More questions!

I had some of my friends/fans submit more questions for me to answer.

1) When did you start fighting?
I started in martial arts several years ago now, but have only been in MMA/fighting for about six months. Not terribly long, but we all start somewhere!

2) Why did you start fighting?
I honestly haven't fully figured that one out myself. I started martial art training terrified of even sparring, but after a few years of loving that, something in me just called me to try fighting. I figured I'd give it a shot, and here I am.

3) Do your opponents ever know you are gay, or do you hide that in the ring?
While I don't advertise it, I certainly don't hide it. There is a good chance opponents know I'm gay. My sparring buddies and instructors all do, as does my trainer.

4) Have you ever experienced discrimination while fighting because you are gay?
Once, actually. My second capoeira instructor ended up having some homophobic tendencies which would manifest themselves in his singling me out in class as having "technique like a girl," and telling me to "do it like a man." A meia lua de compasso kick (look up the 20 second capoeira mma knockout on Youtube to see this in action) to his head got him to shut up pretty quick. Knocked him out for five minutes, too.
Aside from that, everyone's been really cool about it. Some guys have asked me some very thoughtful questions and I think that's kind of cool.

5) How much & where do you train?
I typically train six days a week, up to twice a day. Once around noon for 30-60 minutes, usually weights and some cardio, then again later in the evening. Evening workouts will consist of running, forms work, heavy bag work, shadowboxing and sparring.
I currently use the heavy bags and space at Gold's Spokane (both locations) and train with a few friends of mine to the side. Not currently affiliated with any martial arts schools/gyms.

6) Tell me about your self-defense classes you teach to the gay community & why you started teaching them.
I believe everyone should know how to defend themselves. I previously helped teach some volunteer classes for women's self defense, but found that in other vulnerable populations such things were lacking. What really drove me to get it out there was a rash of gay bashings here, all in a short period of time. It had several of my friends and family worried and the community on a higher alert. That, unfortunately, did make them more open to learning these things as so many of them had brushed it off saying they had no need for it.
I teach escapes from most basic attacks and law regarding self-defense in the state of Washington.

7) What do you hope to accomplish in your MMA career?
Truthfully, I just wanna have fun with it. Some extra cash would be nice, but really I'm in it because I enjoy it (which is why I also have a day job).

8) Is there anything that would make you stop fighting?
Nothing I can think of. It is in my soul and me not fighting would be like a singer not singing or an artist letting their talents lie unused. It is a very big part of who I am and I don't foresee myself stopping anytime soon.

9) How many fights have you had & what is your record?
I currently have no official MMA fights under my belt because until recently I only knew striking arts. Now that I have some groundwork and am improving, I hope to have my first match sometime very late this year or early next year. And I plan to win!


Great questions everyone...keep em coming!