The Fighter

For a project in one of my classes, I needed to tell a story through photographs.  The assignment was to choose a subject and use the techniques taught showing a progression of events.  I chose to spend a day with an MMA fighter and chronicle his daily routine.

This was going to be especially challenging for me, as I was combining  documentary and sports photography, two very different genres.

In photographing several MMA events, I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of fighters.  But there was really only one choice for this project, and I’m glad he was willing to work with me.

“Suga” Joe Maiani

Joe is 36 years old, which makes him a grandpa in the world of mixed martial arts.  Most of his competitors are 20-somethings, but that is a non-factor.  In fact, he doesn’t just show them a thing or two in the ring, he has an impressive 13-4 amateur record and holds three title belts.

• 3 time NCAA All-American at Ohio Northern University (1996-1998)
• 1998 NCAA National Runner-Up (150lbs.)
• 4 time Ohio High School State Qualifier
• 1993 State Runner-Up (130lbs.)

But all that you can find out with a Google search.  What you don’t know is that Suga is a great family man, which includes helping care for five kids (three of which are triplets)!

And so it begins…

Joe’s day began early with helping get the kids off to school, and then we headed to the local fitness center where he took a cycling class for a cardio workout.  But unlike the soccer moms who were worried about breaking a sweat in their designer workout clothes, Joe opened a can of whoop-ass on that bike.

While most were content to be motivated by the instructor and cruise along at their own pace, Joe pushed it to the limit, seemingly oblivious to anyone else in the room.

And with the bike’s tension setting at 100%.

That was the first thing I learned about Joe.  There is no 50% or even 95% setting.  It’s all or nothing.

After some post-workout stretching at the knowledgeable hands of his amazing girlfriend, Sarena (who also ran 4 miles on the treadmill that morning), we left the fitness center to go run some errands and pick up the youngest boys from school.

Noon

After lunch…oh wait, we didn’t eat lunch…we were off to FITE in downtown Cincinnati, the gym where Joe trains.

Because his wrestling skills are already top notch, Suga mostly focuses on striking and Jujutsu to complete his mixed martial arts game.  Among several other rounds of circuit training, Joe practiced a kick/punch combo on the heavy bag.

And trust me, you wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of this:

Parting shots

Joe is a hard worker.  He says he “has to do by Tuesday what the younger fighters do all week.”  I’d say he accomplishes that…as he eats, sleeps, and breathes MMA.

My day concluded after this visit to the gym, but it wasn’t over by a long shot for Joe.  He was heading to the fitness center for another battle with the bike, and then finishing the long day with a soak in the sauna.

“Suga” Joe Maiani will be turning pro in May 2011.  It’s getting more and more difficult for him to find amateur opponents to show up to fight him these days.  The truth is, many of the younger guys who step inside the ring with Joe simply aren’t prepared for him.  They haven’t worked as hard, or taken their training as seriously.

Joe means business.  Anyone who’s been around him for more than five minutes will tell you that he isn’t in this for name recognition, girls, or just so that he can call himself a fighter and look cool to his friends.

You don’t push yourself this hard, this far, for this long without good reason.  This is personal.  It’s about saying you’re the best, and proving it.

On a personal note, I’d like to thank Joe and Sarena for inviting me to their home and allowing me to document their lives for this project.  They say behind every great man is a great woman, and that’s certainly true in this case.

I got an A+ on this project, but even more important than that, I gained new friends.  I look forward to watching Joe’s pro debut fight in May.  Good luck, champ!

Tagged as: MMA, photojournalism