his strength extends beyond his power… and i photographed him

One of my favorite photos. It was sure to be an exciting night of Professional Fights. And for TSMMA it definitely was.  I remember watching both Sensei Holland and Sensei Hall warm up with Shihan and admiring their strength. Their accuracy. Their agility. But, when Sensei Uriah Hall hit the pads… the ROOM SHOOK! The sound was deafening and the pulse was terrifying. That was my first time hearing the crash that explodes from his fists. It was also my first time photographing him in action. And it was a photographers’ dream fight come true. He gave a great performance, great extensions, great movement, all of which my camera loved.  He won that night by submission via heel-hook.  But the part of his fight I remember the most…? After his submission victory, his opponent was still down on the ground getting examined by doctors… Yes Sensei Hall celebrated. They all do. Yes he gave his fans the victory screams and waves they love to see. Yes he thanked his coaches as they patted him on the back and yelled how great his talent shined.   But when he was done, Sensei Hall walked over to his opponent and said “Are you alright? I’m sorry” in the most sincere tone you could hear. Those 5 words were louder than the hundreds of fans cheering in the stands. … There is a GREAT deal of respect and responsibility that comes along with being an MMA warrior. One wreck-less, untrained move and one fighter can hurt another fighter in a life threatening way. Mixed Martial Artists are amazing athletes with the most admirable, respectful characters you can ever have the privilege to meet.  It takes a lot of strength to cause another fighter to submit. But it takes even more strength to show the respect and sincerity he did to his opponent that night.  And I know I’m lucky…I get the privilege to hear those words more often that you would think. 🙂 Sensei Uriah Hall Tiger Schulmann’s Mixed Martial Arts  Ring of Combat XXXIX February 10th, 2012  ******************************* Tiger Schulmann’s Mixed Martial Arts  Ring of Combat XXXIX Tropicana Casino and Resort  Atlantic City, New Jersey  February 10th, 2012  Munah Holland  Uriah Hall  View OVER 300 PHOTOS here –>>>> http://bit.ly/yh1XRa Become a fan of TSMMA N.Plainfield –>> http://on.fb.me/sxuSBG Become a fan of Chastity Cortijo Photography –>> http://on.fb.me/zP8IxH