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Wednesday, 18 November 2009

10 Questions With Jesse Bowen (11/18/2009)

10 Questions With Jesse Bowen (by Darrick Patrick)
Jesse Bowen is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Cage Combat Fighting Championships, Gladiator Challenge, Warrior Cup, and PureCombat events such as Home Turf, Bombs Away, Halloween Bash, and Hard Core. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Shawn Klarcyk in Tachi Palace Fights at TPF 2: Brawl in the Hall on December 3rd, 2009.
Darrick: What was the road that led you to professional mixed martial arts competition?
Jesse: I love every thought of fighting and I always have. I got in a lot fights growing up. I ended up getting expelled from high school for fighting and that's when one of my friends introduced me to some pro fighters. After training for about one week, I basically fell in love with it. That's pretty much how I got into professional mixed martial arts.
Darrick: Do you have any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in MMA?
Jesse: The main advice that I have is to believe in yourself, never give up, and never cheat yourself. If you want to be the best, you have to earn it. And you do that in the gym.
Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?
Jesse: My main influences in life would be my family - my mom, my dad, and my brother. They have always been there when I needed them and showed me what's right and wrong, even if I didn't listen.
Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Shawn Klarcyk on December 3rd. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?
Jesse: There is a lot of bad blood coming into this fight. I thought we were cool with each other and that it would be a very professional fight. As soon as the fight was announced though, he started running his mouth. So, my thoughts are that I'm going to shut his mouth for him.
Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?
Jesse: For me, I get the most fulfillment out of the competition aspect of MMA. I love the fact that it's just you against another man and the stronger, faster, better fighter wins.
Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?
Jesse: I respect every fighter that steps in the cage or ring. As long as you show me respect, I give it right back.
Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?
Jesse: Money is my main interest outside of martial arts. Also any other sport, I am very athletic and competitive.
Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.
Jesse: Most people do not know that I'm a lover, not a fighter. (Laughs)
Darrick: What is your oldest memory?
Jesse: My earliest memory would be reading books with my dad and taking mid-day naps with him.
Darrick: What comic book character do you relate to most?
Jesse: I think I relate most to my favorite ninja turtle, Michelangelo. He always runs his mouth and talks a lot, but when it's time to back it up he can. If you ask anyone who knows me, I'm very similar.
FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835
You can also check out Jesse Bowen in the following places:
Official Jesse Bowen MySpace Profile:
http://www.myspace.com/91943987
Jesse Bowen on Fight Finder:
http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Jesse-Bowen-20663
Jesse Bowen Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:
http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/20663

Tuesday, 17 November 2009

10 Questions With Valerie Coolbaugh (11/17/2009)

10 Questions With Valerie Coolbaugh (by Darrick Patrick)
Valerie "Vicious Val" Coolbaugh is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Bellator Fighting Championships, Take That Promotions, Xtreme Fighting Organization, HOOKnSHOOT, and MAX MMA. At the time of this interview, her next scheduled match is against Tara LaRosa in Extreme Force Productions at Extreme Force: Locked In The Cage 1 on November 20th, 2009.
Darrick: What was the path that led you to competing professionally in mixed martial arts?
Valerie: I have always enjoyed and been involved with wrestling. I grew up very tomboyish and had a dad who was tougher than leather. After having my three children, I had gained some considerable weight. I began taking Karate lessons, in combination with coaching wrestling, to help me to shed the pounds. I met C. Prakit through a friend who was taking his Muay Thai classes. He invited me to attend and found that I had a natural ability for the Thai style of striking. He thought it would be interesting for me to do a MMA fight with the wrestling background, combined with newfound striking skills, and see how I would fare in this world. I had always watched UFC on TV, but never even knew that women existed in the sport. I have been super hooked ever since!
Darrick: Are there any extra struggles being a female in mixed martial arts or do you believe it to be basically the same difficulty for both genders?
Valerie: There are some extra struggles that women go through that I don't think the men have as much difficulty with. Women have children...that said, it takes time away from our training. Then after the child arrives, we have households to run and kids to take care of - plus most of us still have careers. So, finding the gym time and balancing the family time in the middle of that full schedule is tough. Most, not all, guys just have careers. So they have the luxury of the wife or girlfriend at home to handle all of those things. They just have to worry about work and getting to the gym. The little woman has the kids, dinner, laundry, house cleaning, school meetings, etc. (Laughs)
Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?
Valerie: I respect everyone involved in this sport that respects it. Anyone strong enough to train, work hard, accept being hit, and come back for more...respect. The referees that have one of the hardest jobs and hold our safety in their hands (to an extent)...respect. The promoters that put on quality shows with a fighter's best interest and match accordingly...respect. The coaches that come every day, drill things into our heads, motivate us, and sometimes deflate us...respect. The educated fans that understand the sport and stay current, join gyms just to learn more and not even to fight...mega respect! The reporters that get the word out there, honestly, no matter how bad it may hurt, but do so much to further the sport and get OUR names out there...super respect! Like I said - everyone.
Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Tara LaRosa on November 20th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?
Valerie: I am very excited to be across the cage from Tara. I have always admired her as a fighter and as a person. She was the very first woman I found when I began looking up women in this sport and I have yet to find another as amazing as her. Rosi Sexton is a close second though. My hopes for this fight is that I can give her just that - a fight! I think my best chance against her is on my feet, so I hope to be able to keep it there. My cardio has always been a strong point for me as well and I definitely plan to utilize that.
Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?
Valerie: Helping others along is the most fulfilling aspect for me. Really though, I find everything about the sport fascinating. I have gotten into refereeing over the last several months and I enjoy that challenge, but I really like helping new people get involved and learn about martial arts. I enjoy new women that join and want to learn. I like teaching things that I have learned to adapt because women are built a little differently than men and some moves work better with my adjustments. I like passing that knowledge on hoping that the next generation of fighters is even better.
Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to compete in MMA?
Valerie: Join a reputable gym, train hard, stick with it, and have fun! Don't do it for any other reason than because you enjoy the sport and want to have fun. Don't do it for the money, fame, or to always win - you will never get true enjoyment from this game if that's your motivation.
Darrick: Outside of mixed martial arts, what are your other interests?
Valerie: I love running, cooking, camping, water and snow skiing, scuba diving, and canoeing. I enjoy coaching and always have. I currently only coach cheerleading - in the past however I have also coached softball, basketball, dance, and wrestling.
Darrick: What is your oldest memory?
Valerie: Oldest memory. Hmmm...I remember the first time I broke my nose. I was four years old, tripped over a parking stump thing, and face planted on the sidewalk. Broke it good and bled everywhere. I remember the visit to the ER and the doctor setting it for me. Ah, the first of several times. (Laughs)
Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.
Valerie: I hate waxing my eyebrows, it causes horrible pain for me! Also, I always wanted to be in the Navy but having kids so young helped me to replan my future.
Darrick: What moments in your life have you been proudest of so far?
Valerie: My proudest moments involve my children, they are so wonderful and strong. Watching them grow to become wonderful people, despite some of the rough patches they have endured, makes me humble. They are my biggest fans and best support and I love them dearly. I view my children as an extention of myself and knowing that they are happy and successful means I have accomplished my only true duty and responsibility in life - and I am proud to say that I am their mother.
FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835
You can also check out Valerie Coolbaugh in the following places:
Official Valerie Coolbaugh MySpace Profile:
http://www.myspace.com/valeriecoolbaugh
Official Valerie Coolbaugh Facebook Site:
http://www.facebook.com/vcoolbaugh
Valerie Coolbaugh on Fight Finder:
http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Valerie-Coolbaugh-34755
Valerie Coolbaugh Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:
http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/34755

Monday, 16 November 2009

10 Questions With Chris Stringer (11/16/2009)

10 Questions With Chris Stringer (by Darrick Patrick)
Chris "Menace 2 Society" Stringer is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Cage Wars Championship, Ultimate Force, Olympian MMA Championships, Ultimate Conflict, Atlas Fighting Challenge, Ultimate Glory, Swiss Las Vegas, 2 Hot 2 Handle, Ultimate Fight Night, Shooto Europe, and Ultimate Fighting Revolution. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Rich Clementi in Cage Wars Championship at CWC: Nightmare on November 29th, 2009.
Darrick: What was the journey that led you to professional mixed martial arts competition?
Chris: Well, basically my parents always told me to go out and play sports. I wasn't allowed to sit indoors watching TV all day, so when I was younger I tried every sport that you can think of. Football, basketball, rugby, etc. and I was rubbish at them all. I totally sucked. I always loved martial arts though when I was a kid (the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were my idols), so I eventually decided to try martial arts. I went to a gym in my town and was blown away by the training. I loved it and got hooked. I didn't know it at the time, but it was a MMA gym. I did really good during training sessions and asked for a fight. I had my first semi-pro fight when I turned sixteen and I loved it, so I fought ten more times until I reached the age of eighteen. Then I had a professional fight and decided I wanted to keep getting better so that I could continue to make a career out of it.
Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?
Chris: Yves Edwards because I watched a HOOKnSHOOT documentary with him and Aaron Riley when I was younger and he was really dead-on outside of the ring. When he fought, his stand-up was incredible and I fought like him. Less technical, but more scrappy. Also, Melvin Manhoef and Wanderlei Silva due to their aggression and they are really entertaining fighters as well. Joachim Hansen is so technical that it's unreal, and Sakuraba is a genius with his unorthodox moves - and he beat four Gracies. There are many more of course and the list keeps going on!
Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Rich Clementi on November 29th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?
Chris: This is a fight of my dreams, Rich is a highly experienced fighter and I'm an up-and-comer. It gives me a chance to show my skills against one of the elite fighters of the world. He says he is taking me lightly, but he cannot afford another loss so I know that he is training hard and it should be a very entertaining fight.
Darrick: Do you have any words of advice for other individuals looking to compete in MMA?
Chris: Go for it, don't let other people hold you back. You will gain so much from doing it and grow as a person and as an athlete. It will make you strong mentally and physically, give you loads of confidence, and improve your health.
Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?
Chris: My nanny Bree, she was studying to become a doctor with four children when her husband died. She managed to bring up four kids in the troubles (riots and bombs in Belfast, Northern Ireland) and finished her course to become a doctor! She always said that if you want to do something, then go and do it.
Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?
Chris: Being confident in myself as a person and a fighter, as well as becoming a balanced person.
Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?
Chris: I have a fiancee called Lynne, so I like to spend time with her going to the cinema, eating, shopping, etc. I also love fast cars and modified cars. I'm a bit of a gadget freak too, so PS3, Xbox, big TV's, and lots of movies interest me as well.
Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.
Chris: I'm afraid of cotton wool! I really hate the stuff and don't understand how people use it. Ugghh!
Darrick: What is your oldest memory?
Chris: That's a hard one. Oh, I know...when I was around four years old I was running down my back garden, fell over, and broke my arm. It was really sore. I remember going to the hospital, getting a cast, then going home and hiding sweets up inside it to eat when no one was looking.
Darrick: If you were the last person alive on Earth, what do you think you'd do to entertain yourself?
Chris: I'd get all of the cars that I have ever wanted, then probably drive into a mall and do a few doughnuts. (Laughs) I would go to the biggest and best house that I could find and kit it out with massive TVs, Blu-ray, PS3, surround sound, a massive sofa, and of course I'd put a fridge in there. Then I'd go to the shop and lift everything possible, come back to the house, watch loads of movies, and get really really fat. That sounds like a plan!
FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835
You can also check out Chris Stringer in the following places:
Official Chris Stringer Facebook Site:
http://www.facebook.com/people/Chris-Stringer/1324907599
Chris Stringer on Fight Finder:
http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Chris-Stringer-13665

Thursday, 12 November 2009

10 Questions With James Krause (11/12/2009)

10 Questions With James Krause (by Darrick Patrick)
James Krause is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as World Extreme Cagefighting, Close Quarters Combat, Titan Fighting Championships, FM Productions, World Cage Fighting Championships, True Fight Fans, and the International Fighting Championship. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Ricardo Lamas in World Extreme Cagefighting at WEC 44: Brown vs. Aldo on November 18th, 2009.
Darrick: How did you end up competing professionally in mixed martial arts?
James: A twenty-fight amateur career and a lot of hard work and dedication is what led me to professional competition.
Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?
James: My mom mostly. My parents were divorced and I only saw my dad about twice a year, so I was raised by a bunch of females. (Laughs) I've always had great supportive friends that were always there watching my earlier fights. I think it's very important to have a great supporting cast in your life when you are a fighter. It helps through all the ups, downs, lefts, and rights.
Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to compete in MMA?
James: I think it's one of those things you either have to devote all of your time to or not do it at all. It's a very demanding sport - mentally, physically, and emotionally. So, if you're not looking to be in it one hundred percent then you're not going to make it to the next level in this sport.
Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Ricardo Lamas on November 18th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?
James: Ricardo is a tough, tough guy. He's a great boxer and even better wrestler, but I think with a six-inch reach advantage and a good game plan I'm going to give him a new look and cause some problems for him. I feel better than I ever have before and I'm mentally one hundred percent focused on this fight.
Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?
James: Besides a decent paycheck, it brings me great accomplishments. Especially with cutting weight and the actual fight. There is no better feeling to be in such a mentally taxing situation like cutting thirty-plus pounds, fighting, and overcoming it all within forty-eight hours.
Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?
James: I respect all students of the game just for getting in the cage and fighting someone else, but my three favorite fighters are probably Thiago Alves, Mike Swick, and Mayhem Miller. Some other honorable mentions include Randy Couture for still fighting at his age, Eddie Bravo for the revolution of Jiu-Jitsu, and the Diaz brothers for just not giving a damn. (Laughs)
Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?
James: Hanging with my family and friends mostly. I like watching TUF, Family Guy, and a few other television shows. I'm a big eater and my favorite food is probably sushi. I could eat sushi every day if I had to. As for sports, football and a little bit of boxing are the only other ones that I follow.
Darrick: What is your oldest memory?
James: My fourth birthday. I just remember getting a big yellow Tonka truck. (Laughs)
Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.
James: I have a huge fear of needles. I almost passed out the last time I got my bloodwork done.
Darrick: If you had 24 hours left to live, how would you spend that time?
James: Twenty-four hours isn't that long, so I would probably just spend time with my friends and family. We'd have a gigantic dinner of seafood, steaks, and of course sushi. (Laughs)
FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835
You can also check out James Krause in the following places:
Official James Krause Website:
http://www.thejameskrause.com
Official James Krause MySpace Profile:
http://www.myspace.com/thejameskrause
Official James Krause Facebook Site:
http://www.facebook.com/thejameskrause
Official James Krause Twitter Area:
http://twitter.com/TheJamesKrause
Official James Krause YouTube Page:
http://www.youtube.com/TheJamesKrause
James Krause on Fight Finder:
http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/James-Krause-31766

Monday, 19 October 2009

10 Questions With Eric Schafer (10/19/2009)

10 Questions With Eric Schafer (by Darrick Patrick)
Eric "Ravishing Red" Schafer is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Gladiators Cage Fighting, Duneland Classic, HOOKnSHOOT, Cage Combat, Xtreme Fighting Organization, and Midwest Shootfighting. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Ryan Bader in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at UFC 104: Machida vs. Shogun on October 24th, 2009. The fight is slated to air live on Spike TV in the United States and on ESPN in the United Kingdom prior to the pay-per-view broadcast.
Darrick: What was the road that led you to professional mixed martial arts competition?
Eric: I was a freshman in college back in 1996 and was looking for a sport to start training in. I had become a fan of the UFC, so when I found out that a gym in my town was teaching Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu I started taking lessons. I had my first amateur fight a few months later and continued to compete in BJJ and MMA throughout college. I went "pro" in '98, but it was mostly just for weekend party money. I decided in 2005 to dedicate myself and really try to see how good I could be.
Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?
Eric: My favorite fighter was Genki Sudo. He is a great example of a well-rounded fighter and person. He's highly entertaining and also a very interesting individual. I usually like fighters that are intelligent and professional. People like Georges St-Pierre and Randy Couture are winners, but they don't act like tough guys.
Darrick: Do you have any words of advice for other individuals looking to compete in MMA?
Eric: I recommend finding the best gym that you can and taking it slowly. Too many people fight above their weight class, against fighters that are much more experienced, or on too short of notice. These people get a bunch of stupid losses on their record that will affect their career later on. Taking a fight that you are okay with losing will usually result in a defeat.
Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Ryan Bader on October 24th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?
Eric: Bader is a great athlete and wrestler, so it will be a tough fight. I won't be able to take him down, so I have been working a lot on my striking and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu off my back.
Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?
Eric: Competing is the most fulfilling thing for me. It doesn't matter whether I win or lose, just that I go out there and test myself. Being a champ in the practice room proves nothing.
Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?
Eric: My grandmothers. They taught me to be a good person, but also to live life to the fullest and never settle for mediocrity.
Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?
Eric: I watch a lot of movies and television series on DVD. I am also a fan of Wisconsin sports such as the Packers, Badgers, Brewers, etc.
Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.
Eric: I live in a one-room apartment and drive a Dodge Neon. I live like a college kid because I would rather spend my money on adventures instead of material things.
Darrick: What is your oldest memory?
Eric: Too many to choose from on this question. I have a bunch of memories from when I was two and three years old.
Darrick: If you were stuck in a bomb shelter for the rest of your life, what three items would you take in with you besides food and water?
Eric: My television, a computer, and my DVD collection. I need to stay entertained.
FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835
You can also check out Eric Schafer in the following places:
Official Eric Schafer Website:
http://redschafer.net
Official Eric Schafer MySpace Profile:
http://www.myspace.com/redschafer
Official Eric Schafer Facebook Site:
http://www.facebook.com/redschafer
Official Eric Schafer YouTube Page:
http://www.youtube.com/user/redschafer
Eric Schafer on Fight Finder:
http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Eric-Schafer-13275
Eric Schafer Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:
http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/13275