10 Questions With Damien Trites (7/9/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Damien Trites (by Darrick Patrick)

Damien "The Omen" Trites is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as World Championship Fighting, Submit To Glory, World Fighting League, and Combat Zone. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Joe DeChaves in American Steel Cage Fighting at ASC 1 on July 31st, 2009.

Darrick: What was the path that led you to competing professionally in mixed martial arts?

Damien: It all started while I was in Job Corps in Maine. I met UFC fighter John "Doomsday" Howard before he had made it into the Ultimate Fighting Championship. We used to grapple on the hardwood floors of the racquetball courts. It was against the rules, so we had to hide from the staff. (Laughs) It was crazy. After we both completed the program, he went to Boston and I went to Springfield, Massachusetts. While I was in Job Corps though, I met a girl from Boston. So, after two years of training with Jim Harpe who is a Royce Gracie Brown Belt in Springfield and being promoted by Royce himself, I made my way to Boston to train with Doomsday. He coached me towards my first professional win.

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

Damien: It's my therapy, it keeps me grounded and level-headed. It's very positive. My life was negative until I found mixed martial arts.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Joe DeChaves on July 31st. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Damien: My main thought is that anyone is tough with four ounce gloves on! (Laughs) Nah, I've heard that Joe is really tough, but I'm ready for him. I'm training extremely hard and I will be ready for a war, so he'd better be as well. He is a man and all men bleed red. We might just see how red his blood is.

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

Damien: I respect every person that gets in the cage, but I really respect John Howard a lot because he came up from nothing and beat the odds. He is a humble, classy, and great guy. Doomsday is an excellent friend as well. I also really respect and like Forrest Griffin. He is one bad dude who has the heart of a lion.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in martial arts?

Damien: I think that if you want to train at all, you should go ahead and try it out. It will help you become a better person and builds self-esteem.

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

Damien: Mike "mini moto" Tosti was like an older brother to me and he introduced me to the old VHS tapes of the UFC back in the day. You're forever in my heart, Mike...R.I.P.

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

Damien: I like spending time with my family and especially my son, little Damien. I also enjoy camping, swimming, and anything really to get my mind off the everyday struggle.

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

Damien: I was bullied in middle school!

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Damien: I have a lot of old memories, but the best ones are from the holidays because I loved Christmas as a kid and I still do to this day. I also have great memories of my grandparents and I miss them dearly.

Darrick: If you had superpowers, what would they be?

Damien: That would be the ability to read the minds of girls because I can't figure them out. (Laughs) Help!

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 Damien Trites in the following places:

Official Damien Trites MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/211762955

Damien Trites on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Damien-Trites-21035

Damien Trites Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/21035