10 Questions With Jason Brilz (4/23/2011)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Jason Brilz (by Darrick Patrick)

Jason "The Hitman" Brilz is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, King of the Cage, Dakota Fighting Championships, Extreme Beatdown, Gladiators, American Championship Fighting, Xtreme Kage Kombat, Millennium Sport Fighting, Victory Fighting Championship, Ring of Fire, Extreme Challenge, Ultimate Wrestling, and Iowa Challenge. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Vladimir Matyushenko in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at UFC 129: St-Pierre vs. Shields on April 30th, 2011.

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

Jason: The journey started when I finished my wrestling career at UNO. I still wanted to compete and I had a friend that asked if I wanted to try fighting. I got hooked after my first fight.

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

Jason: Have a back-up plan. This is a pretty brutal sport, one injury and a fighter has to sit out for six or more months. It's going to be hard to support yourself or a family in that situation. Once you have established yourself within mixed martial arts, then fully immerse yourself into it.

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

Jason: I respect the guys that are humble and hardworking. Some of them would be Ryan Jensen, Jake Ellenberger, and Chris Lytle. Two of those people are training partners of mine and I know what they put into this sport. I have admiration for Chris because he's a firefighter and he fights to fight, for the love of the sport.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Vladimir Matyushenko on April 30th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Jason: I love this fight. It's like fighting a version of myself. I think this will be a very fast-paced fight with both of us right in each other's faces.

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

Jason: One of the most fulfilling aspects I get from martial arts is the teaching of the sport to others. I love coaching. Another area where I feel fulfillment is the satisfaction of learning something new, as well as pushing your body to the absolute physical and mental limits.

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

Jason: My parents and grandparents instilled my work ethic and character at a young age. My uncle Jim got me into wrestling and is still to this day like a big brother to me. My wrestling coach Mike Denney also was a big part of my fighting career. He would always be pushing me to further my technique and conditioning.

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

Jason: I enjoy hanging with my wife and two girls. We do a lot of camping, boating, and fishing. I enjoy scuba diving and snowboarding. Pretty much anything outdoors, you can count me in.

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

Jason: I'm a Harry Potter nerd. I love the books and movies.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Jason: One of my oldest memories is hanging with my uncle in Bismarck, North Dakota over summer break. I remember flying down hills on a homemade go cart. The steering wheel was two ropes tied to the axles and the brakes. Well, there actually wasn't any brakes. Fun times.

Darrick: If you had 24 hours left to live, how would you spend that time?

Jason: The time would be spent with my family at the lake. Boating, swimming, and relaxing. Drinking some beer and eating some barbecue. Yep, that would be the way to go out.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

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

You can also check out Jason Brilz in the following places:

Official Jason Brilz Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Jason-Brilz/100000907909085

Official Jason Brilz Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/jasonbrilz

Jason Brilz on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Jason-Brilz-1927

Jason Brilz Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/1927