Pro Athletes Teach Sport in Area
By: Josh Pick, NCC News
CORTLAND, NY -Mixed martial arts, or MMA is a combination different disciplines and fighting styles, and it's also that violent sport in a cage on television. But, for two locals, it's their life.
Tamdan "Bar
ncat" McCrory
Tamdan McCrory, nicknamed "Barncat," is the Ultimate Fighting Championship's youngest fighter at 21, and some experts consider him one of the young stars of the UFC. He credits MMA with changing his life: "I re-directed my negative energy into something positive, and I went from being a self-loathing, outcast college student to one of the youngest up-and-comers in the UFC," said McCrory.
Erik "Cha
insaw" Charles
Erik Charles, or "Chainsaw," a professional fighter, himself, along with dad, Kevin, helped make "Barncat" what he is, through a year of intense training, including 13 workouts per week: "...I didn't have anyone else to beat on, so it had to be him. Then he started getting good," said Charles.
CNYMMA
Together, "Barncat" and "Chainsaw" run CNYMMA, a training center in Cortland and Binghamton, helping teach people the sport. Students train for various reasons: "It's a confidence builder...and it's a good workout," said Mike McConnell. Jermey Murphy also attends classes, but with higher aspirations: "...(I) really want to compete and get to a top level," said Murphy. McCrory says one reason they run the training center is to share MMA with others: "We've seen the benefits (of) martial arts for ourselves, and (we're) giving back," said McCrory.
NY State Athletic Commission
New York is one of five states outlawing sanctioned MMA fights. In 1997, then-Governor, George Pataki, said the sport was "barbaric." However, those practicing MMA, think change is imminent: "Now they see the dollars...it makes alot more sense," said Charles. McCrory agrees: "I think it's a matter of time before they wisen up, get on the bandwagon and approve it," said McCrory.
Growing Popularity
Charles says one reason MMA is so popular is the uncertainty of the fights: "Even though there's favorites, the worst guy can beat the best...there's no sport like that." And, with the growing popularity of the sport, it may be just a matter of time before New York caves in to the demand for MMA in their state.
By: Josh Pick, NCC News
CORTLAND, NY -Mixed martial arts, or MMA is a combination different disciplines and fighting styles, and it's also that violent sport in a cage on television. But, for two locals, it's their life.
Tamdan "Bar
ncat" McCroryTamdan McCrory, nicknamed "Barncat," is the Ultimate Fighting Championship's youngest fighter at 21, and some experts consider him one of the young stars of the UFC. He credits MMA with changing his life: "I re-directed my negative energy into something positive, and I went from being a self-loathing, outcast college student to one of the youngest up-and-comers in the UFC," said McCrory.
Erik "Cha
insaw" CharlesErik Charles, or "Chainsaw," a professional fighter, himself, along with dad, Kevin, helped make "Barncat" what he is, through a year of intense training, including 13 workouts per week: "...I didn't have anyone else to beat on, so it had to be him. Then he started getting good," said Charles.
CNYMMA
Together, "Barncat" and "Chainsaw" run CNYMMA, a training center in Cortland and Binghamton, helping teach people the sport. Students train for various reasons: "It's a confidence builder...and it's a good workout," said Mike McConnell. Jermey Murphy also attends classes, but with higher aspirations: "...(I) really want to compete and get to a top level," said Murphy. McCrory says one reason they run the training center is to share MMA with others: "We've seen the benefits (of) martial arts for ourselves, and (we're) giving back," said McCrory.NY State Athletic Commission
New York is one of five states outlawing sanctioned MMA fights. In 1997, then-Governor, George Pataki, said the sport was "barbaric." However, those practicing MMA, think change is imminent: "Now they see the dollars...it makes alot more sense," said Charles. McCrory agrees: "I think it's a matter of time before they wisen up, get on the bandwagon and approve it," said McCrory.
Growing Popularity
Charles says one reason MMA is so popular is the uncertainty of the fights: "Even though there's favorites, the worst guy can beat the best...there's no sport like that." And, with the growing popularity of the sport, it may be just a matter of time before New York caves in to the demand for MMA in their state.
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