I’m pretty old now, but if I was younger, I’d probably be like these cats, doing MMA in addition to wrestling. I actually fooled around with SOMBO, a Russian style that’s very similar to judo, after my ACL healed in my senior year. By the time I got to SOMBO, the desire to compete had been quelled a little bit, so I didn’t keep it up, but I could definitely see myself competing. Or even as a 20-year old, I could see myself getting back in shape and watching my weight all the time, because the draw of combat is just that strong.

I ain’t doin it now, though. No. Way. (He says. Knowin good and well that if he ever stumbles into some MMA gym, all it would take is one good grapple and a submission and he’d be in there every day tryin to get another one.)

I do think it’s interesting that MMA might actually be helping to generate interest in amateur wrestling. I might have to see about making that connection more explicit for my kids.