The sport of MMA and judo have literally saved my life. All I can say is that I am blessed to have had the experience of doing what I love to do. I grew up in Eugene Oregon as a self proclaimed hell on wheels. As a young boy growing up in the Northwest I grew accustomed to riding my bicycle up and down the hill's of ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />West Eugene. One spring I was riding with some friends and was dared to race down a hill. So I took the bet and did just that. Riding a bike with coaster brakes my chain came disengaged and I lost my ability to stop. I ran right into an intersection and was struck by a car. The damage that I received was severe. I crushed the entire left side of my face and wiped my nose completely off of my face. I also crushed the back pallet of my scull. I was rushed to Sacred Heart Hospital where my family was informed of my situation. My mother and sister were told that I may not make it out. If I do that I will  most likely be mentally handicapped.

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After 16 hours of surgery and later two weeks of a coma I seemed to make it through ok. My family was told that if I ever receive another concussion or have a severe break in my nose that I could die. A few years later and after growing up being an avid martial arts fan I started Judo. Since you cant punch or kick this is supposed to be a gentle art. This art is what planted the seed for me to be a MMA fighter. Twenty years later, I finally started to train for what I have always dreamed of being, a fighter. I have broken my nose, been hit in the head with everything but a kitchen sink and can still speak in full sentences let alone have a good strong pulse.

It is from this sport alone to what I can give my thanks. The people who participate in it are among some of the finest human beings on the planet. It takes a very special person to be able to endure what we do. Through this great character is gained, I normally surround my self with like minded people and those people are most always fighters. Right now I have nothing but time on my hands due to an injury. I blew my knee out in my last fight " I still finished the fight" but won or lost on a draw. However you want to look at it. It still sucks. People ask if I will fight again. I just tell them that I cant wait. I dont see myself stopping anytime soon. I am just happy to be able to participate in this great sport. I am also blessed to be able to teach a small class, so at the very least if I cant fight I can pass on the lessons to someone else.

Coby P.