It was 3 years ago in 2008, a beautiful day in Albany NY. I stood on the floor of our State Capitol with two friends of mine, Professional Mixed Martial Arts competitors from NY, Matt Hamill and Matt Serra. We spent the day talking to legislators, members of the assembly and numerous state senators, including our local representative, Senator Joseph Griffo on behalf of our sport Mixed Martial Arts. At the time, Mixed Martial Arts was not regulated in the state of NY and considered illegal. As we spent that day talking about our sport, the safety record, the financial impact it would have on our state and the popularity it was gaining by the minute, we were met with overwhelming support. Matt Hamill in particular made a profound impact on everyone we talked to as they were able to see a man with a physical handicap, (Matt Hamill is Deaf) flourish in a sport where such a handicap would be difficult to overcome. On top of that they were able to see that we are all educated, polite, courteous, respectful, friendly and caring individuals. Quite a different picture than what the small group of people who oppose Mixed Martial Arts would like you to believe. In a recent article in the Utica Observer Dispatch, the writer shows his complete lack of education by making the statement “I’d like to think New York wouldn’t legalize ground and pound punches and other tactics where the defenseless keep taking a beating”. Should I tell the writer about the third man in the ring we call a referee that halts the action the instant someone is not intelligently defending themselves? Or, should I explain to him that Martial Arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu not only provide great defense from your back, they make the position quite offensive and many bouts are won from the bottom position? In fact it’s this aspect of our game that makes it the compelling human chess match that it is. I guess I’ll just suggest the writer do more research about the topics he chooses to write about and try to be a little less insulting. He actually compares us to “Prostitution, Bull Fighting, Dog Fighting, Cock Fighting and other unsavory activities”. Here in Utica NY I’m the Head Coach at Mohawk Valley Mixed Martial Arts as well as Matt Hamill. Matt and I have been very active in our local charities getting involved with and raising money for numerous causes including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Relay for Life, Ride for Missing Children, Great American Heart Run/Walk, Diabetes, Brody’s Buddy Ride for Children with Down Syndrome, Toys for Tots, Hospice, ALS, our Military, our local food banks and many more. With such quality people involved, the overwhelming financial impact and the meteoric rise in popularity its mind boggling to find our sport in the same situation it was three years ago. As of today MMA regulation is currently making the rounds through the various committees needed for such a bill to be passed. The time for debating is over. NY is losing millions and millions of dollars while world wide Mixed Martial Arts promotions such as The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) are holding major events just minutes outside our boarders in places like Newark NJ and Montreal Quebec Canada. Don’t take my word for it, the figures are out there. Do your own research. See how much money was spent in those local economies and see how much tax revenue was generated. You will be very surprised at the millions involved. Our sport has been proven to be safer than every combat sport out there as well as sports you wouldn’t expect like cheerleading! Not to mention we are held to the strictest drug testing and regulation of any professional sport. The sad truth of the matter is this is not an issue about anything I’ve mentioned. Its old fashioned politics… Special interest groups pay lobbyists to get in the pockets of sleazy politicians and they operate on their behalf and not yours. Its time to stand up and make your voice heard. At the end of the day it’s not about if you like the sport of mixed martial arts or not. I’m the first one to say, it’s not for everyone. But then again, nothing is.
It’s about living in a country that provides freedom to buy tickets to a Mixed Martial Arts Event, or freedom to buy tickets to the Ballet. It’s that freedom that made this country great! In New York State that freedom is in jeopardy. I urge you to call your local representative today and tell them you want your freedom protected!!!
Duff Holmes
Head Coach/Owner
Mohawk Valley Mixed Martial Arts
Utica, New York
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