MMA SHOWS ITS TRUE COLORS

(Liberty Games Is Now Family) 

     We have been asked to cover a lot of different events since the start up of Warriors Instinct MMA.  We have covered an inaugural MMA event in our home area, been thrown on the carpet by another event that soon became our family, and have even come as far as being offered to travel with expenses paid to cover out of state professional events; but when we received a message from Master Ron McEvilly from the TIGON Academy to cover The Liberty Games, our team was ecstatic!  Not that covering MMA isn’t exciting for us, as we have met many different fighters from all walks of life, and made not only life-long friends but a new family, our MMA family, but our team was able to watch history being made with the future athletes of Martial Arts as a whole!

     We arrived early Sunday morning, and were greeted by one of our friends and an all around gentleman Mr. Jahloni Kum.   Looking at young Jahloni, most might have the opinion that he is a nice young man; and that he is, a well rounded young man that has his own story to tell of how Martial Arts was there for him at a time when he did not know where to turn, or know who to trust, because young Jahloni was a victim of bullying.  As heart-warming as his story may be, he found an outlet, and is now a successful instructor, mentor and Cage Wars Featherweight Champion!  When some people may have given up, Jahloni persevered and overcame that obstacle in his life, and so we are proud and honored to be his friend.

     As we entered the gym where the Liberty Games were being held we saw Master McEvilly on the other side setting up for the day’s events, and as soon as we put down our bags he immediately dropped what he was doing to greet our team.  The Master expressed how much he appreciated our coming to cover the event, but we appreciated being there, being invited in and welcomed as part of the family.  This may be a good time to explain we were running one photographer short on our team, so my wife stepped up to help us cover the event.  Our team usually consists of my two (2) sons (Morgan & Taylor), and myself.  So we were a little skeptical since my wife, the boss who owns the company, does not really like watching MMA (or any type of Martial Arts for that matter). That is until the Liberty Games MMA competition ended, when she experienced the many families involved, and witnessed the extent of our MMA family, as well as the true sport of MMA.

     Shortly after setting up, and figuring out a plan of attack for the day’s events, some of the young Athletes started getting ready to be weighed in.  Now, I would like to remind you that the Liberty Games took place on a Sunday morning when most kids are still sleeping, but these eager Athletes made their way into the gym, lively, smiling, and ready to compete.  They have been training for this chance to showcase their talents, the culmination of everything they have learned from their Teachers, Coaches, and Mentors.   With the arrival of the Athletes, Judges, and Referees, it felt like a reunion of sorts, as we knew so many of them from covering Cage Wars.

     After careful matching of the bouts, the rules were explained by the MMA Sports Chair, Master McEvilly, and it was at this point that we noticed something a little different than we were used to seeing, the faces of each of the Youth competitors were lit up, ready to showcase their skills.  Okay, some faces may have shown just that little bit of apprehension, but for the most part these young Athletes were ready for Submission Grappling.

     Submission Grappling isn’t as easy as it sounds, or looks.  To many it may look like two bodies rolling around on the ground, but after watching more closely, one would see that it is much like a game of chess, where each competitor seeks the weakness in their opponent’s game, then attempts to capitalize on that weakness to gain control.  It is exciting to watch these little bodies performing moves as fast as they can, listening to their coaches, and then working to execute the move as they have been so instructed.  There is a lot of passion that goes into Submission Grappling, as well as endurance and pure athleticism.  Once one finds that inside of a four (4’) ft. body, that is a Liberty Games Athlete!

     Next up was the Kickboxing portion of the Liberty Games.  Now, as harsh as the word “Kickboxing” sounds, the Athletes wore enough protective gear to keep them from sustaining any serious injuries, as safety was paramount on this day!   Watching the kids “Bring It” to their opponent on the mats was exciting, as each “kick” and “punch” performed was amazing; and even though the protective gear seemed to prohibit movement, at times, these young Athletes moved with precision and confidence that appeared to surprise many of the spectators.  There was no denying the HUGE Hearts and Determination of such small bodies.

     Finishing up the three (3) Disciplines for the Games was the MMA portion.  Before you get all distraught here, this is not the MMA seen on TV, or at a local amateur show.  With the Rules read and explained appropriately, and safety maintained from start to finish, each of the Athletes had no problem fulfilling the slogan for the Liberty Games, “ES Sports…Bring Your Game!”   What competitors, what compassion, what drive exhibited on a Sunday morning in a sport they love, all the while showing respect, compassion, and true sportsmanship!

     At the conclusion of each Discipline, Medals were placed on the necks of the top three (3) performers in each division; and this spawned a wide range of emotions shown by these athletes, from the disappointment of feeling they could have done better, to one (1) young girl laughing at first because she was so excited to have won, which eventually turned to tears of joy!  Congratulations on a job well done!

     As we made our way around the competition venue during the day, everyone we came into contact with inspired us in different ways from showing us what determination and hard work can bring, to showing us we all had that common bond on this occasion for the love of the sport we cherish so much.

     As we told you in the beginning, it was an honor to be invited to the Liberty Games, and we hope that next year we will be invited back.  Not only did we meet a lot of new people and make new family members, but we saw that with everyone working together towards the same goal, wonderful things can be accomplished for the progression of MMA in New York State and remove the awful stigma that often pervades MMA.

Leaving the Liberty Games that day was a bitter sweet time as hugs were exchanged and goodbyes were said, until the next time we all meet again…