10 Questions With Calem Willis (by Darrick Patrick)
Calem Willis is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in the Duneland Classic and Ironheart Crown events.
Darrick: What road led you to fighting in professional mixed martial arts?
Calem: I always watched UFC on TV and like everyone else, I thought I could do that. So, one day I decided to get off my ass and start working towards making that happen.
Darrick: Who is an individual that greatly influenced you while growing up?
Calem: Frank Shamrock. The way he fought and treated other people with the utmost respect made me want to be like him. If I could be half the fighter and person that he is, I think I'll be just fine.
Darrick: What does a typical training session for you consist of?
Calem: I train with the Dragon MMA fight team in Lapeer, Michigan under Dan Cousineau and a typical training session consists of him pushing us until we break. I think it puts a smile on his face to see us in pain.
We start with a cardio warm-up that would make most people not want to come back again. Then we usually do an hour of kickboxing with a minute break in between rounds and the closer we get to a fight, that break usually gets down to thirty seconds. Then we do jiu-jitsu for about two hours.
Darrick: Where could you possibly see the future of MMA ten years from now?
Calem: In ten years, I see MMA taking over everything. Boxing and fake wrestling will be nonexistent. Hopefully we'll finally get on Sportscenter and real pro wrestling will take off as well.
Darrick: What would you say to younger people looking to train in mixed martial arts?
Calem: Don't rush it. MMA isn't going anywhere. There is no reason to go get your ass kicked because you weren't well-prepared. At least have your blue belt in jiu-jitsu, go to your local high school and ask if you can train with their wrestling team, and keep your stand up as good as you can. That way no matter where the fight goes, you feel comfortable.
Darrick: Who are some of the individuals in the sport that you highly respect?
Calem: Frank Shamrock, B.J. Penn, and Randy Couture.
Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?
Calem: When I'm not training, which doesn't happen quite often, I like to go out with my friends and just relax. It's fun to have a day here and there when you don't get punched in the face.
Darrick: If you were stuck in a bomb shelter for the rest of your life, what 3 items would you take in with you besides food and water?
Calem: A bed, someone to share it with, and toilet paper. All for obvious reasons.
Darrick: What is your oldest memory?
Calem: Going to the beach with my mom.
Darrick: Tell us something that most people don't know about you.
Calem: I am the local Madden champ. I can beat all of my friends and haven't found anyone that can beat me.
I would also like to give thanks to Darrick Patrick for making this site (MySpace MMA), my team for being the best group of friends anyone could ask for, and a special thanks goes to Dan Cousineau, Don Richard, and Andre Garcia for putting up with me the last five years.
FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835
You can also check out Calem Willis in the following places:
Official Calem Willis MySpace Site:
http://www.myspace.com/caleemthedream
The Dragon MMA Website:
http://www.dragonkarate.net/dragonmma.htm
Calem Willis on Fight Finder:
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=15495
Tags: Calem Willis Darrick Patrick Interview Interviews Mma Mixed Martial Arts
