10 Questions With Toby Imada (3/23/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Toby Imada (by Darrick Patrick)

Toby Imada is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as World Extreme Cagefighting, King Of The Cage, Total Combat, Unleashed Fight, Cage Of Fire, Universal Above Ground Fighting, Kage Kombat, Extreme Challenge, International Fighting Championship, Xtreme Pankration, Ready To Rumble, Neutral Grounds, and Rage In The Cage. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Israel Giron at Bellator Fighting Championships 1 on April 3rd, 2009.

Darrick: How did you end up competing in professional mixed martial arts?

Toby: After going to a few backyard cage fights, I finally summoned up the nerve to go ahead and enter them. I had fun doing them and without expecting it, I started getting paid for my matches. Which of course was more incentive to continue fighting and haven't really been able to give it up since then. I have always liked the competitiveness of the sport.

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

Toby: B.J. Penn for his level of skill and to have been able to fight in a higher weight class while still being acknowledged as a major threat.

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

Toby: The best advice that I have is to just get in there and start training. Also, respect all disciplines.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Israel Giron on April 3rd. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Toby: First of all, I'm very focused and excited to be fighting for this particular promotion. As for the fight itself? It's the same as any other fight, I'll bring the best that I have and leave it all in the ring.

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

Toby: There are so many, but mainly my family. My father taught me to always have pride in whatever I do. My uncle taught me to either give it my all or don't bother in the first place. My high school coach, he let me be myself, but in the right way.

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

Toby: The feeling of accomplishment, impacting, and winning while displaying your skill. Especially when you aren't expected to.

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

Toby: Traveling, going to the beach, surfing, cooking, music, and being the best possible parent that I can be to my daughter.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Toby: Probably not knowing how to swim...and I learned when I was three.

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

Toby: I really like to cook and even make up my own recipes.

Darrick: If you lost one of your senses, which could you stand to be without?

Toby: It would have to be the most deceiving one of all - sight. I can't imagine life without being able to taste foods or not being able to hear other people, music, or anything for that matter. Without being able to feel the sun, cool breezes, rain, or even another person. Especially bad would to not be able to smell BBQ, bakeries, beaches, and even flowers.

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 Toby Imada in the following places:

Official Toby Imada Website:

http://www.tobyimada.com

Official Toby Imada MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/tobyimada

Toby Imada on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Toby-Imada-514

Toby Imada Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/514