10 Questions With Keith Wisniewski (by Darrick Patrick)
Keith Wisniewski is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in events such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, International Fight League, Undisputed Arena Fighting Championships, Bodog Fight, Freestyle Fighting Championship, Euphoria, Shooto, Xtreme Kage Kombat, Ironheart Crown, Combat, Extreme Challenge, Absolute Fighting Championships, M-1 MFC, Tournament Fighting Championships, United States Mixed Martial Arts, Battle Of New Orleans, HOOKnSHOOT, Silverback Classic, Chicago Challenge, Night Of The Diamonds, Jeet Kune Do Challenge, and Fearless Freestyle Fighting.
Darrick: How did you end up fighting professionally in mixed martial arts?
Keith: My brother and I trained in our front yard. We were big fans of the sport and wanted to get involved. We went out to Davenport, Iowa to fight amateur at the first Extreme Challenge Trials. We've both been involved in the sport every since - I guess it's been a little over ten years now.
Darrick: What does a typical training session for you consist of?
Keith: It varies depending on the day of the week. I think our Monday and Wednesday workouts are our best. We do a half hour of wrestling/takedowns with mostly two-minute live goes. Then, we switch it up and do about thirty minutes of guard passing and ground work. After that, we switch to live goes from stand-up and go until we burn out. We try to add a few technical things into the mix.
Darrick: Tell us about the gym that your brother and you own in Hobart, Indiana.
Keith: We bought it last year. It's a 1,200 square foot story and a half garage. We have a 20 foot octagon cage, a good section of wrestling mats with padded walls, and a heavy bag area. We are on a try-out basis, and train every weekday and most weekends. Anyone interested in checking us out can give me a call at (219) 840-6998 or e-mail me at keithjustinwisniewski@msn.com.
Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?
Keith: Definitely both of my older brothers who I'm still very tight with. My whole family really.
Darrick: What would you say to younger individuals looking to make a career in MMA?
Keith: I think people are better off getting a career in place to fall back on and then pursuing MMA. I tried to pay the bills on the smaller circuit for awhile and it is very taxing on the body.
Darrick: In your experiences with martial arts, what brings you the most fulfillment?
Keith: Fighting myself, training with and cornering my teammates, and promoting fights are all about equally enjoyable to me.
Darrick: Outside of the sport, what are your other interests?
Keith: Climbing, whitewater rafting, reading, politics, and all sports.
Darrick: What comic book character do you relate to most?
Keith: Groo The Wanderer - only comic book I've ever read.
Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.
Keith: I'm very interested in law and politics. I was pre-law in college with a history/political science focus before I got bored with it. I have strongly libertarian viewpoints.
Darrick: What is your oldest memory?
Keith: 1985 Bears Superbowl victory. I always wanted to be Steve Fuller (3rd string quarterback).
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 Keith Wisniewski in the following places:
Official Keith Wisniewski MySpace Profile:
http://www.myspace.com/keithwisniewski
Keith Wisniewski on Fight Finder:
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=2095
Keith Wisniewski Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:
http://www.sherdog.com/news/Picture_gallery.asp?f_id=2095@@Keith%20Wisniewski
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