10 Questions With Sam Oropeza (8/17/2010)
Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2010 3:20 pm
10 Questions With Sam Oropeza (by Darrick Patrick)
Sam Oropeza is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as King of the Cage, Arena Rumble, World Cagefighting Alliance, and Adrenaline. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Myles Jury in King of the Cage at KOTC: No Mercy on September 17th, 2010.
Darrick: How did you end up competing professionally in mixed martial arts?
Sam: I will share with you the day I knew that I was not only going to be a life long martial artist, but the day I knew I would make martial arts my career. So, we are going back to the year 1991. I was a five-year-old and like every kid I was a huge Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan. My father always loved to play tricks on me and joke with me, I guess he had to because I was the youngest of six children and he knew I was his last child. He told me that him and I were going to the movie theater to watch Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I remember I told him I am not going to see that, but he made me. He had me wait in the car while he went up to the window and bought the tickets. I remember the whole time complaining about how I didn't want to see that movie. We sat down in our seats and the movie started to play and it was not Snow White on the screen. (Laughs)
I remember looking at my dad and trying to be quiet while whispering to him that we were in the wrong movie theater. He looked at me like he was very confused on what was going on. My dad had tricked me and we were actually watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze. If you remember, the movie starts off in New York City with a pizza delivery guy stumbling across a big robbery. He goes in to stop the bad guys, they attack him and he beats up a couple people. While they are all laying on the ground he says, "Did I mention I study martial arts?" Then, the Ninja Turtles pop out and beat up all the bad guys.
I will never forget the feeling I had when the Ninja Turtles popped out and I looked at my dad's face. He had the biggest smile on his face. I had no clue what being a martial artist meant at that time, but I knew that is exactly what I was going to be when I got older. I'll never forget running through the parking lot doing Karate kicks after the movie and telling my dad that it was the best movie ever. Four years later, my father passed away from liver and kidney failure. I believe that there is a huge reason why just him and I watched that movie together. I believe we live in a world with no accidents and I am grateful for everything. There have been a lot of moments that have made me into the person I am today. That memory is the very first day I realized what I was going to be.
Darrick: Who is someone in the sport that you highly respect?
Sam: I respect every fighter because I believe it takes a tremendous amount of courage to fight. I would say I most admire Anderson Silva though. He is a tall, long southpaw who always puts on very exciting fights. I remember watching his first PRIDE fights and ever since then I would always study his style and the way he moves during his fights. I am a tall, long southpaw too and I can identify with Anderson. The amount of confidence he carries into every fight is something I feel I always bring with me into each fight as well.
Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?
Sam: Just the fact that I am blessed with an able body to do what I love brings a strong level of fulfillment to me. I am at the gym every day and I learn new submissions or striking skills during a sparring day. When I stick to my game plan and do what I have been working on that whole week, that really brings so much joy to me. I also teach Mondays and Wednesdays at the Philadelphia Fight Factory and to bring significance to other lives while teaching makes me feel great. To know there are people just like me who show up to the gym and to my class is very fulfilling.
Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Myles Jury on September 17th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?
Sam: My thoughts going into this fight is that I am very overcome with gratitude to display my talents and my abilities for King of the Cage again and on HDNet. I always look at opponents as friends and as vehicles for me to continue on my journey to become a better martial artist. For every fight I do, I always raise money for my nephew Nicholas who is a very adventurous and loving boy who has autism. For this fight we are planning a big fundraiser for him which will help a lot of families all over this country who have autistic family members. To be honest, that motivates me so much more to train harder and smarter every single day.
Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to compete in MMA?
Sam: I have lots of advice. The first being to always wear a cup and a mouthpiece. I have been low blowed several times and it doesn't tickle. Neither does losing teeth, I have had three of mine knocked out and they are expensive. (Laughs) With that being said, I would suggest pursuing MMA because you will enjoy the benefits of training. Make sure to always bring a beginner's mind into every day of training. Too many times we put so much pressure on winning that we lose that feeling of why we started in the first place! I have found that in training I always embrace losing and I always welcome a challenge. It feels great to test yourself every day. You will realize you are a lot more courageous than you originally thought. Your biggest fight is always with yourself. The day you really understand that is when you will become a champion in and out of the cage.
Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?
Sam: I was very blessed in my life with a big family and I love all of my brothers and sisters, but my brother Tommy has always inspired me. He was always a great athlete with a solid work ethic. Throughout my whole life when I was being picked on by the better athletes and I wanted to quit, he would always push me and would never let me quit. I remember thinking at the time, "Why does my brother want me to get picked on?" Looking back though, he was building so much perseverance in me and really showed me that I have the ability to push through anything to achieve my goals. I have told him many times that I always looked at him as a superhero.
Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?
Sam: I am a big fan of a healthy lifestyle and living a kind, peaceful life. I actually read a lot of books by Wayne Dyer, Joseph Campbell, and Tony Robbins. I really enjoy public speaking and when my MMA career is over I intend to work with people who are searching on building a compelling and happy life. It is so awesome when I see people realize how much strength and power that they possess and the truth is it has always been there.
Darrick: What is your oldest memory?
Sam: This question is driving me crazy. (Laughs) There are two memories that I have and I don't know which one is older. I was always a very adventurous child and I was constantly getting hurt. I remember crawling on the stove while it was on and I will never forget that car ride to the hospital and the way my hand felt. I was three years old when that happened. I also remember when I was so young I was wearing a diaper. I think it took me a while to be potty trained. (Laughs) We would always go on camping trips and one time my brother's friend put a turtle back in the creek. I remember I went in the water to chase after it and Mrs. Kearns yelled at me. I still chase turtles whenever I see them. I will risk life and limb to catch a turtle.
Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.
Sam: I've never told anyone this but after every fight I don't go out and party or do anything crazy. After my matches, I thank everyone for coming out and I have my manager Bill Shuker go get my check and talk to the promoters. I run right to the room, go in the bathroom, lock the door, get down on my knees and pray to God. I thank him for everything he has provided for me and I thank him for keeping me safe through this journey. I have found in my life that even though it may seem scary at times, your faith will get you through anything.
Darrick: When you're no longer amongst the living, how would you most like to be remembered?
Sam: I believe that the journey of lifetime is being exactly who you are and that's how I want to be remembered.
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 Sam Oropeza in the following places:
Official Sam Oropeza Facebook Site:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sam-Oropeza/226809357598
Philadelphia Fight Factory Website:
http://www.philafightfactory.com
A Night To Knock Out Autism Facebook Group:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Night-To-Knock-Out-Autism/137370996292410
Sam Oropeza on Fight Finder:
http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Sam-Oropeza-51885
Sam Oropeza is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as King of the Cage, Arena Rumble, World Cagefighting Alliance, and Adrenaline. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Myles Jury in King of the Cage at KOTC: No Mercy on September 17th, 2010.
Darrick: How did you end up competing professionally in mixed martial arts?
Sam: I will share with you the day I knew that I was not only going to be a life long martial artist, but the day I knew I would make martial arts my career. So, we are going back to the year 1991. I was a five-year-old and like every kid I was a huge Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan. My father always loved to play tricks on me and joke with me, I guess he had to because I was the youngest of six children and he knew I was his last child. He told me that him and I were going to the movie theater to watch Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I remember I told him I am not going to see that, but he made me. He had me wait in the car while he went up to the window and bought the tickets. I remember the whole time complaining about how I didn't want to see that movie. We sat down in our seats and the movie started to play and it was not Snow White on the screen. (Laughs)
I remember looking at my dad and trying to be quiet while whispering to him that we were in the wrong movie theater. He looked at me like he was very confused on what was going on. My dad had tricked me and we were actually watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze. If you remember, the movie starts off in New York City with a pizza delivery guy stumbling across a big robbery. He goes in to stop the bad guys, they attack him and he beats up a couple people. While they are all laying on the ground he says, "Did I mention I study martial arts?" Then, the Ninja Turtles pop out and beat up all the bad guys.
I will never forget the feeling I had when the Ninja Turtles popped out and I looked at my dad's face. He had the biggest smile on his face. I had no clue what being a martial artist meant at that time, but I knew that is exactly what I was going to be when I got older. I'll never forget running through the parking lot doing Karate kicks after the movie and telling my dad that it was the best movie ever. Four years later, my father passed away from liver and kidney failure. I believe that there is a huge reason why just him and I watched that movie together. I believe we live in a world with no accidents and I am grateful for everything. There have been a lot of moments that have made me into the person I am today. That memory is the very first day I realized what I was going to be.
Darrick: Who is someone in the sport that you highly respect?
Sam: I respect every fighter because I believe it takes a tremendous amount of courage to fight. I would say I most admire Anderson Silva though. He is a tall, long southpaw who always puts on very exciting fights. I remember watching his first PRIDE fights and ever since then I would always study his style and the way he moves during his fights. I am a tall, long southpaw too and I can identify with Anderson. The amount of confidence he carries into every fight is something I feel I always bring with me into each fight as well.
Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?
Sam: Just the fact that I am blessed with an able body to do what I love brings a strong level of fulfillment to me. I am at the gym every day and I learn new submissions or striking skills during a sparring day. When I stick to my game plan and do what I have been working on that whole week, that really brings so much joy to me. I also teach Mondays and Wednesdays at the Philadelphia Fight Factory and to bring significance to other lives while teaching makes me feel great. To know there are people just like me who show up to the gym and to my class is very fulfilling.
Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Myles Jury on September 17th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?
Sam: My thoughts going into this fight is that I am very overcome with gratitude to display my talents and my abilities for King of the Cage again and on HDNet. I always look at opponents as friends and as vehicles for me to continue on my journey to become a better martial artist. For every fight I do, I always raise money for my nephew Nicholas who is a very adventurous and loving boy who has autism. For this fight we are planning a big fundraiser for him which will help a lot of families all over this country who have autistic family members. To be honest, that motivates me so much more to train harder and smarter every single day.
Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to compete in MMA?
Sam: I have lots of advice. The first being to always wear a cup and a mouthpiece. I have been low blowed several times and it doesn't tickle. Neither does losing teeth, I have had three of mine knocked out and they are expensive. (Laughs) With that being said, I would suggest pursuing MMA because you will enjoy the benefits of training. Make sure to always bring a beginner's mind into every day of training. Too many times we put so much pressure on winning that we lose that feeling of why we started in the first place! I have found that in training I always embrace losing and I always welcome a challenge. It feels great to test yourself every day. You will realize you are a lot more courageous than you originally thought. Your biggest fight is always with yourself. The day you really understand that is when you will become a champion in and out of the cage.
Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?
Sam: I was very blessed in my life with a big family and I love all of my brothers and sisters, but my brother Tommy has always inspired me. He was always a great athlete with a solid work ethic. Throughout my whole life when I was being picked on by the better athletes and I wanted to quit, he would always push me and would never let me quit. I remember thinking at the time, "Why does my brother want me to get picked on?" Looking back though, he was building so much perseverance in me and really showed me that I have the ability to push through anything to achieve my goals. I have told him many times that I always looked at him as a superhero.
Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?
Sam: I am a big fan of a healthy lifestyle and living a kind, peaceful life. I actually read a lot of books by Wayne Dyer, Joseph Campbell, and Tony Robbins. I really enjoy public speaking and when my MMA career is over I intend to work with people who are searching on building a compelling and happy life. It is so awesome when I see people realize how much strength and power that they possess and the truth is it has always been there.
Darrick: What is your oldest memory?
Sam: This question is driving me crazy. (Laughs) There are two memories that I have and I don't know which one is older. I was always a very adventurous child and I was constantly getting hurt. I remember crawling on the stove while it was on and I will never forget that car ride to the hospital and the way my hand felt. I was three years old when that happened. I also remember when I was so young I was wearing a diaper. I think it took me a while to be potty trained. (Laughs) We would always go on camping trips and one time my brother's friend put a turtle back in the creek. I remember I went in the water to chase after it and Mrs. Kearns yelled at me. I still chase turtles whenever I see them. I will risk life and limb to catch a turtle.
Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.
Sam: I've never told anyone this but after every fight I don't go out and party or do anything crazy. After my matches, I thank everyone for coming out and I have my manager Bill Shuker go get my check and talk to the promoters. I run right to the room, go in the bathroom, lock the door, get down on my knees and pray to God. I thank him for everything he has provided for me and I thank him for keeping me safe through this journey. I have found in my life that even though it may seem scary at times, your faith will get you through anything.
Darrick: When you're no longer amongst the living, how would you most like to be remembered?
Sam: I believe that the journey of lifetime is being exactly who you are and that's how I want to be remembered.
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 Sam Oropeza in the following places:
Official Sam Oropeza Facebook Site:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sam-Oropeza/226809357598
Philadelphia Fight Factory Website:
http://www.philafightfactory.com
A Night To Knock Out Autism Facebook Group:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Night-To-Knock-Out-Autism/137370996292410
Sam Oropeza on Fight Finder:
http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Sam-Oropeza-51885