One-on-One interview with a MMA GYM in Pittsburgh next Thursday!

by Andy Anderson on Jan 27, 2012 4:24 PM EST

WOO WOO WOO! I have been talking about this for a few months but it is finally happening! Long story short, I was born with cerebral palsy and am a former JUCO wrestler, and have been missing the competition for a long time. This past fall I was stuck in Texas for a month after flying home to buy a car and got a raw deal, and also a MRSA staph infection. I lost most of my savings before finally getting back to Ohio. I had to find a job, but before that had an epiphany brought on by UFC 139. After seeing the greatest fight of all time, I realized that despite my disability I cannot let myself be one of those middle aged men 30 years from now with the whole woulda, shoulda, coulda routine. I had to fight. I got a job as a Student Staff Supervisor, as well as got back into grad school at my University, and finally have the money to start training! I called Fight Club Pittsburgh today, after checking them out in person a month ago, and am going on the 2nd of February for a one on one interview with a trainer to see where my skills are. They have a Renzo Gracie BB that teaches Jiu Jitsu as well so I am hoping in addition to fight-oriented grappling to get involved with BJJ, as everything I have heard says that more than any other martial art BJJ can turn disadvantages into advantages. I am so amped up for this you all have no idea! I am so glad that this is finally happening, and this journey will be a blast!

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Hey, good to know!

I hope you achieve whatever goals you have in your mind, pal. But also, if shit gets ugly, I wouldn’t you to plunge yourself into a hole and go in a self destructive path trying to prove something the same way we’ve seen plenty of both young and old fighters do—not to be a downer, or anything, but you know what I mean.

I wish nothing but the best for you, and do keep us posted as much as you are able to. Getting a slight peek to into the process of becoming a serious martial artist, professional or not, would for sure be a great thing to see.

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by Unabomberman on Jan 27, 2012 6:54 PM EST reply actions

No worries

Like I mentioned before, but maybe not so clearly here, I have an education, job and career path not involving fighting. I never plan on making money in this, I am doing it for my love of combat. So this will be more of a side project for fun, similar to how Shane Carwin is a public works engineer, and only started fighting for enjoyment. I need a positive outlet for all of the energy that I have, and I’ve never been one to be able to motivate myself to work out just for health or aesthetic reasons. This is more to test myself. I am competing against what my body tells me that I can or cannot do, just as I did when doctors told my parents I would not walk, and then was told I couldn’t tie my shoes, ride a bike, play baseball, play football, or wrestle. If someone doubts me I want to just prove them wrong. I have been through some dark times in my life, and I am the happiest I have ever been right now, regardless of MMA. If this is what I am ment to do then awesome, if it is not then things will still be awesome. But as long as I am doing it then I am doing it 100% Balls to the Wall. LETS MUTHERFUKERS!!!!!

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LETS MUTHERFUKERS!!!!!

by Andy Anderson on Jan 28, 2012 12:52 AM EST up reply actions

Does cerebral palsy limit you athletically?

Excuse my ignorance, I just don’t know much about it.

Anyway, I fully support this. I love the mentality and hope you go far. I know it sounds lame, but it is very inspirational.

by discoandherpes on Jan 28, 2012 10:08 AM EST reply actions

No problemo bro

It does make things harder, but I have a mild form on the right side of my body, and it is not spastic, which means my nervous system won’t make my body go rigid and immobile, so it makes things harder, but from my own personal experience I can do just about anything anyone else does, it just requires more work. I am blessed with good athletic genetics though too, all of my younger siblings are natural athletes, and I really think that is the reason why I did as well as I did wrestling.

Follow @AndyAndersonMMA

LETS MUTHERFUKERS!!!!!

by Andy Anderson on Jan 28, 2012 5:31 PM EST up reply actions