Tags: Mike Ciesnolevicz Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Ar

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10 Questions With Lisa Ward (by Darrick Patrick)

Lisa Ward is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Bodog Fight, Smackgirl, Brawl At The Beach, Fatal Femmes Fighting, Valor Fighting, HOOKnSHOOT, Pacific Pankration Kickboxing Association, National Fighting Challenge, and Absolute Fighting Championships.

Darrick: What was the road that led you to competing in professional mixed martial arts?

Lisa: I started wrestling in seventh grade and was varsity from eighth grade on the men's team.  I received a scholarship to wrestle in college.  When I turned twenty-one, I started fighting in the cage and have been evolving every since.  I currently own and operate my own 5,335 square foot facility, United Training Center, with my partner Eddy Ellis.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in MMA?

Lisa: MMA is hard work, but you can take it to any level you want.  Take the extra time to learn from anyone you can to add tools to your shed.  Don't cheat because you only cheat yourself.

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Lisa: Being able to travel all over the world to compete, and owning my own business for others to come learn and reach their fitness goals.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Lisa: Randy Couture is such a classy guy in and outside of the ring - he truly represents the sport well.  I like GSP also for being very dominating and an aggressive fighter.

Darrick: Do you feel as if there are any extra hurdles being a female in mixed martial arts or do you believe it to be the same struggle for both genders?

Lisa: The competition level is much smaller for the females, so I think it is easier for us to reach the "top" faster.  The level for the guys is so much higher to reach the "top", but their pay at the "top" versus the girls is unbelievably higher.

Darrick: What does a typical training session for you consist of?

Lisa: I usually train a variety of ways.  I train stand-up, grappling, and weight training.  I also run and do various interval cardio drills.  I just work hard and try to burn myself out.

Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?

Lisa: I like the outdoors a lot.  Washington rains a lot, but in the spring and summer the outdoors are awesome - so green and full of life.  Hiking, swimming, jogging, barbecues, hanging out with friends and family, music, and my two dogs Laila (Boxer) and Sprawl (Bull Shit - French Bulldog and Shiatsu).

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Lisa: I like to do projects and make things in my free time - jewelry, crochet scarves, and hats.  I love making Christmas presents.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Lisa: Watching The Price Is Right with my dad everyday when I was about four years old.

Darrick: If you had superpowers, what would they be?

Lisa: Breathing underwater - I always thought it would be so cool to be a mermaid.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Lisa Ward in the following places:

Official Lisa Ward Website:

http://www.lisawardmma.com

Official Lisa Ward MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/lisa_ward

United Training Center MySpace Page:

http://www.myspace.com/unitedtrainingcenter

Lisa Ward on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Lisa-Ward-10071

Lisa Ward Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/10071

Tags: Lisa Ward Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts Femal

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10 Questions With Morgan Sickinger (by Darrick Patrick)

"The Captain" Morgan Sickinger is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Combat USA, Freestyle Combat Challenge, and Titletown Combat Championship.

Darrick: What was the journey that led you to professional mixed martial arts competition?

Morgan: My journey started out as a child when I was enrolled into a Karate class because my local area grade school did not allow any children below the age of six to wrestle.  It was after about two years of Karate that my father decided to enroll me into the Manitowoc-Two Rivers Wisconsin area wrestling programs.  I was enrolled into two different area grade school programs at that time.  I then continued to wrestle all through high school and am currently completing my last season of college wrestling.

However, it was about four years ago that one of my good friends and old assistant high school coach Bret Duer competed in his first MMA competition for KTK.  I was immediately interested and asked him how I could compete as well.  He pretty much gave me the heads and said he thought I would be a great candidate for competing in this sport.  I then competed in my first MMA competition for KTK and ended up beating Sam Thao, who was number six in the world, via rear naked choke.  This match was at 145 pounds and at the time I had no idea or even knowledge as to how or when Sam Thao was going to go on to become as successful as he is today.

It is my belief that by me winning my first MMA competition I became addicted.  I now train primarily through the summers and spring months as my off season conditioning for the collegiate wrestling season.  I am planning after this season to begin training year round and see where my career will take me over the next couple of years.

Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Morgan: I would have to first off say my father Michael Sickinger and grandfather William Behnke, who both have greatly influenced my life simply due to all the hard work they have done over their entire lives.  They have encouraged me to be successful in whatever I do - whether it is my college studies, wrestling, or me competing in a mixed martial arts competition.  However, my mother is not too fond of it to this day, simply due to the injuries I have been through and still overcome to succeed.  My dad still supports me, but has yet to step into a building when I compete due to a family choice.  My other two influences are both my cornermen Bret Duer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and John Sitt of Chicago, Illinois.  These two have helped me and been by my side for almost (if not all) of my competitions and would do anything if I asked them to.

Darrick: What does a typical training session for you consist of?

Morgan: My normal training sessions are usually very intense and consist of lots of high intensity sprints, stand-up drills, ground and pound, various wrestling styles, BJJ, MMA conditioning classes, explosive weightlifting (not bodybuilding) and long cardio runs.  I substitute various styles of MMA throughout the week during my different training seasons, so I can often accommodate what style of fighter I may be competing against in my upcoming competitions.  I have learned that the more well-balanced of a fighter I am, the better I will become in any given situation that I may encounter.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in MMA?

Morgan: "Adversity causes some men to break and others to break records!"  Which one will you pick?  Also..."Obstacles will always come up, but how you choose to learn and overcome them is entirely up to you!" --- Morgan M. Sickinger

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Morgan: I respect almost any mixed martial artist, as the common public is often not aware of all the dedication and time we actually put in to be successful at this professional sport.  I also really respect Urijah Faber, Matt Hughes, Randy Couture, Rodrigo Vaghi, Michael DeRoehn (college WR coach), William Krieg (FVGC owner), Charles Gruber (FVGC coach), Ken Popelka (FVGC WR coach), Bret Duer, and John Sitt.  I also would like to thank Fox Valley Grappling Club (FVGC) out of Appleton, Wisconsin for all their teachings and opportunities they have given me over the last couple of years.

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Morgan: I believe I receive fulfillment out of my mixed martial arts career just due to the fact that I have another way to reach out to help others.  I enjoy anything that takes lots of dedication, as well as seeing the fruits of all the hard work I put in day in and day out.  I also believe it is one of the greatest stress relievers an individual can acquire both physically and mentally.

Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?

Morgan: I like to collect a lot of different things such as Marvel comic books, coins, and various wrestling t-shirts.  I love to hunt deer, but often do not have a lot of time since it's during the wrestling season.  I enjoy just being able to have a good time with friends - such as going out to dinners, movies, or sporting events.  I also get a kick out of doing things that are high risk and often cause adrenaline rushes.  I like to be very spontaneous and have excitement surround me at all times.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Morgan: Well, one of my oldest memories is a bit frightening due to it being a near death situation at the age of only a few months old.  I guess I decided to venture away from my parent's house and into our dairy barn.  Here I happened to be highly entertained with my parent's breeding bull.  I suppose I decided to crawl on into his pen and began to play as if it were no big deal.  My parents ended up finding me and were scared shitless as I was being sniffed up and eyed by the bull.  It's a wonder or miracle as to why this bull didn't simply decide to trample me over or what not.  I was basically the size of an ant to him.

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?

Morgan: I would bring with me the Holy Bible, a friend (male or female), and also a pen or pencil.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Morgan: I am a very compassionate and caring guy.  I will put almost all other's problems or success before mine.  It is my goal in life to improve all other's physical fitness, as well as mine, and to also use my life experiences and knowledge to benefit anyone that is willing to let me help.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Morgan Sickinger in the following places:

Official Morgan Sickinger MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/captainmorgan141

Morgan Sickinger on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Morgan-Sickinger-22946

Tags: Morgan Sickinger Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Art

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10 Questions With Keith Berry (by Darrick Patrick)

Keith "The KO Kid" Berry is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as ShoXC, World Extreme Cagefighting, King Of The Cage, and Cage Combat Fighting Championships.  At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Brad Burrick at KOTC: Anticipation on November 26th, 2008.

Darrick: How did you end up competing in professional mixed martial arts?

Keith: I've loved MMA every since I went to my first King Of The Cage and I've always been competitive, so I just started with smoker fights and got into KOTC.  (Smiles)

Darrick: Who is someone in the sport that you highly respect?

Keith: Urijah Faber just because he's an animal.  He trains and doesn't let the lifestyle get to him.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in MMA?

Keith: Just never give up and do it for yourself - not to look cool.  You gotta' have love for the sport itself.

Darrick: What does a typical training session for you consist of?

Keith: Normally I try and better my hands with boxing/kickboxing for an hour and then move on into cardio.  Some strength and conditioning, plus wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu at the end of the day.  Usually about five to six hours a day when I'm training for a fight.

Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Keith: My grandpa and my mom - they kept me in sports and taught me to never give up.

Darrick: What personally brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Keith: Just seeing my limits and seeing myself progress as a fighter and a person.

Darrick: Outside of competitive fighting, what are your other interests?

Keith: I love to go to the beach a lot, play poker, and paintball.

Darrick: If you were the last person alive on Earth, what do you think you'd do to entertain yourself?

Keith: I'd probably blow stuff up and hunt or something.  (Laughs)

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Keith: I'm a full-time student at Cal State Northridge University and my major is Nursing.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Keith: Waking up...

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Keith Berry in the following places:

Official Keith Berry Website:

http://www.keithadamberry.com

Official Keith Berry MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/keithberry

Official Keith Berry YouTube Site:

http://www.youtube.com/user/keithadamberry

Keith Berry on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Keith-Berry-14639

Keith Berry Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/14639

Tags: Keith Berry Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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10 Questions With Dan Molina (by Darrick Patrick)

Dan Molina is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as the International Fight League, World Extreme Cagefighting, King Of The Cage, War Gods, Xtreme Cage Combat, Ken Shamrock Productions, International Fighting Organization, Gladiator Challenge, Invincible, and Valor Fighting.

Darrick: What led you to competing professionally in mixed martial arts?

Dan: I was always competing in sports since I was three.  I competed in Karate tournaments until I was twelve, then from there I played football and wrestled.  After wrestling for a little bit in college, MMA just seemed like the next step.

Darrick: Do you have any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in MMA?

Dan: Yeah, before you get into this sport - imagine getting your ass whooped first.  When people watch it and they want to do it, they always think that they are the ones doing the hitting.  I guess they are really shocked when they find themselves on bottom getting their face smashed in with elbows.  I'm just saying think about all parts of the fight before you do it.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Dan: There are many people that I respect in this sport, but nobody really comes to mind or sticks out at this time.

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Dan: I love when the fight is finally ago and my friends and family show up to root me on.  I like when we are all united.

Darrick: Who is someone that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Dan: My dad, for sure.  He always believed in me and to this day supports the hell out of me.

Darrick: Where could you possibly see the future of the sport ten years from now?

Dan: Bigger - much bigger.  I don't think we have seen MMA at it's best.

Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?

Dan: Being with family, watching movies, and video games.  Nothing too crazy or exciting.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Dan: When I was little, I kicked my grandfather in the balls when he tried to pick me up.  I must have been about two years old.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Dan: I once won a karaoke contest simply by dancing.  Must have been the hips.

Darrick: If you were falling from an airplane with no parachute, what thoughts do you believe would be going through your head?

Dan: "Well, I guess now is the time to see if I have superpowers and can fly!"

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Dan Molina in the following places:

Official Dan Molina MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/23434308

Dan Molina on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Dan-Molina-10583

Dan Molina Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/10583

Tags: Dan Molina Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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10 Questions With Jesse Forbes (by Darrick Patrick)

Jesse "Kid Hercules" Forbes is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such the Ultimate Fighting Championship, World Extreme Cagefighting, Maximum Fighting Championships, Let's Get It On, Tuff-N-Uff, Worldwide Fighting Championship, Cage Fighting Federation, Wild Bill's Fight Night, and Rage In The Cage.  He also appeared on the third season of the television show The Ultimate Fighter. 

Darrick: What was the path that led you to professional mixed martial arts competition?

Jesse: Well, I grew up wrestling from about the sixth grade on.  I remember when I finished high school wrestling, I asked myself "What now?"  So I went to college wrestling and when that was all over with, I asked myself the same question - and then there was MMA.  I had met some guys that were fighters and it just sorta' took flight from there.  I started training and five months later was on The Ultimate Fighter.

Darrick: Who is someone that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Jesse: My mother definitely influenced me my whole life.  She made sure that she brought up a mentally strong kid who didn't take no shit from people.  She's been my biggest fan my whole life, and she's always been there for me through the good times and she's gotten me through the hard times.  She taught me good morals and values, and she's the reason I am who I am today.

Darrick: In your experience so far, what brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Jesse: To be honest, it has settled me down a whole lot.  I used to be somewhat of a wild child and I look back on all that now and I'm just not the same guy I used to be.  I'm sure that's just part of me growing up, but I know it has to do with martial arts as well.  I love all the training and pushing myself hard mentally and physically every day.  The best thing by far is getting my hand raised at the end of a fight.  All that hard work and agony of training is all worth it when I'm getting my hand raised.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to compete in MMA?

Jesse: Yes, I tell this to everyone - go into MMA with an open mind.  Pretend you don't know anything and you've got to build your game from the ground up.  These days one-sided fighters get exposed one way or another.  Train hard to be awesome at every aspect and you will be a champion.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Jesse: I'd say fighters like Anderson Silva, Fedor Emelianenko, and Wanderlei Silva.  Those guys are all a class act and always maintain a high level of professionalism.  They don't talk the talk, but they walk the walk.  They fight with compassion and give respect to their opponents.  I think everyone should take notes from these individuals because these are excellent representatives for MMA.

Darrick: What does a typical training session for you consist of?

Jesse: A typical day for me starts at nine a.m. with my strength and conditioning coach.  From ten to twelve it's all wrestling and ground work, whether it be gi or no gi.  Then I go home, eat and rest until six p.m. - from six to nine it's all stand-up, sparring, and MMA training with smaller gloves.  It's a load sometimes, but your body gets used to it.

Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?

Jesse: It's been so long, I forgot...no, I'm kidding.  I love football games and any other sports really.  I like just hanging out with friends and shootin' the shit.  It's been awhile, but I love camping and doing things outdoors too.

Darrick: If you were stuck in the middle of an ocean with only three items, what would they be?

Jesse: A knife, a radio, and a fishing pole - so that I could stay alive long enough to be rescued.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Jesse: Probably starting school when I was five years old.  I'll never forget how scared I was and how I tried to bring my mom with me.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Jesse: When I was a freshman in high school, I ran cross country to get in shape for wrestling season.  One day on the warm-up lap, I caught a glimpse of a gorgeous girl coming out of the school and got so caught up in staring at her that I slammed into a fire hydrant left knee first.  I flipped over the hydrant and I didn't want her to know I hit it, so I held onto the fence in extreme pain until she got in her car and left.  After she left, I let go of the fence and squealed in pain.  Trainer came and got me - I didn't run for a couple weeks.  (Smiles)

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Jesse Forbes in the following places:

Official Jesse Forbes MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/kidherc

Jesse Forbes on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/jesse-forbes-13453

Jesse Forbes Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/13453

Tags: Jesse Forbes Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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10 Questions With Brian Gassaway (by Darrick Patrick)

Brian Gassaway is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such the Ultimate Fighting Championship, World Extreme Cagefighting, King Of The Cage, Adrenaline MMA, Intensity Combat Sports, C3 Fights, International Fighting Championship, Shooto, Combat-Do Fighting Challenge, Xtreme Fighting Organization, Cage Wars, TKO Major League MMA, World Pankration Championships, Total Combat, Extreme Challenge, Ironheart Crown, SuperBrawl, World Extreme Fighting, Shido, Pancrase, Jeet Kune Do Challenge, International Vale Tudo Championship, World Pankration Council, and Extreme Boxing.

Darrick: What was the journey that led you to competing in professional mixed martial arts?

Brian: I always have been competitive and was involved in sports growing up.  So, this was a natural extension to my competitiveness.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Brian: I guess if someone was to stand out, it would be Randy Couture.  Although you know I do have respect for a lot of people for many different reasons.  It could be because of their drive, skill, tenacity, power, or the way they carry themselves outside of the cage.  There are a lot of good people involved in this sport.

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Brian: I think it would be the ability to test myself physically as well as mentally.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to compete in MMA?

Brian: Practice, ice will be your best friend, practice, you'll go through a few relationships - oh, and practice.

Darrick: What does a "normal" training session for you consist of?

Brian: I live an hour from my gym, damn it!  I train twice a day, sometimes run, and go home.  So, I'm driving four hours a day.  Still looking for a sponsor to give me a car.  It depends on the day or time on whether we do ground or stand-up.

Darrick: Who is someone that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Brian: I would say my father.  In terms of fighting, we would go to the city and people would always tell stories about him beating someone's ass.

Darrick: Outside of mixed martial arts, what are your other interests?

Brian: I like to read.  Also, I used to be in a band and I can play guitar, bass, and drums.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Brian: I'm waiting for the day that I'll be that "fat sensei" telling people to work out while eating a jelly donut.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Brian: Getting in trouble for something I did.

Darrick: If you had 24 hours left to live, how would you spend that time?

Brian: I would spend the time with Mianda, Rashad, and my mom.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Brian Gassaway in the following places:

Official Brian Gassaway MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/gassaway11

Brian Gassaway on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/brian-gassaway-886

Brian Gassaway Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/886

Tags: Brian Gassaway Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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10 Questions With Molly Helsel (by Darrick Patrick)

Molly Helsel is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Bodog Fight, Hardcore Championship Fighting, Kick Enterprises, HOOKnSHOOT, Smackgirl, Warriors Quest, and Rumble On The Rock.

Darrick: What was the road that led you to competing in professional mixed martial arts?

Molly: I had come to a point in my life where I felt that I needed a change, but wasn't quite sure what it was that I needed.  I happened to be watching a documentary on martial arts one night and was really impressed with a female doing Kung Fu.  I started calling schools the next day and stumbled across Burton Richardson's Jeet Kune Do Unlimited school.  I showed up early for my free trial class, saw these people beating the crap out of each other, and fell in love with it right then and there.

I had always wanted to get into martial arts and I just knew I was cut out for it.  I was at the top of my class after a short while, but was still just training for fun and self-defense.  I didn't know at the time that they allowed women to compete in MMA until I saw a local fight with two women.  Of course, I am sitting there thinking "I could whoop both of those girls" and the next day at training my coach asked if I wanted him to start looking for a fight for me.  About a year later, I had my first fight in Hilo, Hawaii at Rumble on the Rock 2.

Darrick: Do you have any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in MMA?

Molly: I'm full of "advice", just ask my training partners.  (Smiles)  I encourage anyone to train MMA, but if you decide to fight MMA - make sure you think it through well.  Your motivation to fight should be mostly internal reasons.  Don't get dazzled at the prospect of all the attention and a big payday.  There is a long, hard road ahead of you if you choose this life.  Be ready to sacrifice.  There will come a point when your training becomes more than a hobby two or three times a week and martial arts will start to encompass all aspects of your life.  If you are not ready to bust your ass for little recognition and even less pay, then find another job.

Just make sure you are in it for the right reasons and if you are, then I say go for it.  You will have days when you're frustrated and you doubt yourself, but you just need to shake it off and keep coming back.  Just keep moving forward and don't take no for an answer.  Be one to make things happen, not watch them happen.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Molly: There are a ton of role models, great athletes, and skilled fighters out there, but I think the people that have impacted me most in the sport and that I have most respect for are my opponents.  I respect them all personally for different reasons, but what I admire most about them is that I have learned something from each one.  I know it sounds weird, but when you fight someone it's like sharing an intimate experience.  After a fight, especially a real war, you share something in that ring/cage.  It's very primal.  Whether I like an opponent personally or not, I always have to respect that this girl trains just as hard as I do.  She has struggled and suffered in the same ways that I have, she has shed her blood, sweat and tears just like I have, and we are all in this for one common goal.  You have to respect that.

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?

Molly: There are pros and cons to both.  Of course there are fewer opportunities and less pay for women.  On the other hand, since there is a smaller pool of competition, it is easier for a female to get to the top and to get the opportunities and exposure that are available.  Of course women will always receive some type of predjudice or stereotype as a fighter.  Perhaps it's in the gym - you may not be perceived as tough, durable, or knowledgable.  Sometimes people don't want to train with you or take you seriously as a fighter.  Outside of the gym, people tend to think you are super violent, not feminine, or a crazy femme-nazi.  It seems sometimes you just can't please 'em all.  I've learned to let it roll off my shoulders and keep doing my thing.

I think recently both the men and women's divisions have struggled equally with MMA going more mainstream.  While it is bringing more exposure to the fighters and educating the general public, it seems that the best fighters have not been getting the biggest opportunities.  Both divisions are seeing fighters picked more on entertainment value and looks over skill and true dedication to the sport.

Darrick: What does a typical training session for you consist of?

Molly: We begin with two five-minute rounds of jump rope and three five-minute conditioning/warm up rounds.  Then probably forty-five minutes of technique, drills, or sparring - and maybe another thirty minutes of sparring/rolling.  We'll finish off with leg or body conditioning and abs.  If I'm getting ready for a fight, I add in specific classes like Muay Thai, BJJ, and wrestling.  Also, cardio and strength training.

Darrick: In your experience so far, what brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Molly: For me, internally, it's when I face a really challenging obstacle and conquer it.  Whether it be something related to training routine, the fight, something mental, or weight cutting.  It's just that feeling of accomplishment.  That you did it even when you didn't think you could.  Obviously the feeling of winning a fight is like nothing else - best adrenaline high you could get.  Externally, I love watching new fighters learn and grow.  I like to help them get through their own challenges and I love seeing when "the light bulb clicks on" and they start really getting and understanding something they were having a hard time with.

Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?

Molly: Is there anything more interesting than MMA?  Honestly, there is not much else that captures my interest like this sport and everything surrounding it does.  I like the subjects of history, anthropology, and cultures.  I like games like poker, dominos, darts, and pool.  Love being outdoors and in nature - I like exploring and traveling, going on little mini-adventures.  I like to debate and I try working a little bit every day to change the world.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Molly: I got sent to a wilderness boot camp in Utah for bad kids when I was thirteen.  Then, I got sent back again when I was fifteen because they had a money-back guarantee.  I actually think it was the best thing that happened to me.  It made me mentally tough, taught me to push my limits, and helped me to expect more from myself and my life.

Darrick: If you had three wishes, what would they be?

Molly: First would be to fly - to be able to experience that kind of amazing freedom and to hear the silence above all the craziness of the cities.  Secondly, to always be able to make the right decesion and to have all the information available when choosing which way to go.  To be able to see into the future a little bit and see if the consequences will be worth the rewards.  The third wish would be time travel, I am fascinated by ancient cultures and I would love to be able to experience the lives of people from different times.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Molly: I went to a private preschool and during nap time the teachers would let me stay awake to play in the art room.  I'd color, paint, or make god's eyes while the rest of the school was sleeping.  There was a bus driver named Mrs. Brown and she would let me go with her to pick up the first and second graders after school.  We would stop at the 7-Eleven before getting them and she would buy me some candy.  Usually it was a candy ring, Big League Chew, or Lick'um Stix.  We'd get back to the school and I'd be tired because I didn't take a nap.  So every time my mom came to pick me up, I'd be asleep on the sidewalk with the rest of the kids playing around me.  I'm still like that, I fall asleep wherever I'm at when I'm tired.  My parents have a few pictures of me asleep in my spaghetti at the dinner table.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Molly Helsel in the following places:

Official Molly Helsel MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/maulinator

Molly Helsel on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Molly-Helsel-7063

Molly Helsel Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/7063

Tags: Molly Helsel Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts Fe

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10 Questions With Shayna Baszler (by Darrick Patrick)

Shayna "The Queen of Spades" Baszler is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as EliteXC, Bodog Fight, ShoXC, New Fight Films, MARS, Freestyle Combat Challenge, Mix Fighting Championships, Ring Of Fire, Jungle Madness, and Reality Cage Fighting.

Darrick: What was the path that led you to professional mixed martial arts competition?

Shayna: I started by taking one small local fight at a poorly run amateur event, kept winning, and started getting bigger and bigger offers.

Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Shayna: Definitely my parents, a youth pastor I had named Ernie, and my advisor Tom in college.

Darrick: In your opinion, are there any extra hurdles being a female in mixed martial arts or do you believe it to be basically the same struggle for both genders?

Shayna: I believe it's the same struggle, but that we are having the same struggles men had ten years ago.  We are going through the same thing, it's just that female MMA and the understanding of it is behind a little bit.

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Shayna: Honestly, learning new techniques.  I know that the things I study are real, because I have to use them, so I love learning new techniques and then pulling them off.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Shayna: Josh Barnett, of course, because he truly cares for me and my development as a fighter and as a person.  Also, Frank Shamrock because I think he gets things - not just fighting, but the part of fighting that is outside of fighting.

Darrick: What does a typical training session for you consist of?

Shayna: Well, what I specifically study depends on what day it is, but I usually train four to six hours a day plus lifting.  I always split it though - some striking consisting of Muay Thai and/or boxing, some clinching like more Muay Thai, wrestling, or Judo, and grappling like wrestling or BJJ.

Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?

Shayna: I love shredding on the guitar and playing video games.

Darrick: If you lost one of your senses, which could you stand to be without?

Shayna: Tough one, but probably touch.  I don't know.  Hopefully, I would get to have a trial period with each one first.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Shayna: I own two Sugar Gliders.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Shayna: I remember when my sister was first born, we shared a room and I used to jump in her crib, make it collapse, then hop out, and jump back into bed.  One time I missed and hit my head on the headboard, so I got caught.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Shayna Baszler in the following places:

Official Shayna Baszler MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/shayna_baszler

Shayna Baszler on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Shayna-Baszler-12116

Shayna Baszler Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/12116

Tags: Shayna Baszler Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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