Why do you have a black eye?

Person X- "Why do you have a black eye? Did you get in a fight?"

Me- "I got it sparring."

Person X- "Sparring for what? Like boxing?"

Me- "Yeah, I am training to become a fighter. MMA, kickboxing, boxing- that kinda stuff."

Person X- "Cage fighting?! Why would you want to do that?"

The answer is simple. Fighting, as I have learned, is the ultimate form of competition. It is unlike running or team sports (both of which I have been a part of for my entire life). It is just you and another person, slugging it out, for a predetermined amount of time, until there is a clear (most of the time) winner. The real appeal is not the violence but the training. You need to be very disciplined and focused on so many different things, from technique to diet.

I train at Fit 2 Fight Club in Manhattan. It is located on West 38th street. The owner, Sifu Steve Ventura, is also the lead trainer (other people will be introduced later). I started in August of 2009 but just recently got serious about it. I have been sparring for a few weeks now and I love it. I am starting to connect almost as much as I am getting tagged. Every time I get hit, I learn something new.

Last night, while sparring with Luciano, I learned not to drop my head and leave my chin open cause you will get hit with a hook that leaves you shaken. After he connected with that hook I didn't drop my head again.

I pride myself on being coachable because I know when other people are more experienced than me. What I like most about the gym is that everyone tries to help everyone out. I am, by no means, experienced. I have overcome some beginner mistakes and when holding mitts or pads for someone I try to impart what I have learned. They can take it or leave it.

Positives:
No bleeding yesterday, stuck to diet, lifted after sparring

Improvements needed:

Be more aggressive while sparring. It is harder for them to throw punches/kicks if you are already throwing them yourself. Answer everything that comes your way.