10 Questions With Mike Bernhard (9/17/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Mike Bernhard (by Darrick Patrick)

Mike "El Gringo Diablo" Bernhard is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as EliteXC, Raging Wolf, Fite Nite, Evening In The Cage, Premier X-treme Fighting, Ohio Challenge, and Harmful Intent Productions. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match was supposed to be against Tom Gallicchio in Action Fight League at AFL: Rumble At The Rock on September 25th, 2009 but will now be with a currently unnamed opponent.

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

Mike: I began wrestling when I was twelve years old. I loved the one-on-one aspect of wrestling. I started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under UFC legend Royce Gracie in January 2004. I moved to south Florida in 2005 and met up with Marcos and David Avellan and the entire FFA family. I loved the school and the world-class technique from world-class instructors, so I began training hard and excelled my martial arts knowledge to the point that Master Marcos approached me about doing a professional bout. I have always loved to compete, so I jumped at the chance and haven't looked back.

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

Mike: I love passing on my knowledge to my students. It is not every person in the world that has the opportunity to pass on information and make such a lasting impression on the people that they meet. Being a head MMA instructor at the Freestyle Fighting Academy is the most fulfilling thing that I have done in my life to this point.

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

Mike: I respect every person that steps into the ring or cage. It is something that takes courage and a lot of spirit. Not everyone has what it takes to compete in such a challenging sport. As far as individuals go, I respect Marcos and David Avellan for giving so much to me and helping me excel in the sport the way that I have in such a short period of time.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight was supposed to be against Tom Gallicchio on September 25th. What happened with this match?

Mike: I was lined up to fight Tom on the 25th, but the word is that he has an injury and had to pull out. They are in the process of finding a suitable replacement for me. I think the fight with Tom and I would have been great.

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

Mike: Set your goals early and often. By that I mean to make sure that you constantly evaluate and sort out your short and long-term goals. Keep track of everything you do and learn. Make a training journal that you can record new moves into. This will help you to put the techniques into your long-term memory bank. You also want to know if your goals are changing so that you can adjust your training to what your mind and body are telling you.

Darrick: Where could you possibly see the future of the sport ten years from now?

Mike: Ten years into the future I see mixed martial arts filled with world-class athletes and claiming the number one spot in the world pound-for-pound for sports.

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

Mike: Other than training and fighting, I love to spend time with my wife and daughter. I enjoy going to watch movies, especially anything that is funny or action-oriented. I also love hunting. I hunt Whitetail deer, turkey, and pheasant along with other small game animals. I really like to go fishing and diving as well.

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

Mike: I am addicted to junk food. I will eat anything that has sugar, chocolate, or fat. I think this is why I always have to cut from 205. Dieting for six weeks before the fight is what motivates me to finish my fights so fast. I really just want to go and eat.

Darrick: If you were the last person alive on Earth, what do you think you'd do to entertain yourself?

Mike: I would build things vital to my survival. I would travel to destinations like Disneyland and ride all the rides because there would be no lines. I'd stay at the best resorts and have the best suites since it would all be free. I would learn to cook so that I didn't starve and I'd learn to fly planes so that I could travel faster.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Mike: My earliest memory is waking up on Christmas morning and hoping that Santa brought me "ninja turtle" action figures.

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 Mike Bernhard in the following places:

Official Mike Bernhard MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/19415029

Official Mike Bernhard Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1432899910&ref=ts

Official Mike Bernhard Twitter Page:

http://twitter.com/ffamike

Mike Bernhard on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Mike-Bernhard-16450

Mike Bernhard Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/16450