Marcus Hicks- Tribute to a REAL champion

Marcus Hicks fights for the 155 pound World Extreme Cagefighting(WEC) world championship on August 5, 2008. He has an undefeated 8-0 record, with an incredibly well rounded game consisting of slick submissions, dominating ground control and devastating striking. Marcus is an inspiring example of persistence, determination, work-ethic, and championship mindset. I am one of the lucky ones who has been able to see his MMA career from its beginning to the brink of his August 3rd championship destination.  I can remember rolling around on the mat with Marcus in the year 2000 when he weighed an admittedly “over his ideal weight” 245 pounds. I knew there was something different about Marcus at that time, something special, but I had no clue that he would become one of the best MMA fighters on the planet. Marcus probably knew the greatness he was destined for and began to relentlessly pursue his dream. Endless hours of boxing and jiu-jitsu were practiced with a burning desire to be his best. He worked 80 + hour work weeks to pay for his Jiu-Jitsu classes, working in the day as a Wal-Mart department manager and as an overnight manager at Toys R Us the rest of his waking hours.

Now he is almost 100 lbs lighter, has earned the ever elusive black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is a full time professional fighter while owning and running his own Mixed Martial Arts school. Marcus is admired and respected by all that know him, not only for his awe-inspiring MMA skills, but also for the humbleness he displays at all times and the kindness that he demonstrates to all he comes in contact with. In an age of athletes who are often self-centered, spoiled ego-maniacs, Marcus is a breath of fresh air. He is what you would you hope your kid grows up to be like. And he is an example of WHAT A REAL CHAMPION TRULY IS.

Marcus, good luck, God bless, and “go gettem”! I know I speak for many in saying how proud I am of you.

 
Joel is a Certified Self-Defense Trainer. Joel teaches the Self-Defense in 12 Lessons program as well as group, family, and corporate self-defense seminars. Visit his website at www.JoelLucky.com .