WNY MMA Interviews: Mikey Schultz

Hello and welcome to yet another interview at WNY MMA & Fitness. Today's interview is with Mikey "youtube" Schultz, who will be fighting December 13th at TNT Fight Series. His opponent is Bryan Agoston who is training at Dayball/Pascuzzi Bjj. This will be a fight to keep your eyes on, in the meantime, check this interview out.

WNY MMA: TNT Fight Series with Mike Schultz

Hello WNY MMA & Fitness members and fight fans, we are getting closer to the end of  November. I know what you guys are thinking, Thanksgiving!!!! Alright, I have to agree that I am also looking forward to stuffing my face for about a week with left overs but that's not what I am talking about. What I'm talking about is the fight series that you've been waiting for, that's right, TNT Series.

Whats so exciting about TNT Fight Series you ask, it is your number one provider for mixed martial arts madness in the Western New York area. I will be dropping information on the remaining days leading up to the fight on December 13th. The fight I will be discussing today is *drum roll please* Schultz (WNY) vs Agoston(Canada); Agoston trains in Canada with Dayball/Pascuzzi Jiu Jitsu, former fight team of UFC Alexis Davis. Agoston is a well versed striker and if his current fight team says anything about his BJJ Chops, he is going to be Schultz's toughest opponent to date.

By no means does this mean that Schultz doesn't have an impressive background, coming off of a first round victory against Roger Blankenship via Guillotine Choke at the last TNT event. Schultz has made many good fighters look bad once they got into the cage with him, gaining a five fight win streak via submission. Guys are lining up to see who can give Schultz a fight. According to TNT match maker Don Lilly "This will be a great test for Mikey - he has a guy (Agoston) who is well rounded and comes from a well-known camp in our area, I'm expecting a great fight!!!!"

There you have it, the first of many fantastic reasons to start getting those tickets for Decembers TNT Fight Series. Again you can get your tickets from WNY MMA & Fitness with cash if you want your tickets the same day, or with card if you would like them mailed to you. The fights will be December 13th, at the Rainbow Rink, 101 Oliver St. N. Tonawanda NY. Doors open up at 6pm.

WNY MMA Fighter Profiles: Quamaine Austin

Say hello to the super athletic Quamaine Austin, he is another one of the ammy fighters at WNY MMA. Just coming off of a second round KO victory via head kick, he is interested in the next fight. Lace Up Promotion has a phenomenal line up, but its definitely not Q's last stop. He will be transitioning over to mma with in the foreseeable future. With his strong back ground in striking, it will be an interesting venture.

WNY MMA Up & Coming: Ayanna "The Grin Reaper" Tramont

I know what you are thinking, where have these interviews been. Well, you've waited long enough. We have a new ammy coming from the WNY MMA family. Ayanna Tramont will be having her first fight next weekend at Lace Up Promotions: Legends Rise. If you guys want a little more information on the upcoming fight, check out the article that posted before at this link. In the meantime, have a seat and enjoy the interview. Just a reminder, my interviews are unedited.

Matthew Bordonaro: WNY MMA & Fitness Member Feature

Matthew Bordonaro: WNY MMA & Fitness Member Feature

This weeks featured fighter is Matthew Bordonaro!

Matt [apparently] is a comedian. I sat down with him a few weeks ago to interview him and to my dismay, I lost the file of my notes. I contacted him via facebook, asking if he would mind taking some time to re-answer the questions. This is the response I got back:

I did the whole thing for you  Not just answering the questions though, I interviewed myself. I think you should just copy/paste this as the member feature...

This member feature will be a little different from all the others. Unlike other "regular" members, there is only one way to get to know the best of the best here at WNYMMA. Matt is taking the reins to his own interview, so buckle up sucka.

He is the greatest thing that will ever make its way in front of your eyes. The type of man others guys would kill to be and the type of man for whom women would leave their significant others for just one night with. The type of guy who will come out to a fight in a skirt and wig and still pick up the W. Who am I talking about? Matt Bordonaro of course. Lets learn a little about this stallion.

Lets get to the first question. Matt, your hair is phenomenal.

Thanks, Matt. The secret is conditioner and genetics others can only dream of having. It also smells almost as good as it looks. That wasn't a question though.

Sorry, I got distracted by those flowing locks.

It happens to everyone.

Alright, let's get down to business and talk about MMA. Why are you so great at it? And can others hope to reach the same level?

I'll let my homeboy Aristotle answer this one for me. 

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act but a habit"

There's no secret pill, formula, or hair product that gives me these almost super hero-like qualities I seem to have. With effort, consistency, and making sure you always rinse and repeat, anyone can be like me.

Great answer. Now, as much as I would like to continue talking about how great, wonderful, and ridiculously good looking you are, let's get to some of the questions Cara wanted answered so we can all avoid getting yelled at. So let's begin the lightning round. What's your favorite technique?

Whatever will win me the fight.

What is your style of fighting?

Whatever will win me the fight.

How'd you get into the sport?

Found a website for a gym online, went there, and I liked hitting things.

What separates you from other fighters?

I do my own interviews.

Top 3 favorite entrances of yours?

Dressed as Britney Spears, Geno from a Mario game on the SNES(made my day when the announcer knew who I was without me having to tell him), and in a banana suit coming out to Peanut Butter Jelly Time. I did the dance for the last one too.

Who are your biggest influences?

A guy named Jack is a pretty big influence on me. Jack Daniels. Probably nothing from that night in Erie PA should be posted, but just ask around the gym about me and the monkey. Depending on who you talk to, you'll get one of three reactions from them. The first will be "what?" Those are the ones who weren't around for it. The second will be uncontrollable laughter. These were the ones who kept their distance. The third response will trigger the PTSD of said individuals. These were the ones who were caught in something beyond their ability to comprehend. Or maybe they were just disgusted with the whole thing. I prefer to think its the former.

Talk about weight cutting.

It sucks. When I have to lose weight for a fight, not eating a lot is easily the second hardest thing when I wake up.

Moving on. What does it mean to be a fighter?

It means I... fight people?

"Matt is so amazing I have his face tattooed on my chest" - Todd Liberati, trainer

"No" - Cara, when asked if I could do my own interview

"He's so great to look at. I wish there wasn't usually a wall between us when we're all working out just so I could check him out more often." - Every Women's Fitness Member

Scott Skinner: WNY MMA & Fitness Member Feature

Scott Skinner: WNY MMA & Fitness Member Feature

This weeks featured fighter is Scott Skinner!

Scott is genuine. 

He is one of the most genuinly nice people you will meet. I know this because of the way he has treated me from day one. He always asks how I'm doing, or how my day went and he never ceases to make me smile.

He genuinely cares. Sure most people here are nice to me, but he is the one person I can count on to go out of his way to make my day a little brighter.

This is the sole reason why when he asked me to come to his first fight, I couldn't say no. I'm so happy I didn't. I have to tell you guys that the amount of pride I felt for this team when I watched the five or six of you step in the ring back in December was like nothing I've felt for this place before. It gives meaning to the reason I sit here six days a week and do the things that I do. It was nice to finally get to see this all play out. I now understand why many of you are also here six days a week. I don't think I've ever been in one place where so many people are working so hard to chase their dreams.

I decided to feature Scott Skinner this week because it was his first fight and I know how hard he worked for it day in and day out. You deserve it Scotty!

How did you get into martial arts?

I took tae kwon doe for a year or two. I came in through Bubba, he is the one that got me to come here. We were friends and I saw his bag on him one time so I started asking him questions and he was like 'yeah, come train, come train!' I've been to four different gyms and this is by far the best one.

What do you like about your sport, is there anything you don't like?

I love everything. There is nothing not to like. Kickboxing and striking are my favorite. I like hitting people [laughs]. 

Tell me about your first fight?

It was the best feeling I have ever had, ever. I never experienced something so crazy, intense, nervous. I was one of the last from the group to fight, so it was a lot of pressure.

What were some things that were going through your head before, during and after your first fight?

The only thing going through my head before the fight was just how badly I wanted that win. The team was 4-0 for the night so far and it was up to me to keep the undefeated score going, but I was ready and  focused. I couldn't wait for the fight to start when they announced my name and I walked to the ring hearing everyone cheering for me, screaming my name. It completely took away any nervousness I had. The fight was tough. It went all three rounds and was a nonstop action packed war. I remember hearing them announce my name and raising my hand for victory. Having my teammates, coaches, family and friends tell me how proud they were of me was the best feeling I have ever had.

How did you prepare?

I just trained my hardest everyday. I did not miss a day the last month before my fight. I started back in March, and about seven months of prep later I had my debut. I had no experience before this.

How was making weight for you?

It wasn't too bad. I only had to lose ten pounds to get down to my target weight of 145. So not bad for me at all, I would actually say it was easy. I am looking to get down to 135 for my next fight.

Now having fought, what would you change or do differently in your prep for next time?

Definitely run more, or work on my cardio more in general. I felt like I got tired, winded. I went entirely way too hard in the first round, so I would also save up my energy a bit more rather than go out there and start throwing fists like crazy. I had a lot of excitement and confidence going in, maybe a little too much confidence!

I know you won! Congratulations!

Thank you, I won by unanimous decision (29-28), all three judges. It was a good fight. I wasn't sure if I had won at the time. I'm not going to lie, I was nervous, but I did have a feeling I won.

Why do you say that?

I hit him more [laughs]. I knew I went harder than he did.

What are your plans moving forward from this?

I want to get in the cage and fight MMA. That's what I want to do but I will do whatever they want me to do. I will fight anyone. I will fight anywhere. I will do what I’m told. I came with the intent of fighting and I want nothing more than to be a professional fighter, it has been a dream forever since ten years ago. So my plan is to keep coming here and training hard and going after it. 

Who are you biggest influences at the gym?

Corey because he has helped out so much in striking. I have gotten a million times better since I started training with him. First three months here I only did BJJ then I switched to kickboxing. I haven't been on the mat in a few months, but Dub is also a huge influence on me. I look up to him. He's kind of like super man to me, like he can’t be beat. I've never seen him submit. I think there is a really great dynamic with the coaches here. I am looking forward to gaining that energy in my MMA style in the future.

What is your favorite move?

Spinning heel kick.

So I gotta ask, where did the nickname Buffalo's Bad Boy come from?

It came from Amer Abdullah. He said it was because I looked mean. He was making the posters up and had to think of  a name and the one guy I was fighting the Pride of NY DOCs [laughs].

What influence has training had on your life?

It has changed my entire life. I don't want to get into details, but I swear I would be dead or in jail if I didn't have this sport in my life. It has kept me out of trouble.

"Scotty is a real inspiration to his peers, he showed us that it's never too late to follow your dreams. With the hard work and determination that he put in he was able to over come all the obstacles that stood in his way. I knew that the only thing that could stop him was himself and if he was able to overcome that, he could overcome anybody that stood in his way" - Dan "DJ Roundhouse" Dorfman

"Scotty is a guy that was committed 100% from day one. Every day he comes in he gives all of his effort and trains until he can't train anymore. Though he hasn't been training long his work ethic sets him apart as a leader in the gym. What I love most about Scotty is that he doesn't give up and he'll never let his team mates give up either." - Corey "The Story" Webster

"Scott has an energy about him. He's dedicated and brings fire to the team." -Brandon Mindoro, member

"A real success story. Scott is one of those guys that really brings something special to the team; Positive energy, proof that hard work pays off, an indestructible spirit, leadership qualities, and a back story allot of guys coming in can relate too. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for him." - Michael "Dub" Dauenhauer

Christian Bone: Buffalo NY Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing & Women's Fitness Member Feature

This weeks featured fighter from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Member is CHRISTIAN BONE!

Buffalo NY Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing & Women's Fitness Member Feature

November 15, 2013

by Cara Nassar

Christian is one of the most selfless people you will ever meet.

In light of Veterans Day, I wanted to feature one of our veteran members and could not think of anyone more deserving of the honor.

Not only has he served our country for four years, but he continues to serve others who have served through his work at the Veteran's Hospital.

A life-time of service.

When asked about his reasons for joining, he simply said that he could not sit by the wayside and watch while other young men and women risked their lives. Admirable, indeed.

THANK YOU Christian, for your service to our country and your ongoing contributions to others!

How did you get into martial arts?

My first exposure when I was in basic training in the army. The army Level 1 Combatants is a version of jiu-jitsu. It’s jiu-jitsu with slightly different technique. At my first station, a camp in Kentucky, there was a BJJ school an hour and a half away. I trained for 2-3 months and eventually my job interfered. I moved back up here to be near my family. I grew up just south of here in Orchard Park.

How did you find us?

I originally trained a bit when I got back home at Buffalo BJJ with Chuck Anzoni. I did not love the vibe. Then I kind of got out of it and when I was going to nursing school I wanted to get back into training and found you guys on the internet. I started training at the other location and moved here. I now live in the city.

How long have you been training?

About two and a half years and I’m a blue belt.

What do you love/hate about here?

What I like about this school the most is how everyone is friendly. The coaches, the people.. I remember when I first started Mikey Schultz immediately came up and introduced himself. It seems like more of a team atmosphere and the guys are trying to help you learn. What I don’t like.. A little kid shut the light off on me when I was in the bathroom. [laughs] No I’m just kidding. I don’t like the fact that because women’s fitness is on the other side of the gym there seems to be a big gender segregation. Aimee Marko seems to be the only one that really came over to our side. I think more women should train.

What is your favorite thing that you’ve learned here?

Getting better just comes down to hard work. Keep showing up. If I keep coming here three days a week I can see a huge difference, and you’ll start to pick up things without thinking too much. When I first started I was obsessed with studying every little technique that I could find. Eventually I learned to just hit the mats and let it come naturally.

Do you have any future goals?

I’m contemplating competing in the Masters 2014, but first I’m trying to cut down to 154 weight class. It’s going slower than I had hoped. I did do one medium sized tourney in Toronto and that did not go as well as planned. But I only got about one hour of sleep, I was working night shifts at the time, and also I overcut weight. I did not have the energy.

What would you do differently for the next one?

I would do proper weight loss instead of trying to cut water weigh. I want to reach my weight naturally.

What is your favorite move?

Bow and arrow choke. Because I’m a smaller guy I tend to work from the back more often and it’s a very hard choke to get out of.

So what is your military story?

My military story goes like this.. I joined December 2002. Watching the news it was evident to me that we would be invading Iraq. It’s not like I joined for revenge for 911 just felt that if young men and women were going to go overseas I did not want to sit and watch on CNN, I wanted to be a part of it. I finished my associate’s degree in auto tech school and didn’t think it was for me, so I was looking for something different. After I finished my associates, two weeks after graduation, I went to basic training in Georgia for the Infantry. It was a very hot summer. After basic training, I went to javelin school and hand-held anti-tank school and joined the 101st airborne and infantry division. I ended up deploying to Iraq in December of 2003. I did two months in Mosul before the unit came back. Then I re-deployed with the 101^st back to Iraq in the Fall of 2005. I did a tour as team leader in Mahmudiyah. So I was there for about 10 months before I came back for being wounded in IED blast. I did about six months of rehab, but during that time I kept training the new soldiers. I got out when my enlistment was done after 4 years.

What was the most difficult part of serving?

Being wounded was tough. I still have some residual problems, but I’m lucky. It looked a lot worse than it was. If the trap was two inches to the left it would have blown my head off. So really, I’m lucky.

Would you go back and do it all again?

While there was some fun and cool parts, there were also some awful terrible parts. Being in the infantry is a hard life. I don’t know what kind of person I would be without that experience so I would say yes I would do it again.

What was your favorite thing about serving?

Being at a job where the guys you work with are the guys you live with, you are buddies with, you hang out with. It’s like one big happy dysfunctional family. You don’t always get along, and sometimes you hate them, but when things get bad they will do anything for you. It’s crazy to see someone who makes an argument over who’s going to have the most dangerous job because they don’t want to see anyone get hurt. You really don’t see that anywhere else.

Dub told me that your dad is now active in the service? Can you talk about that?

My father is in Afghanistan he does surgery on guys that are wounded. He works the FOB shank. I come from a military family; my grandfather was a doctor in WWII France and post WWII Japan. My uncle served sometime in the air force in Alaska. I joined and my dad followed in my footsteps. He wanted to return the favor for military doctors who took care of me. Originally he volunteered to do surgery in the navy ship USS Comfort after the Haitian earthquake. He did two trips to Germany, all as a civilian. People started asking him to join and he assumed he was too old, but there is a shortage of experienced doctors in the military. I think he broke some record, oldest person to enlist. Brian Williams, age 64. It made national news. He plans to come home in January if all goes right.

Are you done, or would you ever consider serving again?

Yes. I am done. They did try to bring me back in; they told me they wanted me to come back. I decided because of my arm and shoulder injury that I just wasn’t ready. But I am definitely done.

Where do you currently work?

At RA VA hospital in the inpatient psychiatric ward. I’m a nurse that takes care of mentally ill patients. I went to school in D’Youville for it. A lot of my family is in healthcare. It’s something I always had a lot of exposure to.

I know you said you originally enlisted because you didn’t think that auto tech was for you. Are you happy with your job now?

Psychiatric patients are tough. There are good days and bad days. These guys need someone to take care of them. I try to do my part. I had some exposure to psychiatric nursing at the VA hospital when I did a paid internship. I had to send in an essay and application. They pick only two people per city.

"I would describe Christian as driven, noble and selfless. He always volunteers his time to charities and never puts himself first. He also achieves anything he puts his mind to, even if it seems like an impossible task. He's a great role model." - Mandy Detamble, girlfriend

"Christian is the type of guy that is always looking to help everyone else.  His military service speaks volumes about his character. He's dedicated, loyal and a very welcomed addition to our WNY MMA family."  - Coach Michael "Dub" Dauenhauer

"Christian is one of the more humble and knowledgeable guys in the gym. He is always willing to work with people in any level. He always helps in correcting techniques, while being a nice guy about it." - Jordan "Speed", Member

Hope you enjoyed this weeks Buffalo NY Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing & Women's Fitness Member Feature!