Where are you from (born/ raised)?
I was born and raised in Northern Kentucky. I moved around the area so much while growing up I can't really claim just one city. But it was all in the same area.
Where do you live in New York?
I live right next to my gym, on 13th and University.
When did you decide to bring your MMA practice to New York and found Mushin? Why?
I came to New York City to stay with my friend Igor Gracie, for a 3-month training camp. Igor, his two brothers Gregor and Rolles, and myself decided to get a place together as my trip was coming to an end. I stayed and trained at the Renzo Gracie Academy for over 5 years. I still train there a few times per week, but I decided to start my own gym after I stopped fighting professionally. I feel there are many great places to train in the city, but not one of them was exactly what I wanted. So I did what anybody does when they can't find what they are looking for. I invented it. My goal is to make every student that walks into my gym a good training partner for any top-level fighter and better person than when they first walked into my gym. Most people will never fight, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't know how. I want people to be fluent in martial arts, like they would like to be fluent in a new language. The process to me is everything. What use is a nice colorful belt if you don't enjoy what you are doing?
Besides butt kicking, what do you do to work out?
I do functional training a few times per week. My workouts are usually about 30 minutes. I do a variety of Olympic lifts with barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells with plenty of bodyweight exercises and intervals intertwined. I enjoy swimming but don't do it often enough. I also do sprints and plyometrics for one of my workouts each week.
What’s your ultimate comfort-food meal?
I think I like nothing more than a fruit based pie and vanilla ice cream.
Do you have a pre-fight ritual?
Not really. I just try to get a good night's sleep and eat easy to digest meals. I enjoy sleeping near the fight time. I'm not a very amped up person.
What’s your favorite thing about teaching MMA?
Watching people improve. Martial arts are just a vehicle like any other art. I don't emphasize fighting as much as I do people giving it their best and improving upon wherever they might be in the current training.
Do you have any pets?
I don't have enough time to have a pet. I love animals and especially dogs, but I would never have a pet in NYC. I think animals should be able to run free or be cooked on my plate.
Pump-up song (right now)?
Citizen Cope and Rhymefest, Bullet and a Target.
Fitness/health/body inspiration?
Old school strongmen like Arthur Saxon and Eugene Sandow. They were stronger than almost anybody alive today, and that was a time before performance enhancing drugs were even invented. Jack Lalanne was also an amazing example of health and fitness.
What’s your favorite New York pastime?
I shamefully don't really have one. I like to go to Miami during the weekends of the winter. Does that count?
What’s Saturday night like for a professional Martial Artist?
I like to stay in and read on most Saturdays. I will go out with friends if something interesting is going on, but I usually keep Saturday night for myself.
What does your typical Sunday look like?
I will sometimes train people on Sundays and go do a private lesson myself. I like to sometimes go out to the Hamptons on the weekends and enjoy the fresh air and ocean water. I like to get outdoors whenever possible.
Are you training for anything (fight etc) right now? What are your current workout goals?
I quit fighting in 2007. I still train everyday. I sometimes consider getting back into competition but my focus is my gym at the moment. My goals are what they have always been: Constant, never-ending improvement.
