when the drive said he didn't have one the criminal reportedly pulled a handgun on the victim and demanded money.

The driver obliged and handed over all of his cash but was then told to get out of the car. However, when the 24-year-old robber lost his focus the victim secured a hold of the weapon, something which caused the criminal to shoot himself in the foot.

The MMA fighter then pinned the robber to the ground and beat him to a pulp until police came to the scene and arrested the criminal. He was then taken to hospital for treatment.

Illinois -- You got to be pretty brave, or daft (take your pick) trying to rob a skilled MMA fighter. To prove the point, just take a look at the mugshot below.

Inquisitr.com reported about how a convicted felon, attempted to hold up a vehicle in Chicago by asking the driver for a light, and when the drive said he didn't have one the criminal reportedly pulled a handgun on the victim and demanded money.

The driver obliged and handed over all of his cash but was then told to get out of the car. However, when the 24-year-old robber lost his focus the victim secured a hold of the weapon, something which caused the criminal to shoot himself in the foot.

The MMA fighter then pinned the robber to the ground and beat him to a pulp until police came to the scene and arrested the criminal. He was then taken to hospital for treatment.

Robber picks wrong hotel

California -- Below is a surveillance video from a hotel in Los Angeles. It shows a 31-year-old would-be robber being taken down and held by two MMA fighters from Eugene, Oregon.

The two Good Samaritans were guests at the hotel and had been to a martial arts tournament in the city when they came out of the lift and encountered the robbery in progress.

They both sprang into action when they heard the clerk's cry for help. After a few moments of tussle, they were able to take the gun-wielding robber to the floor. The robber was held there until police arrived.

The two MMA fighters reportedly received lots of well deserved praise from police. Kudos to you guys!

California -- Below is a surveillance video from a hotel in Los Angeles. It shows a 31-year-old would-be robber being taken down and held by two MMA fighters from Eugene, Oregon.

The two Good Samaritans were guests at the hotel and had been to a martial arts tournament in the city when they came out of the lift and encountered the robbery in progress.

They both sprang into action when they heard the clerk's cry for help. After a few moments of tussle, they were able to take the gun-wielding robber to the floor. The robber was held there until police arrived.

The two MMA fighters reportedly received lots of well deserved praise from police. Kudos to you guys!

Ninja warrior ... at 87

Australia -- "I've always said to myself I'm not going to feel old until my hair goes grey," says 87-year-old Doreen Lanning from Penrith.

The frisky senior took up ninjitsu 16 months ago and she's is now training to become a ninja warrior, in spite of her age and two hip replacements, according to smh.com.au.

Australia -- "I've always said to myself I'm not going to feel old until my hair goes grey," says 87-year-old Doreen Lanning from Penrith.

The frisky senior took up ninjitsu 16 months ago and she's is now training to become a ninja warrior, in spite of her age and two hip replacements, according to smh.com.au.

Fighting spirit

UK -- Eleven-year-old Daniel Kimmins was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2006, according to thisisbath.co.uk.

After two operations, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the young boy was reportedly left mute and unable to move the left side of his body.

Now, this real-life fighter, who has had to learn to walk and talk again, is set to achieve black belt in taekwondo. Way to go son!

UK -- Eleven-year-old Daniel Kimmins was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2006, according to thisisbath.co.uk.

After two operations, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the young boy was reportedly left mute and unable to move the left side of his body.

Now, this real-life fighter, who has had to learn to walk and talk again, is set to achieve black belt in taekwondo. Way to go son!

'The blind fury'

UK -- Young judo prodigy Kieran Clarke, who became blind at the age of 5 after an allergic reaction to penicillin, has been brushing sighted opposition aside in national competitions, according to prfire.co.uk.

The 10-year-old champ, who's been nicknamed 'the blind fury', says the key to his success is his concentration.

I think I'm so good at judo because I take my time and wait to make my move, the young judo fighter says.

UK -- Young judo prodigy Kieran Clarke, who became blind at the age of 5 after an allergic reaction to penicillin, has been brushing sighted opposition aside in national competitions, according to prfire.co.uk.

The 10-year-old champ, who's been nicknamed 'the blind fury', says the key to his success is his concentration.

I think I'm so good at judo because I take my time and wait to make my move, the young judo fighter says.

Black belt - at 85

North Carolina -- Kinston resident Bill Vandivere - 85 years old, no less -- recently passed his black belt grading in taekwondo.

Together with his wife, 85-year-old Alice, he has been training the art for six years, according to enctoday.com.

Amazing... Congrats to you both!

North Carolina -- Kinston resident Bill Vandivere - 85 years old, no less -- recently passed his black belt grading in taekwondo.

Together with his wife, 85-year-old Alice, he has been training the art for six years, according to enctoday.com.

Amazing... Congrats to you both!

Black belt and MS

Illinois -- There are unfortunately quite a lot of people who buckle under, bow out and give in to the art of No-Can-Do. Then there are those who fight the odds, what ever they may be, and who shine in the winning art of Can-Do.

Father-of-one, 43-year-old Stephen Jolly is one of these people who seemingly gets right back up after being dealt a nasty blow.

He is diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis) but still thrives in taekwondo. He is about to test for his black belt together with his son, and you could probably get some major inspiration too from reading his story.

Illinois -- There are unfortunately quite a lot of people who buckle under, bow out and give in to the art of No-Can-Do. Then there are those who fight the odds, what ever they may be, and who shine in the winning art of Can-Do.

Father-of-one, 43-year-old Stephen Jolly is one of these people who seemingly gets right back up after being dealt a nasty blow.

He is diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis) but still thrives in taekwondo. He is about to test for his black belt together with his son, and you could probably get some major inspiration too from reading his story.

Jiu-jitsu instructor saves officer

Stories like this make me all warm and fuzzy - great going Mr Arrigoni, great going in deed!

California -- When a seemingly crazed fare evader began pummeling a San Francisco police officer, it was probably more than just a bit fortunate the attack happened outside a martial arts academy.

A 24-year-old jiu-jitsu instructor named Pedro Arrigoni came to the officer's rescue, controlling the attacker with a choke hold and forcing him into submission, according to sfexaminer.com.

Police said the 23-year-old suspect assaulted the officer while trying to avoid a fare evasion citation.

Here's a video of the situation - low quality unfortunately - and beware of some rather strong choice of words...

Stories like this make me all warm and fuzzy - great going Mr Arrigoni, great going in deed!

California -- When a seemingly crazed fare evader began pummeling a San Francisco police officer, it was probably more than just a bit fortunate the attack happened outside a martial arts academy.

A 24-year-old jiu-jitsu instructor named Pedro Arrigoni came to the officer's rescue, controlling the attacker with a choke hold and forcing him into submission, according to sfexaminer.com.

Police said the 23-year-old suspect assaulted the officer while trying to avoid a fare evasion citation.

Here's a video of the situation - low quality unfortunately - and beware of some rather strong choice of words...

An amazing recovery

Arizona -- When Darla Loy, 28 at the time, was diagnosed with 'Mixed Connective Tissue Disease' (MCTD), an autoimmune disorders akin to Lupus, her doctor told her that she needed to take pain medication, anti-inflammatories and steroids - probably for the rest of her life.

The reply from the woman was simply that it was not going to happen, according to sandspringsleader.com.

Rather, the determined woman started her own research and began fighting back - eventually taking up karate at the same place her young son was a student.

Her determination, changes in diet and karate workouts soon helped her begin to lose weight and she found her confidence was restored. She was indeed able to do without the medications to the amazement of her doctor.

After getting a passion for karate, she advanced to aerobic style kick-boxing, before finally going into the ring as a full-fledged kick-boxer.

I urge you to read this truly inspirational story about a woman with a remarkable fighting spirit.

Arizona -- When Darla Loy, 28 at the time, was diagnosed with 'Mixed Connective Tissue Disease' (MCTD), an autoimmune disorders akin to Lupus, her doctor told her that she needed to take pain medication, anti-inflammatories and steroids - probably for the rest of her life.

The reply from the woman was simply that it was not going to happen, according to sandspringsleader.com.

Rather, the determined woman started her own research and began fighting back - eventually taking up karate at the same place her young son was a student.

Her determination, changes in diet and karate workouts soon helped her begin to lose weight and she found her confidence was restored. She was indeed able to do without the medications to the amazement of her doctor.

After getting a passion for karate, she advanced to aerobic style kick-boxing, before finally going into the ring as a full-fledged kick-boxer.

I urge you to read this truly inspirational story about a woman with a remarkable fighting spirit.

A great karate-kid

UK -- Reading about 7-year-old karate student David Agba here from St Mary's Island, really is the kind of stuff that helps me maintain a continued belief in the human race.

The big-hearted lad was reportedly so moved when he learned about the tsunami and earthquake in Japan and all the troubles the Japanese people were facing that he decided to sell some of his birthday presents in order to raise money and help out.

In order to further boost his fundraising efforts, the school-boy showed off some of his karate skills to friends and neighbors on the island ... for a small fee.

What a sweet gesture! Son, you are truly a shining example for the rest of us to follow :-)

UK -- Reading about 7-year-old karate student David Agba here from St Mary's Island, really is the kind of stuff that helps me maintain a continued belief in the human race.

The big-hearted lad was reportedly so moved when he learned about the tsunami and earthquake in Japan and all the troubles the Japanese people were facing that he decided to sell some of his birthday presents in order to raise money and help out.

In order to further boost his fundraising efforts, the school-boy showed off some of his karate skills to friends and neighbors on the island ... for a small fee.

What a sweet gesture! Son, you are truly a shining example for the rest of us to follow :-)

Master - at 91

UK -- He was born in 1919, yet 91-year-old Cristobal Campos is reportedly super fit and gives far younger people a run for their money, according to sunderlandecho.com.

Mr Campos who took up taekwondo at the age of 80 after watching his grandsons, said he had been practicing the martial arts for 11 years.

"I'm a fourth dan black belt. It helps me keep active and is good for self-defense. I am known as Master Campos."

The great-grandfather, who lives in West Boldon and originally hails from Spain, tops up his taekwondo training with weekly sessions at the gym.

Great going sir!

UK -- He was born in 1919, yet 91-year-old Cristobal Campos is reportedly super fit and gives far younger people a run for their money, according to sunderlandecho.com.

Mr Campos who took up taekwondo at the age of 80 after watching his grandsons, said he had been practicing the martial arts for 11 years.

"I'm a fourth dan black belt. It helps me keep active and is good for self-defense. I am known as Master Campos."

The great-grandfather, who lives in West Boldon and originally hails from Spain, tops up his taekwondo training with weekly sessions at the gym.

Great going sir!

Seniors kicking out

Here's a nice and inspirational article about 68-year-old Jimi Hadley from Oklahoma City who is in full swing doing taekwondo and kumdo (Korean kendo).

Apart from the utter rubbish of someone being graded second dan black belt (and apparently soon testing for third) after just four years or so of training, this is a good read. It shows that you do not necessarily need to start thinking about the couch even though you're considered a senior citizen.

This is one active and inspiring woman for sure!

Here's a nice and inspirational article about 68-year-old Jimi Hadley from Oklahoma City who is in full swing doing taekwondo and kumdo (Korean kendo).

Apart from the utter rubbish of someone being graded second dan black belt (and apparently soon testing for third) after just four years or so of training, this is a good read. It shows that you do not necessarily need to start thinking about the couch even though you're considered a senior citizen.

This is one active and inspiring woman for sure!

MMA fighter, trainers halt robber

Mmatorch.com has a great article about MMA fighter Jon Jones, and how he and his trainers, Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn, subdued a robber in New Jersey just hours before an UFC 128 title fight.

Great going guys; well done and a big round of applause!

Mmatorch.com has a great article about MMA fighter Jon Jones, and how he and his trainers, Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn, subdued a robber in New Jersey just hours before an UFC 128 title fight.

Great going guys; well done and a big round of applause!

The black-belt journey

As a regular reader of this blog, you're more than likely aware of my opinion on the practice of handing out black belts to kids. To me this quest for having "the youngest black belt holder in ..." (pick you city, region, country or art), is nothing but plain and utterly ignorance.

Yes the kids are cute, fired up, good and what not at what they do, and of course the parents are totally proud. Myself, I love kids who succeed and thrive in martial arts to death, make no mistake about it. It is just this idea of handing out a black belt to a young kid after a few years of training which really ticks me off royally.

Consequently, when I do get the odd chance to read about a teacher, school or art who does it the proper way; who understands the intrinsic value of a black belt - having a child go through the stages as they are intended to - this gives me a renewed faith in the martial arts.

Enter this article from pittsburghlive.com. It's about a young man named Steve Goodiski Jr. Steve began training karate at the age of 5. By working steadily and hard, he is now graded to junior black belt at the age of 12. When he reaches 18 - and if he continues his study - he can test for his shodan black belt (1. degree adult black belt).

Now, compare this to the two or three years to black belt time span that some schools insists on having, basically handing out black belts like it is candy to kids at 5, 6 or 7 years of age. Not good at all, in my book...

That's why I'd like to take the opportunity to applaud Perry Culver Jr. sensei, and the other teachers at http://culverkarate.com/ Culver Karate Club in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. Seems like Shotokan karate-do at it's best.

My sincere congratulations and a big thank you!

As a regular reader of this blog, you're more than likely aware of my opinion on the practice of handing out black belts to kids. To me this quest for having "the youngest black belt holder in ..." (pick you city, region, country or art), is nothing but plain and utterly ignorance.

Yes the kids are cute, fired up, good and what not at what they do, and of course the parents are totally proud. Myself, I love kids who succeed and thrive in martial arts to death, make no mistake about it. It is just this idea of handing out a black belt to a young kid after a few years of training which really ticks me off royally.

Consequently, when I do get the odd chance to read about a teacher, school or art who does it the proper way; who understands the intrinsic value of a black belt - having a child go through the stages as they are intended to - this gives me a renewed faith in the martial arts.

Enter this article from pittsburghlive.com. It's about a young man named Steve Goodiski Jr. Steve began training karate at the age of 5. By working steadily and hard, he is now graded to junior black belt at the age of 12. When he reaches 18 - and if he continues his study - he can test for his shodan black belt (1. degree adult black belt).

Now, compare this to the two or three years to black belt time span that some schools insists on having, basically handing out black belts like it is candy to kids at 5, 6 or 7 years of age. Not good at all, in my book...

That's why I'd like to take the opportunity to applaud Perry Culver Jr. sensei, and the other teachers at http://culverkarate.com/ Culver Karate Club in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. Seems like Shotokan karate-do at it's best.

My sincere congratulations and a big thank you!

Blind won taekwondo gold

Croatia -- A man who became blind after a 1998 accident took the top spot at a taekwondo competition in Zagreb, according to croatiantimes.com.

"Yeah, yeah ... big deal, so he won a sparring match", some folks may perhaps be tempted to think. Well, let me assure you it IS a big deal as it appears the 36-year-old Mirsad Becirovic was the only competitor with a disability!

If that is not impressive to you, then I seriously don't know what might be.

Croatia -- A man who became blind after a 1998 accident took the top spot at a taekwondo competition in Zagreb, according to croatiantimes.com.

"Yeah, yeah ... big deal, so he won a sparring match", some folks may perhaps be tempted to think. Well, let me assure you it IS a big deal as it appears the 36-year-old Mirsad Becirovic was the only competitor with a disability!

If that is not impressive to you, then I seriously don't know what might be.

Teacher on a blind date

In the spirit of Valentines Day, here's a sweet and romantic story titled Love is Blind. It's about a karate teacher and firefighter who found his mate at a blind date several years after a brief encounter at a karate demonstration.

Even though I'm definitely not a romantic guy - at least not in the traditional sense - stories like this still hits a soft spot in me. And in any case, it does say something vital about never giving up - whether that is life, love, business, martial arts, or something completely different :-)

Happy Valentines Day!

In the spirit of Valentines Day, here's a sweet and romantic story titled Love is Blind. It's about a karate teacher and firefighter who found his mate at a blind date several years after a brief encounter at a karate demonstration.

Even though I'm definitely not a romantic guy - at least not in the traditional sense - stories like this still hits a soft spot in me. And in any case, it does say something vital about never giving up - whether that is life, love, business, martial arts, or something completely different :-)

Happy Valentines Day!