10 Questions With Keith Wisniewski (by Darrick Patrick)

Keith Wisniewski is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in events such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, International Fight League, Undisputed Arena Fighting Championships, Bodog Fight, Freestyle Fighting Championship, Euphoria, Shooto, Xtreme Kage Kombat, Ironheart Crown, Combat, Extreme Challenge, Absolute Fighting Championships, M-1 MFC, Tournament Fighting Championships, United States Mixed Martial Arts, Battle Of New Orleans, HOOKnSHOOT, Silverback Classic, Chicago Challenge, Night Of The Diamonds, Jeet Kune Do Challenge, and Fearless Freestyle Fighting.

Darrick: How did you end up fighting professionally in mixed martial arts?

Keith: My brother and I trained in our front yard.  We were big fans of the sport and wanted to get involved.  We went out to Davenport, Iowa to fight amateur at the first Extreme Challenge Trials.  We've both been involved in the sport every since - I guess it's been a little over ten years now.

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

Keith: It varies depending on the day of the week.  I think our Monday and Wednesday workouts are our best.  We do a half hour of wrestling/takedowns with mostly two-minute live goes.  Then, we switch it up and do about thirty minutes of guard passing and ground work.  After that, we switch to live goes from stand-up and go until we burn out.  We try to add a few technical things into the mix.

Darrick: Tell us about the gym that your brother and you own in Hobart, Indiana.

Keith: We bought it last year.  It's a 1,200 square foot story and a half garage.  We have a 20 foot octagon cage, a good section of wrestling mats with padded walls, and a heavy bag area.  We are on a try-out basis, and train every weekday and most weekends.  Anyone interested in checking us out can give me a call at (219) 840-6998 or e-mail me at keithjustinwisniewski@msn.com.

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

Keith: Definitely both of my older brothers who I'm still very tight with.  My whole family really.

Darrick: What would you say to younger individuals looking to make a career in MMA?

Keith: I think people are better off getting a career in place to fall back on and then pursuing MMA.  I tried to pay the bills on the smaller circuit for awhile and it is very taxing on the body.

Darrick: In your experiences with martial arts, what brings you the most fulfillment?

Keith: Fighting myself, training with and cornering my teammates, and promoting fights are all about equally enjoyable to me.

Darrick: Outside of the sport, what are your other interests?

Keith: Climbing, whitewater rafting, reading, politics, and all sports.

Darrick: What comic book character do you relate to most?

Keith: Groo The Wanderer - only comic book I've ever read.

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

Keith: I'm very interested in law and politics.  I was pre-law in college with a history/political science focus before I got bored with it.  I have strongly libertarian viewpoints.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Keith: 1985 Bears Superbowl victory.  I always wanted to be Steve Fuller (3rd string quarterback).

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 Wisniewski in the following places:

Official Keith Wisniewski MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/keithwisniewski

Keith Wisniewski on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=2095

Keith Wisniewski Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=2095@@Keith%20Wisniewski

Tags: Keith Wisniewski Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Art

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10 Questions With Lana Stefanac (by Darrick Patrick)

"Lethal" Lana Stefanac is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in events such as Smackgirl, Undisputed Arena Fighting Championships, Full Contact Fight Series, and Extreme Wars.  Stefanac is also the 2006 Pan American Games Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gold Medalist and has qualified in Jiu-Jitsu for the 2008 Olympics.

Darrick: Give us some insight into how you got into professional mixed martial arts.

Lana: I started off with a background in a few different martial arts, including Aikido and Kempo.  I was always looking at martial arts to find the "best" one - the most effective and deadly.  I started doing Muay-Thai and then I met Donald Park, a Royler Gracie guy.  I watched Donald systematically tap out an entire class of Thai fighters and MMA fighters.  I was instantly hooked.

I began to train BJJ under Donald (Royler Gracie-David Adiv).  At that time, my little brother also began training and told me about a place close by that was a Relson Gracie school being led by Jeff Starr.  I began to train at both places as much as possible.  After winning a few tournaments, I went professional as a white belt.  A year later, I was a blue belt and won the PanAms with a ton of tournaments already under me.  As a blue belt, I fought my first MMA fight in Oakland, California where I met my current black belt Sergio Silva.  The rest is history.

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

Lana: My grandparents for their tenacity to survive the most squalor of circumstances and for their undying devotion to one another.  Also, my high school teachers because they gave me hope that I would survive my childhood, which was kind of rough.

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

Lana: A lot of technical training, rolling with some sweet black belts, Thai pads, free sparring, and free rolling.

Darrick: Any advice for younger individuals looking to compete in MMA?

Lana: First of all, remember that martial arts are about respect, character, and honor.  It's not about trash talking and ass kicking like the UFC has made it out to be to attract fans interested in soap opera antics and gossip.  We already have pro wrestling, if you want to see a well-acted facade: watch that instead.  Train hard and keep your priorities straight.  Anything can happen and life does not usually follow any sort of plan that we lay out very early.

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

Lana: Coming through the ranks of the belts on the path to becoming a black belt.  Seeing myself and my teammates mature, as well as my students.  Martial arts can and should change your life.

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

Lana: I respect a fighter who is humble and will not give up.  Probably one of my favorite fighters is my friend and fellow student (and also a purple belt) Derrick Easterling - he, like me, comes from a rocky past and is trying with all his might to be someone.  Despite what people preconceive of him, he remains steadfast in his endeavors and is a constant reminder for me not to give up.  I absolutely detest nut-swingers (people who ride on someone else's name to be someone), and people who are cocky and arrogant.

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

Lana: I like to write stories about my life and experiences, I like to build things (I was a roofer and carpenter), I love to train with weights and kettlebells, and I love digging for gemsstones and also cutting them.  When I can get to south Florida, one of my most favorite things is snorkeling the reef in Key West.  Sadly, I do not have much time for these things anymore.

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

Lana: I hate violence.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Lana: I remember when I was about two or three, we took a vacation to the Grand Canyon.  What I can remember is my father holding me right on a cliff as I peered over the edge into the endless canyon.  My mother stood far from us and screamed at him to bring me back away from the edge.  I remember thinking that my father was so strong and fearless, and I remember the veins bulging out on his arms and his bicep looked huge when he was holding me.

I had on little white Indian moccasins that we bought from some Native Americans.  I still have one of those little white booties back at home in Ohio hanging from a mirror, it's over thirty years old.

Darrick: How would you most like to be remembered in life?

Lana: The way I remember my father at that moment in the Grand Canyon.  Strong and fearless, regardless of what is trying to call me back to some place safe.

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 Lana Stefanac in the following places:

Official Lana Stefanac MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/lethallana

Official Lana Stefanac YouTube Page:

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

Lana Stefanac on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=16445

Lana Stefanac Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=16445@@Lana%20Stefanac

Tags: Lana Stefanac Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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10 Questions With Art Santore (by Darrick Patrick)

Art "Pachuco" Santore is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in events such as King Of The Cage, World Extreme Cagefighting, Pancrase, MMA Xtreme, World Fighting Alliance, SportFight, California Xtreme Fighting, Total Combat, Freedom Fight, Universal Above Ground Fighting, and Gladiator Challenge.

Darrick: How did you end up fighting professionally in mixed martial arts?

Art: I ended up working out at Millennia Jiu-Jitsu to get back into shape.  After three months of training, I wanted to fight in the cage professionally and I did.

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

Art: My high school wrestling coach, Alexander.

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

Art: Normal training sessions for me are two hours a day, six days a week at Team Quest.  They have a ton of good talent in there to work with and learn from.  I do training during my own time at home too.  I also teach classes at Team Quest and join in while I teach.

Darrick: Where do you see your career in MMA ten years from now?

Art: Ten years from now I see myself as a coach and a manager.

Darrick: What would you say to younger individuals looking to compete in martial arts?

Art: I would tell younger fighters to stay away from drinking, drugs, late nights, and smoking.  Take care of your body and have some respect for this sport.  If you are going to do this, do it right.  It is also important to stay flexible.

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

Art: A couple of fighters that I respect are Dan Henderson and Matt Lindland.  These guys have mastered wrestling and now the second sport that they have done is professional fighting.

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

Art: I love to spend time with my family, camping, collecting comics, and donating blood.  Yes, donating blood!

Darrick: What comic book character do you relate to most?

Art: I am most like Venom, who fights for good, but has a touch of that menace still in him.

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

Art: Most people do not know that I won The Newlywed Game with my wife twelve years ago and we took a trip to Italy.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Art: Riding my tricycle around my dad's pool in the winter and falling into the bottom.  I got out very quickly and I think I was only three-years-old.  Now that I have my own three kids, I see it as very funny.  My son Johnny is always doing risky things.  What goes around, comes around!

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 Art Santore in the following places:

Official Art Santore MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/artpachucosantore

Art Santore on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=2365

Art Santore Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=2365@@Art%20Santore

Tags: Art Santore Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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10 Questions With Ray Perales (by Darrick Patrick)

"Relentless" Ray Perales is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as King Of The Cage, Xtreme Fight Series, International Fighting Championship, SportFight, Valor Fighting, X Fighting Championships, Gladiator Challenge, Millennium Sport Fighting, Night Of The Knockout, and Slam Entertainment.

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

Ray: I've always been a boxer!  I went to a local event and told the promoter that I wanted to fight, and he turned me down.  Another promoter overheard me and gave me the opportunity.

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

Ray: Frank Shamrock!  Time and time again when we cross paths, he is always the same man!

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

Ray: It's cardio, mit work, and Jiu-Jitsu in the morning.  I'm off to Boise State to wrestle at 2 p.m., then back to our gym by 5 p.m. for Muay Thai and NHB training. 

Darrick: Any advice for younger individuals looking to compete in martial arts?

Ray: Promoters are snakes!

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of MMA?

Ray: Proving everyone wrong!

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

Ray: Mostly family members.

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

Ray: Ah...it's a lifestyle!

Darrick: If you were invisible for 24 hours, how would you spend that time?

Ray: I have to think about this one.  Invisible for 24 hours...

Damn, I would have to say I'd spend that time at the Playboy Mansion.

What really goes on there?

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

Ray: I'm a well-educated business man.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Ray: Wrestling WWF-style on my neighbor's trampoline.

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 Ray Perales in the following places:

Official Ray Perales MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/relentlessray

Ray Perales on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=2588

Ray Perales Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=2588@@Ray%20Perales

Tags: Ray Perales Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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10 Questions With Tristan Yunker (by Darrick Patrick)

Tristan Yunker is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in events such as King Of The Cage, HDNet Fights, Cage Fighting Championships, International Fighting Organization, Legends Of Fighting, Total Fight Challenge, Full Contact Fight Series, Ironheart Crown, Freestyle Combat Challenge, Diesel Fighting Championships, Extreme Combat Challenge, Cage Of Fire, Shootfighting Challenge, Xtreme Fighting Organization, and Courage Fighting Championships.

Darrick: What was the path that you took to fighting professionally in mixed martial arts?

Tristan: Basically, growing up in the Midwest, the only real choices I had for athletics were basketball, football, or wrestling.  From the first time I stepped on the wrestling mat, I was hooked on the adrenaline of one-on-one combat competitions.  It was only natural that after high school I would pursue an opportunity in mixed martial arts.  So, I took my first fight on a week's notice and haven't looked back since.

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

Tristan: My high school wrestling coaches actually had a huge impact on my life at the time.  One of them specifically was more like a father to me than a coach.

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

Tristan: Warm up, conditioning, drill, live grappling, and sparring.  If I'm feeling good, I'll do some sprints at the end.

Darrick: Any advice for younger individuals looking to compete in martial arts?

Tristan: Don't let early disappointments detract you from your goals.  It's a long road, especially in a sport that is still somewhat struggling to gain mainstream popularity.  I know it sounds cliche, but keep your eyes on the prize.

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of MMA?

Tristan: Getting my hand raised in victory in front of a packed house.

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

Tristan: B.J. Penn is definitely one of my favorite competitors, the guy has the total package.  It's really unfortunate that someday I might have to beat him up since I'm headed back down to 155.

That last part was a joke.

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

Tristan: Stand-up comedy is something that I really enjoy, although I haven't had a lot of time to work on my act recently.  Also, I'm a huge fan of technology - I've worked as a computer tech for the past three years, so I'm always in on the latest gadgets.  And finally, outside of competing in MMA, I also really enjoy dealing with the business side of the sport such as promoting, managing, etc.

Darrick: What comic book character do you relate to most?

Tristan: Well, I don't know if there is such a character as "AWESOME-Man", but I'm pretty sure that if there were, his stories would be based on me!

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

Tristan: Umm, honestly, I'm a huge fan of American Idol.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Tristan: Oddly enough, my oldest memory is actually of attending a performance of Sesame Street Live when I was about three years old living in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Random, I know.

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 Tristan Yunker in the following places:

Official Tristan Yunker MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/nef_rizzle

Tristan Yunker on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=15060

Tristan Yunker Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=15060@@Tristan%20Yunker

Tags: Tristan Yunker Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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10 Questions With Nick Roscorla (by Darrick Patrick)

Nick Roscorla is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as King Of The Cage, Freestyle Fighting Championships, Rage In The Cage, Aztec Challenge, and Reality Fighting Championships.

Darrick: What was the path that led you to fighting professionally in mixed martial arts?

Nick: I started training when I was about twenty.  I was involved with drugs when I was younger and partied way too much.  I straightened myself out and wanted to keep it that way, so I found a local guy named Bill Sharp who taught Judo.  I knew if I was going to stay straight, I would have to keep myself busy with something else and Judo sounded perfect because I wrestled a bit in high school and loved it.

From Mr. Sharp's training, I moved on to Lovato's Jiu-Jitsu here in Oklahoma City.  Lovato's was great because they not only trained in Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling, but had boxing and kickboxing classes as well.  I'd been there for about two years, training four to five days a week and had earned my Blue belt, when a couple of other guys expressed an interest in competing in Vale-Tudo.  Mr. Lovato asked anyone who wanted to compete to sign up for the Vale-Tudo team and I did.  We started out with about fifteen people, and that got weeded down to myself and two other guys.  That's pretty much how I got started.

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

Nick: I really didn't have any positive influences.  I'd say my parents were my greatest influences - I wanted to be the exact opposite of them.

Darrick: What would you say to younger individuals looking to compete in martial arts?

Nick: Youth is one of the greatest tools that you have.  You really are capable of doing almost anything that you want to.  If you want to compete in MMA, boxing, kickboxing, or whatever - give it everything you have to give and do it.  I never became famous or rich from fighting (hell, I usually lost money traveling to competitions), but I would do it again in a second.  It was a time I will not forget.

Just do yourself a favor and do everything that you can to accomplish whatever goals you have set for yourself.  The worst feeling that you'll ever have is looking back at what you "could have done" if you'd just given it a little more effort, and then realizing that you won't ever have that opportunity again.

Darrick: As best as possible, try to describe the feeling of winning a match.

Nick: Aside from seeing my son for the first time, it's one of the best feelings that I've ever had.  You train so hard and sacrifice so much, and when you win, you know that it wasn't all for nothing.  It's amazing.

Darrick: On the other hand, what are some of the thoughts that run through your head after a loss?

Nick: It varies - sometimes you fight a great fight and just get caught, and it's like, "I'll get 'em next time".  However, sometimes you just feel low: like you're a complete disappointment to everyone.  It's an emotional sport.

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

Nick: Obviously, Randy Couture comes to mind.  Being in his mid-forties and having his work ethic is just amazing, the guy's a freak of nature.  I'm a huge B.J. Penn fan.  I know a lot of people don't care for him, but in my opinion (just my opinion), he's the most well-rounded fighter and probably pound for pound the best fighter around.

I like Fedor also.  People knock him for not fighting more top competition, but I think the guy just goes to where the most money is.  He's said many times that he only fights to provide the best possible life for his family that he can and that if it weren't for them, he probably wouldn't ever compete.

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

Nick: Honestly, these days I'm all about work.  I've gotten greedy in my old age and kids aren't cheap.  I'm pretty content to get together with my buddies and watch a good UFC while having a couple of beers.  I haven't been training much lately, but I'm getting back in the gym as soon as possible and that's always a great way to blow off steam.

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

Nick: Considering how seasick I get, I wouldn't need three.  Only two, and they would be a gun and one bullet.

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

Nick: I have an uncontrollable fear of ALF.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Nick: It had to be sometime before I was four, because my dad left around that time.  The memory is of my dad laying on the couch and there's blood everywhere, and he's making these weird noises.  My mom's sitting on the couch near his head with a towel, which is also covered in blood, and she tells me that dad fell off the roof of the house.  I found out when I was older that he got the shit kicked out of him by a group of guys at a bar.  Ah, memories.

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 Nick Roscorla in the following places:

Official Nick Roscorla MySpace Site:

http://www.myspace.com/roscorla1

Nick Roscorla On Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=2953

Tags: Nick Roscorla Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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10 Questions With Chris Ruyle (by Darrick Patrick)

Chris Ruyle is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in the King Of The Cage organization, competing in events such as Mangler and The Return.

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

Chris: A mixture of the way I grew up and what influenced me.  I grew up a bit rough, so that developed my natural scrap and determination.  For one reason or another I'm really competitive and I wasn't too much into team sports.  Also, as funny as it sounds, probably watching Van Damme and Bruce Lee movies with my cousin when I was little!

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

Chris: My mom - she was one of the only people around.  She led by example and raised me to be a good, honest, open, and caring person.  Other than that, I didn't have very many people around me until we moved back down to southern California.

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

Chris: For a fight - in the morning: 1 hour and 30 minutes with the jump rope, bag work (speed, heavy, double end), shadowbox/sprawls, and then followed by a run.  At night: 1 hour and 30 minutes of Muay Thai/boxing followed by 1 hour and 30 minutes of BJJ/wrestling with 15-20 minutes of live rounds - no outs for fighters.

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

Chris: Hopefully well-established and respected as the top sport in the world as it should be.  I just hope it doesn't become a big spectacle and popularity contest with better fighters being underrated (more so than now) for not having "the look" or not having the "on-camera savvy" of others.  It's going to depend on the fans, they are the consumer, so the promoters will cater to what the fans will buy the most of and hopefully that is the better side of what MMA has to offer.

Darrick: What would you say to younger individuals looking to compete in martial arts?

Chris: Get in it for the right reasons - because it is something you truly want to test yourself with and compete in.  It takes a ton of heart, courage, and determination.  If you're lacking any of these qualities, I suggest you do something else.  Finding a good school is really important, but it's up to you to train hard.  I have a main camp that I run with, but I bounce around too.

I meet a lot of younger guys that want to (or are supposed to) compete in MMA, but they don't last in the sparring or rolling sessions.  You have to get in fight shape: if you huff and puff after three minutes of sparring and takedowns, it's illogical to expect to last five rounds!  Learn new techniques continuously, sharpen and expand your old tools, and get in shape.  Being in shape to fight is a 24-hour job, it's comprised of everything: workouts, stretching, training, eating what you should be eating, drinking water, and down time.

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

Chris: Jens Pulver - I've been watching him fight for years.  He has some losses in big fights, but he's fought the top guys at higher weight classes.  He's a natural 145 and he holds his own against guys who are a natural 180.  Jens has more than earned his stripes and he doesn't get half the credit that he deserves.

Who else but Randy Couture?  He brings everything to the game, and he's respectful and classy to top it off.  He's an excellent ambassador for MMA and the sport is lucky to have someone like him at the forefront!

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

Chris: Sport compacts, super sport bikes, and MotoGP.  Always have to have a reptile or two, arts and music, and Xbox Live (gamer tag: TingOfNongPradu - if you wanna' play).  I'm getting into digital photography and set to start school again next semester.  I've just started to branch out into other hobbies and interests because MMA takes up a lot of time, and for the last five or six years it's all I cared to put my time into.

Darrick: If you had a working time machine, what are some of the points in history that you would visit?

Chris: I'd go back to the day that I lost one of my best of the best and prevent what happened.  Aside from that, I would only care to see the future: like eighty years from now and up, to see the things I won't see and see what advances are made.

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

Chris: I dress in drag and moonlight as a local lounge singer/prostitute.  Just kidding - I don't know, I'm pretty open about myself.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Chris: Answering question nine - I'm like a gold fish!  Really, I'd say living in a trailor in northern California, looking across the ways at the people's yard decorations and wishing that toothpaste was candy.

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 Chris Ruyle in the following places:

Official Chris Ruyle MySpace Site:

http://www.myspace.com/89894822

Chris Ruyle On Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=16516

Tags: Chris Ruyle Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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10 Questions With Ed Herman (by Darrick Patrick)

Ed "Short Fuse" Herman is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in events such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Extreme Challenge, Hand 2 Hand Combat, International Fighting Championship, SportFight, Pancrase, DesertBrawl, the Pacific Pankration Kickboxing Association, Quest Promotions, and the Professional Fighting Association.  He also appeared on the UFC and Spike TV's third season of the television show The Ultimate Fighter.

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

Ed: Long road, man - one with lots of hills.  (Laughs)  Lots of hard work and desire to some day be a world champ.

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

Ed: My dad, my late friend Jake Hawley, Mrs. Scott (teacher from middle school), my stepdad, Steve, etc. - lots of people helped me out along the way.

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

Ed: It depends on the training session...

Darrick: Any advice for younger individuals looking to compete in MMA?

Ed: Find a good gym, with good people around, that you can trust.

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

Ed: I'll start with Anderson Silva.  You gotta' respect that guy - he's a bad man.  Some others are Hendo, Lindland, Shults, and Wilson.  All of my teammates.  Also, Forrest Griffin's the man.  There's a lot of great guys out there that I respect...I could go on forever.

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

Ed: I have the best job in the world.  I can take good care of my family doing something that I love, and the fact that I can help motivate and inspire so many people - even people I've never even met.  Plus being famous and making good money kickin' ass is pretty cool too.  (Laughs)

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

Ed: My family, of course.  I just had twins and they take up a lot of my time.  (Laughs)  I also enjoy riding quads, fishing, hangin' with my bros, and camping.  I'm a country boy at heart.

Darrick: If you had 3 wishes, what would they be?

Ed: The first would be that my children grow up strong and healthy.  The second is to be able to work my way to the top and be the middleweight world champ.  For the third, I'll go with world peace.  (Laughs)

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

Ed: My nickname "Short Fuse" was given to me by my two good friends Chris Leben and Chael Sonnen at the beginning of my career.  And it is not related to the size of my johnson.  (Laughs)

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Ed: Riding quads in the country with my cousins.

Yo, thanks for the support!  A shout-out to Chris Wilson on his UFC debut versus Jon Fitch on March 1st and newly crowned champion teammates Ryan Shultz and Matt "Suave" Horwich.

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 Ed Herman in the following places:

Official Ed Herman Website:

http://www.edherman.tv

Official Ed Herman MySpace Page:

http://www.myspace.com/shortfuseherman

Ed Herman on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=6561

Ed Herman Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=6561@@Ed%20Herman

Tags: Ed Herman Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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10 Questions With John Kolosci (by Darrick Patrick)

John Kolosci is a professional mixed martial artist who appeared on the sixth season of the television show The Ultimate Fighter and has competed in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, International Fighting Championship, Duneland Classic, SuperBrawl, International MMA Competition, MARS, Mix Fighting Championships, Euphoria, Xtreme Kage Kombat, Freestyle Combat Challenge, Silverback Classic, Absolute Fighting Championships, and Maximum Combat.

Darrick: What road led you to fighting in professional mixed martial arts?

John: Well, I was really just looking for a way to release my excess energy and focus it in a positive direction - there were too many street fights, which I'm not proud of.  I found a local Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym and it did the trick by keeping me busy, motivated, and quite exhausted.  Once I started to get to know this group of people, I met numerous people that were fighting in MMA.

I ended up meeting the Wisniewski brothers (Duneland Vale-Tudo) and started training with them.  I never really expected to fight outside of the smaller shows in my hometown, but one thing led to another and here I am.  I'm very competitive, athletic, and I love to fight - so, I guess it was just a matter of time (along with tons of hard work) before I found myself succeeding at this sport.

Darrick: From your experience so far, what brings you the most fulfillment out of MMA?

John: Winning.  I know it sounds simplistic, but it's hard to explain how good it feels to win a bout in MMA.  I've never felt like that with any other sport and I played all kinds of sports while growing up.  It's just an amazing feeling.

The other end of that is the fact that nothing else feels as bad as losing.  With the good, comes the bad, but it depends on how you bounce back.  I also love the competitiveness and how much there is to learn, as I'm learning something new everyday that I'm in the gym.  The competition is addicting.

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

John: Really, just my parents.  My dad was a coach on my teams as I grew up playing sports and my mom was my biggest fan.  My mom was very competitive and traveled the world dancing professionally, and still teaches to this day.  It's inspiring because she is doing what she loves.  It's just not part of my persona to look up to others, as I try to make my own way and be my own person.  I admire people that do well, but I do not base my life or accomplishments on those of others.

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

John: This is what I did for the two months leading up to my last fight - I train at Gilbert Grappling for wrestling/MMA, POW with Dino Costeas for Jiu-Jitsu, and McGarry's Boxing Club with Montell Griffin for, you guessed it, boxing.  I do my strength and cardio conditioning at Classic Body Works gym.  Of course, I would take a session off here and there if my body was exhausted or I felt I needed a day of rest.

Monday: Running in the afternoon, boxing and Jiu-Jitsu in the evening

Tuesday: Bike in the afternoon, strength/cardio conditioning in the evening

Wednesday: Running in the afternoon, boxing and wrestling/MMA in the evening

Thursday: Bike in the afternoon, wrestling/MMA in the evening

Friday: Running in the afternoon, boxing in the evening

Saturday: Jiu-Jitsu in the morning, strength/cardio conditioning in the evening

Sunday: Rest or possibly run if I feel up to it

I still cannot believe I lost.  (Frowns)

Darrick: Who are some of the individuals in the sport that you highly respect?

John: I respect anyone that is ranked within the top ten of their respective division.  I know first hand how tough it is to compete at the highest levels of the sport, so to consistently perform well and win at this level is simply amazing and a testament to the hard work put in by these individuals.

Darrick: What would you say to younger people looking to compete in martial arts?

John: The sport is growing by leaps and bounds, and the competition is getting tougher each year.  I'd say be sure to put in the time and effort training every aspect of the game and to give it your all.  You can't really get by with just strength and athletic ability anymore, so you need to be well-rounded.

Find a good manager that isn't going to get you bad fights, and work your way up in amateur or low-level professional shows.  Use that to work on things and get a feel for the competition before moving up.  While you're at it, enjoy yourself and just have fun.  It may sound cliche, but you really can accomplish anything that you put your mind to.

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

John: My daughter and my fiance are really my only other "interests".  Between fighting and working a full-time job, I really do not have time for much else.  We love camping and other outdoor activities.  We also really enjoy traveling and do so whenever we can get away.  I love to read as well, much more than watching TV which is typically all mind-numbing garbage.

Darrick: Name a few of the moments in your life that you feel the proudest of.

John: Becoming a father would definitely be one of those moments.  My fiance saying "yes" and now being engaged to the most wonderful woman in the world - and I'm not just kissing ass here, she's amazing. (Smiles)  Being a part of The Ultimate Fighter Season 6 and fighting in the UFC.  Even though the outcome wasn't optimal, it was still an amazing experience.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

John: Getting a swat and constantly getting sent to the corner with the "dunce" cap on - yes, I'm that old, I went to school when they still did that.  Or it may be getting my first official Red Ryder carbine action, 200 shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock for Christmas.  I don't know which memory is older.

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

John: Well, there's not much outside of hanging with the family, fighting, and working, but I guess I can mention that I love to read.  My favorite subjects include philosophy, science, and religion (I'm an atheist/rationalist/humanist, by the way).  I also love to read Star Wars novels!

You can also reach me via MySpace.com/johnkolosci

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 John Kolosci in the following places:

Official John Kolosci MySpace Site:

http://www.myspace.com/johnkolosci

Wikipedia Information on John Kolosci:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kolosci

John Kolosci on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=9062

John Kolosci Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=9062@@John%20Kolosci

Tags: John Kolosci Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts

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