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, we were thrown on the carpet by another event that soon became our family, we 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 cover 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. So what does this all have to do with The Liberty Games? It’s easy, not only was our team able to come watch history being made but 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 people would look at him and give the opinion what 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 in a time he did not know were to turn, or know who to trust, because you see young Jahloni was a victim of bullying as heart warming as his story is he found and 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 life and we are proud and honored to be his friend.
As we turned towards the gym where The Liberty Games were being held we entered the gym, we seen Master McEvilly on the other side of the gym setting up for the days events, as soon as we put down our bags Master McEvilly immediately dropped what he was doing to greet our team, the Master expressed how much he appreciated us for 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 short on our team and my wife stepped up to help us cover the event. Our team usually consists of my two sons Morgan, Taylor and myself, so we were a little skeptical as my wife (the boss she owns the company) does not really like watching MMA or any type of martial arts, that of course was until the event ended and realized the families involved and seen the extent of our MMA family and the true sport of MMA, her second guessing is no more and after the event was glad she came to help as she had a great time.
Soon after setting up and figuring out a plan of attack for the days events, some of the young athletes started entering getting ready to be weighed in for the days events. 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 young athletes that made their way into the gym and were ready for the day, smiling and ready to compete, ahh to be a youngster again, but even being a youngster is not all it takes as these athletes have been training for this chance to showcase there talents and what they have learned from their teachers, coaches and mentors. With the arrival of the athletes it became more of a reunion of sorts as the judges and referee’s started making their way in as well as fighters and coaches we know from covering Cage Wars. Anthony Kasdorf MMA Fighter and coach for rOUgh BOYS Fight Team was on hand and soon put to work as well as referee/judge Ed Kinner, judge Dom Marando, referee Matthew Goller and let’s not forget the fighters Patrick LaFortune, Tyreem Bush and other Team TIGON members. We even were able to catch up with Jason Belleville from the newly founded social site for fighters and fans MeFighter.com It was great to see familiar faces even though we might not know your name we recognize your faces and know you are part of our MMA family.
The days events soon kicked off after careful matching the bouts, we were ready to hear the rules explained by the sports chairman Master McEvilly and it was at this time we noticed something a little different than we were used to seeing and that was a bunch of childrens faces light up ready to showcase their skills, 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 some it may look like two bodies rolling around on the ground, but after watching you see that it is just the opposite as it is more of a game of chess, each competitor looking for the weakness in their opponents game and attempting to capitalize on that weakness and gain control. If you have never seen children grapple you will not know what I mean as it is a blast to watch. With their little bodies performing moves as fast as they can and listening to their coaches to execute the move they are being instructed to and executing that move. There is a lot of passion that goes into submission grappling as well as endurance and pure athleticism. Try finding that in a four foot body and you have a Liberty Games athlete!
Next up was the kickboxing portion of the days games. Now as harsh as the word kickboxing sounds, the athletes wore enough protective gear to protect their young bodies. Safety was paramount that day and every precaution was taken to minimize injuries to the young athletes. Now to say watching the kids bring it to their opponent on the mats was exciting that is an understatement! Watching the littler athletes that day perform kicks and punches was amazing, even though the protective gear seemed to prohibit movement these young athletes moved with precision and confidence that struck me by surprise, what small bodies with huge hearts and determination.
Finishing up the days games was the MMA portion of the games, now before you get all crazy here this is not the MMA you see on TV or at a local amateur show. Once again safety was paramount from start to finish. With the rules read and explained if needed the young ones took to the mats and brought their a-game, what competitors, what compassion, what drive, all in these young athletes that came out early on a Sunday morning to compete in a sport they love all the while showing respect, compassion, drive and true athleticism!
After each game that day medals were handed out and a range of emotions were shown by these athletes, from the disappoint of feeling they could have done better, to one young girl laughing as she was so excited that lead her to tears of joy, to true sportsmanship of congratulating each other on a job well done. We made our way around that day and everyone we came into contact inspired us in different ways from showing us what determination and hard work can bring to you, to showing us we all had that common bond that day and that was the love of the sport we cherish so much.
As we told you in the beginning this 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 that Sunday, but we seen that everyone working together towards the same goal what can be accomplished for the progression of MMA in New York State and remove that awful stigma that MMA is bad.
Leaving the games that day was a bitter sweet time as hugs were exchanged and goodbyes were said until the next time we all meet again…
One more thing, this is for the athletes that participated that day, you guys and girls are awesome!! Keep up the hard work and dedication to the sport we love. Thank you from Warriors Instinct MMA!
My View Of The Liberty Games MMA Day
