{"id":1876,"date":"2013-08-30T14:43:51","date_gmt":"2013-08-30T18:43:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/essportscouncil.org\/liberty-games\/?p=1876"},"modified":"2013-10-03T23:00:45","modified_gmt":"2013-10-04T03:00:45","slug":"mma-joins-the-liberty-games-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/essportscouncil.org\/liberty-games\/post\/mma-joins-the-liberty-games-2\/","title":{"rendered":"MMA SHOWS ITS TRUE COLORS"},"content":{"rendered":"

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(Liberty Games Is Now Family)\u00a0<\/h2>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We have been asked to cover a lot of different events since the start up of Warriors Instinct MMA<\/strong>.\u00a0 We have covered an inaugural MMA<\/strong> 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<\/strong> from the TIGON Academy<\/strong> to cover The Liberty Games<\/strong>, our team was ecstatic!\u00a0 Not that covering MMA<\/strong> isn\u2019t 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<\/strong> family, but our team was able to watch history being made with the future athletes of Martial Arts<\/strong> as a whole!<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We arrived early Sunday morning, and were greeted by one of our friends and an all around gentleman Mr. Jahloni Kum<\/strong>. \u00a0 Looking at young Jahloni<\/strong>, 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<\/strong> 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.\u00a0 As heart-warming as his story may be, he found an outlet, and is now a successful instructor, mentor and Cage Wars<\/strong> Featherweight Champion<\/strong>! \u00a0When some people may have given up, Jahloni<\/strong> persevered and overcame that obstacle in his life, and so we are proud and honored to be his friend.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 As we entered the gym where the Liberty Games<\/strong> were being held we saw Master McEvilly<\/strong> on the other side setting up for the day\u2019s events, and as soon as we put down our bags he immediately dropped what he was doing to greet our team.\u00a0 The Master<\/strong> 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.\u00a0 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. \u00a0Our team usually consists of my two (2)<\/strong> sons (Morgan & Taylor), and myself.\u00a0 So we were a little skeptical since my wife, the boss<\/strong> who owns the company, does not really like watching MMA<\/strong> (or any type of Martial Arts for that matter). That is until the Liberty Games MMA<\/strong> competition ended, when she experienced the many families involved, and witnessed the extent of our MMA<\/strong> family, as well as the true sport of MMA<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Shortly after setting up, and figuring out a plan of attack for the day\u2019s events, some of the young Athletes started getting ready to be weighed in. \u00a0Now, I would like to remind you that the Liberty Games<\/strong> 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.\u00a0 They have been training for this chance to showcase their talents, the culmination of everything they have learned from their Teachers, Coaches, and Mentors. \u00a0\u00a0With 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 After careful matching of the bouts, the rules were explained by the MMA Sports Chair, Master McEvilly<\/strong>, and it was at this point that we noticed something a little different than we were used to seeing,\u00a0the faces of each of the Youth competitors were lit up, ready to showcase their skills.\u00a0 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Submission Grappling<\/strong> isn\u2019t as easy as it sounds, or looks.\u00a0 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\u2019s game, then attempts to capitalize on that weakness to gain control. \u00a0It 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.\u00a0 There is a lot of passion that goes into Submission Grappling<\/strong>, as well as endurance and pure athleticism.\u00a0 Once one finds that inside of a four (4\u2019)<\/strong> ft. body, that is a Liberty Games Athlete!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Next up was the Kickboxing<\/strong> portion of the Liberty Games<\/strong>. \u00a0Now, as harsh as the word “Kickboxing”<\/strong> sounds, the Athletes wore enough protective gear to keep them from sustaining any serious injuries, as safety was paramount on this day!\u00a0\u00a0 Watching the kids \u201cBring It\u201d<\/strong> to their opponent on the mats was exciting, as each \u201ckick\u201d and \u201cpunch\u201d 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.\u00a0 There was no denying the HUGE<\/strong> Hearts and Determination of such small bodies.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Finishing up the three (3) Disciplines<\/strong> for the Games<\/strong> was the MMA<\/strong> portion.\u00a0 Before you get all distraught here, this is not the MMA<\/strong> seen on TV<\/strong>, or at a local amateur show. \u00a0With 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<\/strong>, \u201cES Sports\u2026Bring Your Game!”<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0\u00a0 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!<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 At the conclusion of each Discipline, Medals<\/strong> were placed on the necks of the top three (3)<\/strong> 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)<\/strong> young girl laughing at first because she was so excited to have won, which eventually turned to tears of joy! \u00a0Congratulations on a job well done!<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 As we told you in the beginning, it was an honor to be invited to the Liberty Games<\/strong>, and we hope that next year we will be invited back. \u00a0Not 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<\/strong> in New York State<\/strong> and remove the awful stigma that often pervades MMA<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Leaving the Liberty Games<\/strong> that day was a bitter sweet time as hugs were exchanged and goodbyes were said, until the next time we all meet again\u2026\n\t\t