MMA’s Full 38’ 1.16.07: The Real Chuck’s Kids - The Soft Charitable Side of MMA
Posted by Sid Needelman on 01.16.2008
HBO’s Entourage may have been the only time the average American knew these cage fighters cared about the communities the live and train amongst. This week we explore a foundation based on Mark Coleman’s buddy who was killed in Iraq, MMA stars helping homeless kids, and those helping women defend themselves.
The hit show Entourage which chronicles the life of a new star in Hollywood, his hungry for an acting job bother, best friend agent and tagalong "Turtle." In one episode, Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell, is supposedly having a benefit for children but it really is a set up prank show for one of the characters of the show. In real life, our MMA stars do in fact, set up foundations, participate in organization and donate to help others.
Helping the Homeless Children:
Specifically in reference to children, Rod Hood's FTH Fight Gear has been actively helping children who are homeless though the Standup For Kids program. The organization's mission code states the program's locations all over the nation, will have "outreach efforts [that] will find, stabilize and assist homeless and street kids in their efforts to improve their lives. The organization's mission shall also be furthered through deterrence and resource programs provided in schools and via the Internet. All facets of this mission shall be guided by the mandate that our volunteers shall tell kids they care about them and then, at every turn, prove it."
The company From The Hood, partially named for being "of the streets" and partially to reflect the family name of the company founder, is making a new push to give back to those children who cal the streets home. The company who sells shirts ranging from a woman's "I love MMA" to tribal designs for guys, is starting a project to recruit a few big names to share the rights to their likenesses and their time to the Standup For Kids program, and the proceeds of the sales will be used towards this noble cause.
FTH Fight Gear will offer the shirts for sale starting in February 2008 with 25% of the proceeds from every shirt sold going to this important charity. The original art will be signed by both the artist and athletes and sold at charity auction with the proceeds from the auction and shirt sales being presented by both the artist and the Athletes themselves at the Standup for Kids location in their City. While some of the fighters who will be involved are in the midst of finalizing their involvement, other fighters will be considered.
Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell, BJ Penn, Mark Coleman and Kevin Randleman Honor a Fallen Hero:
Some good causes help not only one group of people, but multiple groups at once. A fallen hero, a family dealing with loss and a community seeking to build new leaders all will benefit from a foundation being launched out of Ohio this season. The same weekend the UFC matches Anderson Silva with Dan Henderson, Henderson, Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell, BJ Penn, Josh Koscheck, Mark Coleman, Din Thomas, Joe "Daddy" Stevenson, and Kevin Randleman will all be attending an event on the Friday night before to celebrate the life and legacy of Ray Mendoza, and the launch of the foundation in his name. The Ray Mendoza Leadership Fund, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation, was founded by Mike DiSabato and friends of Ray Mendoza and remembers all who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This event is being held to raise money to support Ohio families that have lost a member of service in the Iraq war, and to provide funding for leadership programs and Olympic athlete training. The private VIP event will be held at Park Street Patio & Sugar Friday, February 29, from 6 to 10:30 p.m.
The MMA connection comes from the company and activities Ray partook in his life. The Ohio State Hero earned recognition as the 1991 USA University Freestyle Champion and went on to letter for the Buckeyes in 1992 and 1993 and was the runner-up at heavyweight at the 1993 Big Ten Championships. Continuing with his pursuit of excellence in wrestling, he competed for the All-Marine Wrestling Team and was the 1996 Central Region Olympic Trial Greco Roman Champion at 100kg. He then went on to pursue his dream to be an Olympian, becoming an Olympic Alternate at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. With wrestling being the background of many MMA stars presently, and with the college wrestling star Brock against Mir next month, you can see why while not a UFC Champ, Ray represents and helped build many of our champions.
And, maybe most relevant to the MMA fan, he was good friends and roommates with both Kevin Randleman and Mark Coleman. Two MMA champions had sharpened their skills with this leader, and they pay tribute to Marine Maj. Ray J. Mendoza who was killed in action along the Syrian border Nov. 14, 2005.
The event on February 29th will include drinks, food and a VIP event with politicians and a start to a leadership program at Ohio State University under his name. For those interested in participating by attending the event, meeting the fighters or contributing to this cause, please do not hesitate to contact me at Sidnjustice@aol.com or the event organizers.
Women's Defense Classes for Free:
One of the newest Renzo Gracie Schools is offering several free classes for abused and battered women, as well as single women. Stan Beck, been training in Jiu Jitsu with Renzo Gracie for 10 years, and a total of 24 years in the martial arts. Stan told me a little about his background and noted he has "won several NAGA (North American Grappling Association) events and Grappler's Quests [events], I have also competed in several mixed martial arts fights."
He just opened the Renzo academy recently and wants the women of Floridato expect to walk away from these classes with a basic knowledge of how to properly defend themselves against attacks.
The gym is located near major highways such as 595, 75, Sawgrass Expressway, and the turnpike is also not that far as well. The address is 1392 SW 160 Ave, Weston 33326.
The best way to contact him if you are interested in coming in, is through the academy number which is 954-384-2862, or through his e-mail which is info@renzogracieflorida.com.
Email me at Sidnjustice@aol.com for further information on any of the above.
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And for those of you wondering what is MMA's Full 38' It means: an octagon is 30 ft across with 4 feet extra on each side, for cornermen, doctors and camera crew. To know MMA, sometimes one needs to make sure they cover some of the lesser know aspects of it, and 38' represents a number a lot of hardcore fans would not recognize. But be warned, do not try to set up an arena without knowing how big the octagon really is, or there will be problems.
Sid Needelman
