10 Questions With Chris Manuel (4/8/2010)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Chris Manuel (by Darrick Patrick)

Chris Manuel is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as World Extreme Cagefighting, Sengoku, Urban Rumble Championships, World Fighting Championships, Dream Fight Productions, Mixed Martial Arts Championship, Combat Fighting Championships, Kick Enterprises, Real Fighting Championships, and Costa Rica Fights. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is this evening against Ralph Acosta in Bellator Fighting Championships at BFC 13 on April 8th, 2010.

Darrick: What was the journey that led you to professional mixed martial arts competition?

Chris: Well, I have always been interested in martial arts all of my life. So it wasn’t ever really a surprise to me that I would be involved in it today.

Darrick: Who is someone that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Chris: I think that besides being influenced by watching movies, my father was always involved in martial arts in some way. It has always been something special that we definitely had in common.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is tonight against Ralph Acosta on April 8th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Chris: It's going to be a great fight. In my mind it is one of the most important fights in my career right now. My first fight for this year needs to make a momentum for future fights. It is going to be a great one though and action-packed.

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Chris: I like everything about martial arts. I like the techniques, the spirituality, and more importantly I really enjoy the history that comes behind every fighting style. I think that is what I enjoy the most.

Darrick: Do you have any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in MMA?

Chris: Make sure that you start with a good grappling base. Judo is very good to start with in my opinion. As far as I can tell, striking is a lot easier to learn and train than grappling arts. Mainly due to the fact that you cannot train grappling arts without having a partner. Also, try to start early on in life so that you can absorb the skills that you learn faster.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Chris: I respect everyone to tell you the truth. I have met a lot of people in my career and even before my career had even started. I don’t think I can even answer that question. (Laughs)

Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?

Chris: I like to relax, spend time with friends, and go out to eat. I like to try activities that I haven’t done before. For example, paintballing is definitely something that I have always wanted to do. I also really enjoy traveling.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Chris: As far as martial arts is concerned, my oldest memory was my first sparring match in Karate against the instructor when I was about eight years old. After every kick, I would punch him right in the nuts.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Chris: The people that know me well already know this, but a lot of others don't know that I’m a homebody. I also procrastinate a lot, which is not something that I am proud of. Other than that, I'm pretty normal.

Darrick: What comic book character do you relate to most?

Chris: I would say Nightcrawler from the X-Men. I probably look like him to tell you the truth. (Laughs) Teleporting would be a cool power to have. I sometimes like to teleport from one position to another whenever I fight.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Chris Manuel in the following places:

Official Chris Manuel MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/129blt

Official Chris Manuel Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/manuel.chris

Chris Manuel on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Chris-Manuel-18669

Chris Manuel Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/18669