Yanpvuo Kikon, founder of the Naga Blog caught up for a tête-à-tête with Issac Kario who is the Champion of the first ever Super Fight League in India and later on moved to the United States to win his first fight at the Emerald Queen Casino - Cagesport Battle in Washington. Mixed Martial Arts is considered to be the ultimate professional Martial Arts Sport in the world where the best athletes from around the world battle it out to become the ultimate fighter on the planet. Issac Kario made his debut in MMA on February 8, 2014 where his opponent broke his arm in the first round but Kario managed to fight through for two five minute rounds and landed a couple of hammer fists in the last moments of round two and won via Technical Knock Out(TKO). Issac Kario is an alumnus of St. Joseph's College, Jakhama.
Yanpvuo: From a small town in one of the remotest corners of India to winning the Super Fight League in India is indeed a big inspirational story for the youngsters in North East India. And now winning an Epic fight at the Emerald Queen Cagesport in Washington, USA. Take a moment and tell me how do you feel?
Yanpvuo Kikon, founder of the Naga Blog interviews Issac Kario, first MMA fighter from North East
Issac: Hardly epic but thank you for the chance to share my experience with you. It's pretty satisfying thinking I've come this far in under two years. Well worth all the sacrifices.
Yanpvuo: What is your source of motivation?
Yanpvuo: What is your source of motivation?
Issac: I love a line from the poem 'The fool' by Patrick Pearse... "A fool that hath striven to give a life...to a dream that was dreamed in the heart, and that only the heart could hold." For me, that's the way to live. I guess I just live with the thought that I'll look back someday and be happy I gave myself a chance.
Yanpvuo: Tell me about your childhood, where you grew up and the challenges you faced? '
Issac: I was born in Karong. And that's where I still call home though I am from Punanamei. I'm grateful I am from a small place. It has taught me to deal with struggle. I did my primary schooling in Mumbai, high schooled at St. Joseph's, Tadubi and attended college at St. Joseph's Jakhama. I grew up with a liking for sports like any youngster. I love basketball and chose my college primarily because it had the best court around! It wasn't an easy choice giving up my job as a flight attendant and getting into something completely different; job security, late age, no combat sports experience. It's been rough the last two years but it's worth it. I am happy that I have a chance to live a dream - Being a professional sporstperson.
Yanpvuo: What inspired you to take up fighting as a career choice in a country like India where martial arts is still considered an underground sport?
Issac: Personally I think MMA is the ultimate pure sports and I simply decided to explore a passion. I do not look at it as a career. Closer home, Superfight league (SFL) has done an awesome job of popularizing MMA in India. Sadly I'm not sure if I'll be fighting for them again as we have had differences. That's also the reason I had to wait so long to compete here in the States.
Yanpvuo: Moving to the United States to compete with the best fighters in the world? How did this happen?
Issac: I'm blessed to have met my coach and good friend UFC veteran Dennis Hallman. He invited me to train at his gym after I won the SFL reality show. MMA is huge in the States. Especially towards the NorthWest. It's not without risk but it's a privilege to be training with world class fighters.
Yanpvuo: How did you train? Your training and diet routines?
Issac: I like to think myself first as an athlete, and then a fighter. And I try to train with that in mind. MMA is an interesting sport as it is multidimensional and one can't rely on one style of fighting. Everyone have their own strong points. Personally, I try to be an overall pound for pound better athlete, it's worked out well for me that way. Trainings are centered around fight schedules. I take it easy and train a session or two a day. But if I got a fight coming up, the training sessions become intensive. Training 2/3 times a day 6/7 days a week, alternating between sparring, grappling, cardio, strength and conditioning. MMA is an interesting sport as its multidimensional and one can't rely on one style of fighting. Meal plan is usually 6/8 small meals every 2/3 hours throughout the day. I watch what I eat at what time.
Yanpvuo: Some differences between Indian and American sportsmen/athletes and Indian athletes?
Issac: Umm, I'm not really sure how to put a fair comparison between the two. The way I see it, it's all down to an individual-how hungry, how far they want to go. As far as my experience with MMA athletes allows me, I'd say fighters here are more experienced and have a more professional approach, it's a big sport here. I absolutely believe there are promising fighters in India too. I'm going to stray away from the question a bit but I really want to share this thought. A lot of our people think sports isn't a wise choice of profession. That schools and colleges education is the way to succeed. That's sadly an old school of thought. Of course, it's not conventional but in my own little way, I hope to be an example. I never did anything much with my college degree. Careers and jobs will fall in place if one is really passionate about anything, not just sports.
Yanpvuo: What advice would Issac Kario give to the youngsters back home?
Issac: Not an advice per se but if I may share a thought- Dream...and live it!
Yanpvuo: What are your next plans? And your future plans?
Issac: Fight career wise, start training again as soon as my arm heals up. I will compete as long as my body allows me to. As much as I dread cutting weight, I think it'll be wise for me to compete at bantam weight. There are other interests I'd love to pursue too but it's all about MMA right now. One step at a time.
