MMA "Grows up" Pueblo MMA Coach joins ranks

Several years ago MMA was considered more entertainment than sport, much like Pro Wrestling. Fighters lacked any real identity with the general public hence UFC's big push to develop 24/7 style shows in the spirit of HBO's popular namesakes. To see MMA even considered alongside traditional collegiate, scholastic sports was almost unheard of, until 2013. Pacific Warrior MMA in Pueblo is proud to announce head coach Gabe Charboneau was voted a silver award at the annual Best in Pueblo awards for committment to the sport and community. Charboneau digressed, stating that the award was a byproduct of the positive efforts of the coaches, students and family around him at Pacific Warrior than his own efforts. The award was not relegated to simply combat sports but coaches throughout the area in track, baseball, wrestling etc. Charboneau states "The real credit should be given to our amazing staff of coaches Steve Stickler (BJJ) Haven Torres (grappling /kids) Bruce Ries (Wrestling) Zach Valdez (Wrestling) Jeff Santos (Striking) and our wonderful advisors Donnie Liles and Tori Adams who aid in the development of our programs. We are proud to make good fighters but we would rather develop better people along the way." To see the official awards site follow the link below: http://www.bestofpueblo.com/2013/places-faces/coach-2/

Setting up the Takedown With Striking Coach Gabe Charboneau

Video Courtesy of Fight Life Media, Fight Life Las Vegas Professional MMA and Striking Coach Gabe "Kuya" Charboneau shows how to integrate strikes with clinch and takedowns. Kuya has worked with elite level athletes in Boxing, MMA, Muay Thai and more for over 20 years, is a frequent coach at CBD Tuff Camp alongside Matt Lindland, All American and Team Noguiera coach Eric Alberricin, Keith Wilson and more.

Cultural Considerations in Boxing

Little Discussed Topic Hits Mainstream

Boxing great Bernard Hopkins recently came under a rash of scrutiny amidst his sentiments in a post fight interview where he stated the reasons he felt a Mexican fighter has not yet beat Floyd Mayweather. The controversial statement asserted that only blacks understood his manner of fighting and it could not be comprehended by a Mexican. While many in the boxing community were quick to cry racism in the wake of the interview, I implore you to examine the context and validity of B-Hops theory. Those I have worked with in the striking realm have heard me speak about the same stylistic and cultural nuances for years and as a strong proponent of the “sweet science” the importance of understanding various guard structures to include crab shell, peek-a-boo, Mexican or Filipino style and of course the Philly shell in question. That stated, I have said it before and I’ll say it again people disdain that which they fail to understand.

Over the course of the last 20 years or so that I have been teaching in the Southwest I have seen one boxing coach after the other tell any young fighter who does not box in the traditional Mexican style how wrong they are whether it is working for them or not. This has went so far as to have heard coaches say,”Your gonna get knocked out for boxing like a (_ insert Spanish slur here_)”. I can only shake my head in response to such narrow minded thinking and wish the kid would say “Ok you’re saying there’s only one way to move the human body and you have the monopoly on that right coach?” I agree with Hopkins that your personal interpretation of boxing is largely influenced by cultural and environmental considerations as those intrinsic factors ultimately make up your expression of style. The African American boxing experience is one based upon too many factors to discuss individually but suffice to say that it includes the importance of rhythm, footwork, music and its associated guarding structures developed over a century of situational necessity that we have come to know as “styles.” Other considerations include the way information has been passed on to generations of inner-city youngsters via the “slap boxing” method of play growing up. While considered a game used to develop the neighborhood pecking order it is often ones first introduction to and the eventual reinforced behavior that precedes boxing proper. Notice that like the “Philly Shell” It is based upon hitting without getting hit, and leaning just out of reach and behind the shoulder.

Oscar De La Hoya Stance Shown

In contrast, the Mexican Style was born out of the same pride and nationalism that boxing icon Julio Cesar Chavez was made famous for. He never “ran” as most Mexican boxing fans would say “He came to fight, moved ahead and never quit.” This style aligns itself largely with the Mexican cultural concept of “Machismo” or manliness. As such, the guard itself its centered and allows for forward pressure and balance for power punching versus the traditional “African American” stance performed with head slightly off center and over the back foot to present a false target forcing the opponents right hand to travel further, overextending its reach. I will however, humbly disagree that either style is impossible to attain and is instead in the hands of the practitioner themselves and based upon either their open mindedness to develop the skill over a period of time or, two coming from a similar environment taking on the style via spontaneity by rote as a child learns by environmental submersion. Anyone who says it’s impossible for Hispanics to develop rhythm only need look at the history of breakdance which was influenced by Hispanics as much as blacks in the early 80’s. Look at half of the top current dance crews in the world and you will see Filipinos as well. If we appreciate and embrace the stylistic differences that various cultures the world over can contribute to our pursuit of pugilistic/combative knowledge just think of what one could accomplish. And while everyone is in a hurry to rush out and emulate FMM and his style of boxing, it is understanding The whys of doing and not just the HOW of doing that allow for growth. Study up, get your game right, get your game tight. -Kuya.

MOOSE SIGHTING- BRUCE RIES TAKES TALENT FROM MAT TO CAGE

With a youthful look that betrays his status as a veteran competitor, Bruce Ries is making growing waves in the Colorado MMA community. The former standout wrestler and Ring of Fire veteran from Pueblo, Colorado has become a staple of the states southern scene and is making positive moves towards success. It wasn’t always so however, as his early career was a lesson in self sacrifice and personal growth. Having lost his first two pro fights as a smaller welterweight “The Moose” as he is called had to make some tough decisions to get back to his normal fighting weight of 155. With a renewed passion and the guidance of team members Donnie Liles and Jeff Santos he set out to refocus and refine his approach to training and it has paid off with his last 3 fights all in his favor. Ries is known for his uncanny clinch game and plans to continue working to diversify his ever evolving skillset. “I try to train and spar with guys who are better than me whether its with my team here at home or in Colorado Springs at Pariah and I believe that one should never stop growing.” “Years ago I came in as just a wrestler, but I work hard to add at least one new tool to my arsenal every fight.”


Ries vs Caballero Ring of Fire

 Ries, now 24 years old recently signed a management agreement with burgeoning mma organization “Global Proving Ground” (www.globalprovingground.com) and is optimistic about where his career is headed. When asked what advice he would give to aspiring young fighters he stated: “Life’s too short to live with halfway attempts, you gotta be all the way in or get all the way out, no excuses no regrets”. -ed

Bruce Ries Highlight reel

FEAR THE BEARD

Donnie Liles Above

Donnie Liles Pushes Forward Toward Big Show

Pueblo, CO Augst 14th 2013-In the stark landscape of Colorado MMA’s middleweight division one name rings above all others, Donnie Liles. The former Strike Force and IFL contender (16-6) who was recently named atop his category by Spartan labs Inc. has been on a tear in his last eight outings with only one minor blemish, a controversial decision loss to fellow Strike Force powerhouse Joey Villasenor in his backyard of Albuquerque, New Mexico. With every one of his last five outings nominated with F.O.N or S.O.N accolades and dominating performances over newly signed Bellator talent like Jeremy Kimball, Colorado standout Jason Clayton and impressive finishes against top level veterans like Seth Baczynski and Pete Spratt one has to beg the question.. When will UFC take notice? A little known age stipulation which caps participation in TUF tryouts at 34 has since barred Liles from taking part in the casting process and relegates him to traditional matchmaking measures for consideration.

Sporting the trademark beard that is the hallmark of Liles persona is becoming somewhat of a social media phenomenon with fans and supporters alike taking on shave challenges, uploading their own photos and even spurring cause-related marketing ideas for charities. When asked about the symbolism behind the imagery to Donnie Liles states: “Fear the Beard” stands for defiance. It means standing strong in the face of adversity despite the insurmountable challenges we face in life.” Fittingly enough, Liles will face his next big life challenge when he meets Factory X up and comer Adam Stroup as the main event for Sparta Combat Leagues which is slated for September in Loveland Colorado. Stroup, whom as of this writing is undefeated at 4-0 will no-doubt have his hands full with the unshaven one when they meet. A striking technician who stands well over 6 foot, he will be looking to keep the fight standing where he can use his full arsenal of tools. However, school and reputation notwithstanding, his wins have all come primarily by submission a deceivingly important fact that will come into play in the later rounds where Liles seems to shine.

Liles longtime friend, mentor and striking trainer Gabe Charboneau noted: “We are thankful to Jeff Cisneros for giving Donnie a shot on Sparta Combat League.” There is very little competition left regionally for him and it get’s increasingly tough to match him with every fight but Jeff has really risen to the occasion and been supportive in every way.” When asked about a possible strategy for the anticipated match-up he added: “Not a lot will change preparation wise for this fight.” “Donnie has great sparring partners, team mates and coaching available to him at Pariah and Pacific Warrior MMA along with the love and support of his best friend and other- half Tori Adams, an elite grappling competitor and pro fighter herself so she understands the intricacies of an athletes home based needs.” “There may be a few strategic surprises but you have to wait for fight night for those.”

One thing is certain, Fear the Beard has become so much more than a catch phrase.. It is at its core symbolic of pride, vigilance and a never ending quest that says: “Open up the door Big Show, because Donnie Liles is here. For media requests, booking info, or sponsorship of Donnie Liles contact: gabe@nuworldmedia.com for ticket information or show details: www.spartcombatmma.com

Donnie Liles Victorious again at MFW

Colorado Springs, CO June 28^th 2013- To the delight of a capacity hometown crowd Friday night, Donnie ”Fear the Beard” Liles outfought, and outmaneuvered  a game Jason “The Juggernaught” Clayton for a hard fought first round submission victory as the main event of Made For War.  The rematch proved to be every bit as action packed as fans had hoped with continuous back and forth action that had Liles starting strong then seemingly in trouble after a glancing knockdown and tight standing guillotine.  Demonstrating his mettle, Liles transitioned smoothly from two on one to crotch lift to a sit out that created a scramble and escape with him standing over Clayton raining shots.   Defending well, Clayton seemed to be regaining composure when Liles with foot in hand unexpectedly sat back for the fight ending heel hook victory and submission of the night honors.  With this win, Donnie Liles advances his record to 16-6 with his only blemish in his last 8 fights being a decision loss to Joey Villasenor in the Jackson fighter’s hometown.  He has compiled a growing number of accolades ranging from top 185 lbs. pro in Colorado to multiple fight and submission of the night honors. Unbeknownst to many, Liles was also one of the final cast cuts for this season’s launch of the Bellator reality series in late December a move that most would agree was to the detriment of the network and promotion as Liles popularity, action packed style and trademark beard continue to grow.   One thing is certain, a revolution is forming around the Fear the Beard movement and Donnie Liles, cannot and will not go ignored for long.

For booking and or sponsorship information:

Gabe Charboneau

gabe@nuworldmedia.com

Musgrave and Grelck Collide at Rumble 10

Promotional Powerhouse Rolls on in Pueblo

Musgrave Courtesy of CMO Photo

Pueblo, Colorado May 2nd 2013-At a time when most professional fighters struggle to remain consistent, Ricky Musgrave has had a whirlwind last couple of years racking up an impressive 10 fight resume in the process.  The 29 year old who fights out of Pariah MMA in the Springs is a rising star on the Colorado MMA scene and rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with at 145 lbs.   

Musgrave who started his Colorado career as a welterweight has found a home in the lighter divisions and while he’s known for his dynamic Muay Thai which was honed in it’s homeland he has come full circle with wins over talented grapplers including Bryant Craven and Travis Coyle.   Musgrave credits his success largely to his trainers and teammates at Pariah MMA which plays host to a multitude of world class talent.

Talent level notwithstanding, Musgrave will be taken to task when he faces Kickdown and Cage Wars Champion Brad Grelck as the main event for Steel City Rumble 10 May 18^th in Pueblo.  Grelck, a Wyoming native will enter the cage the larger of the two at 6 feet and a catch weight of 152.5 from his normal 155.   According to Kickdown president Steve Ally, “You couldn’t ask for a more exciting main event, Grelck sets a fast pace and never disappoints.” 

Brad Grelck

 Grelck has been on a tear as of late with his last two wins coming by way of submission victory in the first round.  Grelck will look to derail Musgrave’s rise in the ranks when they meet as the main event of Steel City Rumble 10 at the Colorado State Fair Events Center in Pueblo, not just another show.. It’s an experience!

For more information log on to www.steelcityrumble.com tickets available at the Colorado State Fair Box office or via the website link.