10 Questions With Jack Mason (7/4/2011)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Jack Mason (by Darrick Patrick)

Jack "The Stone" Mason is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Cage Warriors Fighting Championship, Ultimate Challenge MMA, Cage Rage, UK Mixed Martial Arts Championship, Angrrr Management, and Cage Fighters Championship. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Norman Paraisy in the Cage Warriors Fighting Championship at CWFC 43 on July 9th, 2011.

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

Jack: I used to kickbox about twice a week from around the age of fifteen but never took it that seriously. When I was at uni, I used to see some guys rolling around on the floor whenever I went to the kickboxing classes and never really knew what they were doing. I wish I’d have started much younger but that’s the way it goes.

I didn’t start training in mixed martial arts until I was twenty-two years old. I started training at a submission grappling class, as I was bored of doing weights, and met some old school friends (Alan Lee and Danny Mann) who were competing at events such as Cage Warriors at the time. I started training with them and had my first MMA fight after about six weeks! God knows how, but I won my first two fights with very little training and thought I was better than I was. I then fought Marius Zaromskis and he beat the living crap out of me. I realized that I needed to start taking it more seriously, as I knew I had some potential but wasn’t getting the right training.

After a few more fights (and losses), I joined the Tsunami team headed up by Robbie Olivier and Pierre Guillet. They showed me the things I really needed to be doing. I just got better under their guidance and that’s when my career really started to make some progress.

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

Jack: Definitely my mum, she instilled great respect and a hard work ethic in me. I hope to do her proud.

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

Jack: Just enjoy it! Mixed martial arts has changed my life. I train day in and day out, and I look forward to every single session. I feel great through the fitness it gives me and all the great friends I have made. There isn’t any money in MMA really unless you are exceptionally lucky, so you’ve got to be in it for the love of the sport and I really do love it.

For anyone looking to compete, don’t rush it. Start slow with some grappling competitions, amateur matches, and semi-pro fights. Nothing worse than jumping straight into the deep end, getting your arse handed to you and your confidence knocked. Trust me, I have been there and done that! I coach MMA at a gym called BKK Fighters in Essex and for all the guys that I coach I say the same thing. I won't let them fight unless they are definitely ready for it.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Norman Paraisy on July 9th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Jack: I am so happy that Cage Warriors have given me this opportunity. I can’t thank them enough! Cage Warriors is a great show and they go out of their way to get top European talent on their cards. I’m highly looking forward to testing myself against Paraisy on July 9th. Norman is a great fighter but I thrive on tough fights. I am relishing this opportunity to fight a top ten ranked European fighter.

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

Jack: Just the feeling that it gives you. You always feel confident because you know you can handle the situations life throws at you. You’re physically fit as well. Most of all though, the great friends I have made through training and competing in MMA. I love martial arts.

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

Jack: I really have a great deal of respect for the fighters and promoters that have been around since the beginning of MMA in the UK. Those that have stuck with it and made it the thriving sport that it is now. All of the fighters nowadays owe so much to these guys. They honestly don’t know what it was like to be a fighter even just five years ago. Fighters like Ian Freeman, Mark Weir, Robbie Olivier, Pierre Guillet, and promoters like Dave O’Donnell and Ian Dean, who have been around since day one and have brought this sport along. There are so many guys just starting out in MMA thinking that the sport owes them a living and they are going to be rich through mixed martial arts. For the vast majority, that really isn’t the case.

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

Jack: I love comic books and especially all of the Marvel films that have been coming out in recent years. I can't wait until the Captain America film is released! I absolutely love food too and enjoy going out to try new foods and restaurants with my girlfriend.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Jack: Truthfully?! (Laughs) The oldest memory I have is when I was circumcised when I was three years old! I remember having to wear pyjama bottoms and a bandage around my little thing for three weeks. It killed every time I took a step.

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

Jack: Ha! I think the last answer was enough.

Darrick: When you're no longer amongst the living, how would you most like to be remembered?

Jack: As a good person that did right by people.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://www.myspace.com/darrickpatrick/blog/343519835

You can also check out Jack Mason in the following places:

Official Jack Mason Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=517917835

Official Jack Mason Facebook Group:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jack-Mason/12395302293

Official Jack Mason Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/jackstonemason

Jack Mason on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Jack-Mason-15426

Jack Mason Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/15426