[KF25] Member Interview: Drew

[Patrick]

For our 25th birthday celebration, we're publishing an interview series with members from our community.

Member Profile

@Drew (View Profile)

Joined: September 28, 2011

Posts: 205

Interview

Where are you from?

Illinois most of my life, and Tennessee the past four years. 

Why did you get started in the martial arts?

I got started in the martial arts because of a feeling, the type of feeling that says you are meant for something. 

Why have you continued to practice them?

Actually, I’ve been weight training mostly, and restoring mobility from some injuries before I get back to martial arts.

Please briefly describe the styles of martial arts that you have taken.

I’ve trained in BJJ for a lot of years, about 20, counter to what my most recent performance would suggest. I’ve also trained Muay Thai in Thailand, boxing, karate, Judo, MMA, and quite a bit of medieval martial arts as well. 

What is your grade or level?

I’m not ranked or graded in anything, but I’ve fought in the ring quite a bit. 

Tell me about the ring fighting.

I think I’ve fought on 5 cards in various sports (MMA, Muay Thai, and boxing). I don’t think I’m forgetting any. The bell has a way of changing reality. The world gains an almost dreamlike quality, invariably, where sounds are muted and where anything you do hear is resoundingly loud. 

Do you teach?

I teach sometimes. 

What are your first memories from training?

My first memories from training are punching my dad's hands when I was about 10. He showed me how to box.

What has been the highlight of your training?

The highlight of my training has been Thailand. I really enjoyed doing 2-a-days 6 days a week. No one can keep that up for long though. I shrunk a lot and was very fatigued by the time I got home after 3 months.

What do you do when you're not training?

When I’m not training, I spend a lot of time on Instagram. I also like playing guitar, 3D modeling, painting, coding, and just thinking.

What do you do for a living?

Currently, I’m recovering from some kind of illness that doctors haven’t been able to explain to me, so not much. It has to do with mobility, and it’s been getting quite a lot better very quickly. When I wasn’t sick, usually something in a warehouse or factory of some kind.

Sorry to hear that. Who are or were your martial arts heroes?

Everyone who worked on Avatar the Last Airbender, Jack Dempsey, Marcelo Garcia, and Saenchai.

What are your favorite martial arts films and/or shows?

Kill Bill is probably the most extreme martial arts movie that I am aware of, though I find portions of it very hard to watch. 

Where do you see yourself going in your martial arts journey in the next few years?

In the next few years? Fighting a lot more. Preferable sooner than later. 

Do you remember how you found KarateForums.com? Why did you join?

I found KarateForums while researching martial arts in a computer lab when I was in middle school. I didn’t join for over six years actually. When I did, it was out of a need for community.

Why did you stay?

I stayed because I like the people here.

You've been a member since September 28, 2011. During this time, how has KarateForums.com changed in your eyes, if at all?

KarateForums has grown a bit more silent than it used to be. That makes me sad. 

How, if at all, have you used KarateForums.com in your classes or training?

For my training, members have definitely influenced me over the years. A lot of people said some really interesting things that stuck with me from the very beginning when I was in middle school. @DWx, @sensei8, and @bushido_man96 all still cross my mind when I’m working specifically on karate techniques, because they were there when I first developed them, whether they know it or not.

Are there any members here who have had a particular influence or impact on you?

@Wastelander. He has a really cool, traditional yet practical style that I think reflects the environment of the forum. 

Can you share a memorable moment within the community where you received great advice or an experience that really affected you and your martial arts journey?

Of all the advice I’ve received here, this is the best: “The proof is on the floor!” (From sensei8).

Edited 13 hours ago by Patrick

[Patrick]

Thank you for being a part of this community, @Drew! I appreciate all of the contributions that you have made.

Patrick

[KarateKen]

That is interesting you studied MT in Thailand.  I'd like to hear more about that. 

[sensei8]

Drew, you’ve had quite an eclectic MA journey, one I greatly admire!! I hope that your health improves soon. I thoroughly enjoyed your interview; thank you.

Edited 2 hours ago by sensei8