10 Questions With Chad Griggs (11/10/2008)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Chad Griggs (by Darrick Patrick)

Chad "The Grave Digger" Griggs is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as the International Fight League, Rage In The Cage, All Power Combat, Worldwide Fighting Championship, and Total Fighting Alliance. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Rich Beecroft at Conflict Cage Fighting 1 on November 22nd, 2008.

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

Chad: I was invited by a friend to come and try some mixed martial arts. It just so happened that it was the same place the legendary Don Frye trained and he was preparing for an upcoming fight. He was in need of some bodies to beat on and before I knew it the guy I had always admired in MMA was kicking my butt. That was it - I was hooked and Don seemed to like me because I just kept coming back for more. So about two years later, I had my first MMA fight.

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

Chad: If you want to fight, put your time in at the dojo and train with some people who know the sport. It will give you the training and confidence that you need to be successful. Don't just jump into the cage or you'll be done before you even get started!

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

Chad: My parents and grandparents are by far the most influential people in my life. They have set the standards for me and have taught me what is most important in life and not to get caught up in the whole "worldly" thing.

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

Chad: My workouts are always changing depending on who it is I'm fighting, such as finding their weaknesses to expose, but for the most part my sessions are usually about two and a half hours long - morning and night. We will go over some techniques, get warmed up, and get a sweat going. Three days a week we spar in the morning, two days we grapple in the morning. On two days we'll grapple at night, two we spar at night, and one day we put it all together and have full MMA. You have to be well-rounded now to get anywhere. Somewhere in the mix of my training, I also fit weights in three or four times a week.

Darrick: Who is someone in the sport that you highly respect?

Chad: I will always hold Don Frye at the top of my list - he has been a huge part of who and what I want to become in MMA. I don't care how old he is or is getting, he will always be one tough son of a bitch who fought his heart out and wasn't afraid to fight anyone. I almost think he likes pain.

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

Chad: There are so many benefits to martial arts. Whether you're wanting to compete or not, it is fun and rewarding - not to mention you stay in great shape. Although I will say there is nothing like the feeling of victory at the end of a fight when your hand is raised and you have conquered.

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

Chad: I work for the Tucson Fire Department and I am a paramedic for them. I also am married, have two kids, and I'm active in church - so, put all that together and it's a pretty good juggling act. I'm not complaining though. I love every aspect of my life and you have to be well-balanced!

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Chad: I don't know, I can't remember that far back. (Laughs) Probably my oldest memory is of my great grandpa teaching me how to set traps, catch, and skin squirrels and rabbits.

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

Chad: Despite what some people think about fighters, we are not all bad. I am a very easy going guy and it takes someone really trying to piss me off before I get upset. I think when I spend so much time in the gym fighting and proving myself, outside of the gym I am willing to take quite a bit of harassment without the need to show my dominance - but for all you fighters out there wanting a piece of me, don't mistake patience for weakness!

Darrick: What moments in your life have you been proudest of so far?

Chad: I have proud moments in many areas of life. Obviously, my wife and kids are most precious to me and I like to think of myself as a decent husband and father. I am proud to be a firefighter and think of this as a great accomplishment and an honor to be able to help people who are in situations where emergency help is needed. I feel I have come a long way in the MMA world. I'm now 8-1, but I feel I have a bit more to prove before it's all said and done. I have a fight in a couple of weeks on the 22nd of November and after that my goal is to get into Japan - and I see it happening very soon thanks to my management team Fight Legion, who has taken very good care of me. So, keep an eye out for The Grave Digger, I plan on making a little dust in the near future. Please check out my website at www.chadgriggs.com and special thanks to Mr. Patrick for taking the time to interview me!

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 Chad Griggs in the following places:

Official Chad Griggs Website:

http://www.chadgriggs.com

Official Chad Griggs MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/chadgriggs

Official Fight Legion Site:

http://www.fightlegion.com

Chad Griggs on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Chad-Griggs-15932

Chad Griggs Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/15932