Fight

Legends MMA gym in Hollywood - training the pros

I an assignment for an MMA magazine based in Atlanta, GA. The pictures were to accompany an article by Dave Kalstein, a local writer, an MMA practitioner & enthusiast. I showed up in the afternoon on a Tuesday as suggested by Dave to catch the time when the real pros were training. I have to say that everyone I meet has been such nice people. This may surprise some since fighting seems like such an aggression-ridden sport. 

Legends put the article online here.

fighter resting between sparring rounds

Chris Reilly coaching

training

Legends's MMA class

Jimmy Christ - Muay Thai Instructor

Dave Kilstein, writer/MMA practitioner

Junior Merkel is one of the star instructor at Krav Maga National Training Center. He is one of my favorites. Not only because he’s clean and clear technical demonstration, but also he is a very mindful teacher. I know I’ve learned a lot from him because his style is sensitive to individual needs. In my case, his belief in my ability to executing techniques is how I get over my own personal hurdles. 

It was then natural that I, along with a ton of his students, colleagues, and friends would never miss any of his fights. January 19, being the second fight. He must have filled about 30-40% of the stadium seating. It seemed that everyone was rooting for him.

Junior prepping for his fight

Junior at TFA 9

Junior applying choke

Junior - victory

Junior Merkel's victory interview

TFA  , or the Total Fighting Alliance, itself is an interesting organization ran by Todd Meacham (CEO) and Richard Rasmussen (Director of Operation). This was my second time at a TFA event, but the first time I met them. They are outstandingly friendly. I was glad to see that, from the prior even in October 07 to this one, the size of the production expanded ten folds. TFA is not UFC, but I’m really glad it’s there to give the chance of smaller scale fighters a place to compete.

Todd Meacham at TFA 9

TFA 9 Announcer

Justin “Bully” Schalk before fight

hand wrapping

Nick Quintong before fight

Julio Sotomayor dominating Chris Champagne

Shane Rice of Rickson Gracie easily dominates from the ground

Todd Guimond keeps the belt

I gave myself a new focus. This year, in an attempt to diversify, I thought to incorporate my passion number 2 into the photography thing that I do. I decided that this year I will set out to shoot fighters. I started hanging out at the Wildcard Boxing Club owned by the (in)famous Freddie Roach. I used to box here some years ago. My going back and hanging around didn’t seem to bother anyone. Still the same main guys hanging around, (minus some scandalized individuals.) So I quietly sit in different corners and watch.

Freddie at his natural post

Eric Brown, my former trainer. Used to also kickbox and played drums in Detroit

Tommy, former African Game Boxing Gold Medalist

Gentleman Boxer who I haven't gotten the story of

Boxer

Boxer

Roger "Speedy" Gonzalez (27-2, 18 KOs) is to be watched

Roger "Speedy" Gonzalez on speed bag

chatting with Freddie after Speedy was done with training

Speedy takes a break between rounds