Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques, from a mixture of martial arts traditions, to be used in competitions. The rules allow the use of striking and grappling techniques, both while standing and on the ground. Modern mixed martial arts competition emerged in popular culture in 1993 with the founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Initially based on finding the most effective martial arts for real unarmed combat situations, competitors of various arts were pitted against one another with minimal rules or concern for safety (no holds bar). In the following decade, MMA promoters have adopted and developed many additional rules aimed at increasing safety for competitors and to promote mainstream acceptance of the sport. Following these changes, the sport has seen increased popularity and have gained acceptance with many sport critics. With pay-per-view and T.V events, MMA has been able to reach and gain new fans. Mixed martial arts has proven to be a rival against boxing and professional wrestling.

twentysomething caught up with owner, Vincent Duchetta this month to capture the rising fame of MMA. Duchetta owns and operates the Ring of Fire Martial Arts Academy located at 144 W. Chestnut in the city of Monrovia. Whether you’re looking for an after school karate program for your child, simply want to get into shape for the summer by taking bootcamp classes or whether you’re looking for top coaches in MMA that will teach you the skills needed to compete, the Ring of Fire has what you’re looking for! The academy maintains a 3,000+ sq. ft. of training area which includes a full sized 20X20 Ring, regulation wrestling mat, 12 heavybag stations, full weight room and more!

twentysomething interviewed 27-year-old Daniel Hernandez, a professional fighter, MMA instructor and personal trainer at the Ring of Fire Martial Arts Academy to find out what drew him into the sport.

1. When did you begin practicing mixed martial arts?
Actually, I began as a wrestler when I was 7-years-old. My dad had originally enrolled my brother in classes to learn Judo and he knew that learning Judo helped wrestler's with their techniques so I began learning Judo as well. I earned the black belt when I was 21 years old in Judo and continued learning my techniques. I started getting involved with mixed martial arts after college because that was the way to earn money in the industry and was the next step in my career.

2. Do you have a favorite style of mixed martial arts?
My favorite style is called Ground and Pound which is a combat sport in which two competitors attempt to achieve dominance over one another. I also practice Stand-up fighting, which is hand-to-hand combat that takes place while the combatants are in a standing position.

3. What championships have you won in your career?
• Mixed Martial Arts: 2 in 3
• Wrestling: 4 Time State Freestyle
Wrestling Champion
• Greco-Roman Wrestling State
Championship
• 4th High School State
• Wrestling Division 1 NCAA’s college
• Judo: Junior National Champion

4. What’s the best reward as a mixed martial arts instructor?
When individuals first begin, they have no experience and as you train them, you are able to watch them develop their talents to become better and better fighters. I enjoy when the fighters perform well and use techniques that I have taught them to win fights. When they listen and trust me and I’m able to see everything that they have worked for and win, that’s the real reward.

5. What advice might you give to a beginner interested in learning mixed martial arts?
My best advice would be to find a good gym. Don’t just look for a gym that has the most famous coaches, but find an instructor that you like and feel comfortable with. Hooking up with the right team and coaches are a big factor because you want to find a coach that cares about you as a fighter and a coach that will match you up with good fights.

I would also recommend staying where you’re most comfortable because that’s where you’ll learn the most. Before you learn techniques, which are a long process, you need to get your feet wet. Start fighting individuals that are better than you are so that you can learn what it feels like to fight someone who has experience in techniques. In wrestling, it’s called “mat awareness” which mean to get a general sense or “feel” that can carry you a long way so you will continually learn to adjust your body to different situations.

You want to be able to build a professional record and make sure that you are ready for the fights that are coming your way.