10 Questions With Mike Ciesnolevicz (10/11/2008)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Mike Ciesnolevicz (by Darrick Patrick)

Mike Ciesnolevicz is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as the International Fight League, King Of The Cage, Extreme Challenge, Courage Fighting Championships, Madtown Throwdown, Title Fighting Championships, Alaska Fighting Championship, and Reality Fighting.

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

Mike: I was always a fan of martial arts and fascinated by movies like Bloodsport, Lionheart, and Kickboxer with Jean-Claude Van Damme. I begged my dad to sign me up and he did - I have been hooked ever since my first day of Karate. MMA was a natural progression. When I saw Royce Gracie in UFC 2, my mind was made up.

Darrick: In your experience so far, what brings you the most fulfillment out of MMA?

Mike: I get the most fulfillment and enjoyment from learning. I love to study the sport and learn new things. I am a fan of the mixed martial arts masters and technicians, not the street fighters.

Darrick: What does a typical training session for you consist of?

Mike: My training is broken up into two sessions - mornings are usually for lifting, cardio, and technique work. Evenings are for MMA, Muay Thai, and BJJ training followed by more conditioning work.

Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Mike: My dad was a big influence in my personal life. He was and still is a hard worker and influenced me a lot to achieve my goals. My first martial arts instructor John Korab really molded me as a fighter and taught me how to outthink people and really understand the art of fighting. His mind was always working.

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

Mike: Plain and simple...get a degree first! My parents made me get a teaching degree and it's one of the best things I ever did. Other than that, I would say believe in yourself - no matter what others say. I have had lots of doubters in my life and if I would have listened to them or let them bring me down, I would be sheep just like them. Anything is possible if you believe in it.

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

Mike: Well, I respect the true mixed martial artists like I said before. I can appreciate the mastery of the game and not just being a brawler or being a good athlete. Anybody can close their eyes and throw a haymaker, but not everyone can use technical skills and win a complete fight. That's something I am striving to do.

Darrick: Outside of martial arts, what are your other interests?

Mike: I like to read, fish, and spend time with my dogs at the park. I also work as a substitute teacher at times. MMA pretty much is consuming my life right now, so a lot of who I am revolves around that. I really follow the sport and what's going on. I love to educate myself in MMA.

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

Mike: I always liked Juggernaut the best - but honestly I'm not a huge comic fan, so I'm not one hundred percent sure who I relate to the most.

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

Mike: If I wasn't a MMA fighter, I would probably be a veterinarian. I love being around animals. In fact, I would rather hang out with my dogs than with most people...is that strange?

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Mike: When I was about five years old, I can remember taking off from my dad and running into the street in Ocean City, Maryland and getting hit by a car. It knocked me down and I got up running to other side of the street where my mom was. The guy chased me to see if I was okay and I kept running. I ended up just having a bunch of scrapes and bruises.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Mike Ciesnolevicz in the following places:

Official Mike Ciesnolevicz MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/mikecies

Mike Ciesnolevicz on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/mike-ciesnolevicz-14047

Mike Ciesnolevicz Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/14047