Interview with “Warrior” star Joel Edgerton

Originally posted on MMA Payout

MMA Payout had the opportunity to speak with “Warrior” star Joel Edgerton. Edgerton played older brother Brendan Conlon, the high school teacher and ex-UFC fighter thrust back into the cage to make money for his family.

MP: Did you know anything about MMA before this role?

“I knew MMA existed but I was more interested in boxing. Since this movie role, I am a convert to it (MMA).”

Edgerton was aware of the UFC’s shows in his native Australia but was out of the country both times. “I was disappointed that I could not go, it would have been keen to watch the UFC on home soil.”

MP: What did you think of the role when you were first presented it?

“I thought it was a good script and an ambitious project.” Edgerton’s participation in the movie was due in part because of director Gavin O’Connor. He was a fan of his work on Miracle and Pride and Glory. “If you are going to do a movie on MMA, you had to do it right and breathe life into it.” Edgerton added, “He’s (O’Connor) the right person to do it as you see it (Warrior) now.”

O’Connor, produced the raw, HBO documentary, “The Smashing Machine,” which featured MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Edgerton recalls watching it when it came out and saw it again in preparation to work with O’Connor, “I saw it again. I think it was an interesting template for what Warrior is about.”

MP: How was the training, diet, getting ready for the role?

“Gavin wanted two actors to get to the (film) location early and train hard. Because when you are an actor you can fake a lot of things. But, there were certain requirements that you couldn’t fake.”

Edgerton and his co-star Tom Hardy worked out for 10 weeks from 7:00 am until the mid-afternoon. During that time, Edgerton learned jiu jitsu and muay thai as well as dieting and getting a lot of rest.

Edgerton holds a black belt in Shotokan Karate he earned as a kid but had never dabbled in other martial arts and had never been around wrestling. During the filming, Edgerton grew a fondness for jiu jitsu. “If I were to continue in martial arts I would learn jiu jitsu. I found jiu jitsu strategic and challenging.”

Edgerton also mentioned special thanks to MMA trainer Greg Jackson. Edgerton and co-star Frank Grillo, Brendan’s coach Frank Campana, spent time with Jackson to learn about the fighter-coach dynamic. “We observed a lot in the gym,” Edgerton explained of his time at Jackson’s MMA. They specifically learned about Jackson’s instructions to his fighters between rounds. Edgerton recalled Jackson asking the actors regarding specific situations, “If you were training this guy, what would you say?”

“I can’t speak highly enough of that guy,” Edgerton said of Jackson.

MP: How was working with the MMA fighters?

“It was great. My complete understanding of MMA was through the guys (MMA fighters Erik Apple, Anthony Johnson and Nate Marquardt) I thought this was going to be an “Alpha Male” atmosphere in the gym. But, they were so helpful to Tommy (co-star Tom Hardy) and I and so interested in what was going on (with the film). They were dipping their toe into acting and we were dipping our toe in their world. It was like a cultural exchange. I guess when you think about it, they were concerned that the sport of MMA would not being depicted accurately. The guys were hoping we were going to represent it (MMA) the right way.”

Edgerton also noted that the Tapout guys, Punkass and Skyscrape, were “bending over backwards” to ensure that the crew had everything they needed for the movie.

MP: Have you encountered those with a negative perception of MMA?

“It feels like the sport is on the cusp and there’s a lot of people interested in it and its growing like wildfire. Still, there’s a little bit of negative attitude about the sport. There is a feel that it is gladiatorial. Yet, these are probably the same people that stop and watch a fight on a street corner or car accident.”

Edgerton has grown an affinity for the sport and the time and dedication the fighters put into the sport. He finds the fact that some perceive it one way is a shame.

In its first weekend, MMA Weekly reports that the movie made 5.6 million at the box office and third overall in the U.S. Edgerton expressed his happiness that the film has received positive reviews from critics and moviegoers.

You can check out the Payout review here.

Review of upcoming MMA Film, “Warrior”

Originally Posted on MMA Payout

I had the opportunity to see a sneak preview of the new mixed martial arts movie, “Warrior,” opening on September 9th.

Warrior has everything MMA fans are used to: a high school teacher turned MMA star, a war veteran-turned-fighter, a stoic Russian MMA machine, a mohawked brawler, a seedy manager, a famed trainer and an underdog story.

The story centers around the Conlon family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Eldest brother Brendan is a physics teacher with a wife and two daughters trying to make ends meet. When the bank tells him that it will foreclose on his home in 90 days he turns to fighting in a quasi-toughman contest to earn quick dollars. He is suspended from his job after its learned what he is doing and he must turn to MMA fights full time. Despite his wife’s apprehension, the former UFC fighter convinces her that he is cherry-picking against less skilled fighters and it will be easy money. He regroups with his old MMA coach and is thrown in with a younger, stronger training camp. Brendan eventually adopts and when an opportunity presents itself, he finds himself in a two day MMA tournament in Atlantic City with the winner getting $5 million.

Younger brother Tommy is an Iraq war veteran holding onto a secret from his tour of duty. Looking to rekindle his past as a champion amateur wrestler, Tommy works out a boxing gym where he discovers a group training for the same big tournament in Atlantic City. After Tommy delivers a severe beatdown to the gym’s toughest fighter, he is noticed by an MMA manager who pulls strings to gets him into the tournament. In order to train, Tommy seeks help from his recovering alcoholic father (Nick Nolte) despite his disdain for his father who tore their family apart when he was a kid.

With both brothers making the tournament, there is the prospect that they could meet. Unlike the Klitschko brothers, the Conlon brothers are willing to fight as Tommy feels that Brendan betrayed him as when their father and mother split up, Brendan stayed in Pittsburgh with his father and girlfriend (and eventual wife) instead of moving with him and his mother west.

Similar to “The Fighter” and “The Wrestler,” the combat sport serves as the backdrop for the story’s plot. Warrior is more “The Fighter” than “The Wrestler” as the sport serves as the vehicle for the story.

Fighters Erik Apple, Anthony Johnson and Nate Marquardt make cameos as opponents in the tournament. Kurt Angle plays the movie’s version of Fedor which is ironic since he is a U.S. Olympic gold medalist in wrestling and his pro wrestling character plays up American patriotism.

The movie does a great job in explaining the sport of MMA without hitting the audience in the face with it. Although Warrior embellishes the rules of MMA, the fight scenes are fairly true. Not only do the action sequences feature stand-up game but also show jiu jitsu. Warrior will play well with non-MMA fans as it does not try to shove the sport down the audience’s throat. The movie is subtle in letting the non-MMA fan know that the sport is more than physicality and its participants and fans are intelligent. Brendan, the high school teacher, teaches physics. Also, the school principal is a closet fan who secretly backs Brendan’s moonlighting although its frowned upon by the school.

Tommy (played by Tom Hardy) looks more like pro wrestler Bill Goldberg (trap muscles and all) as he enters the cage, disposes of an opponent and then leaves without any celebration or the referee raising his hand in victory. Nick Nolte is excellent as the fallible alcoholic father trying to make amends after a lifetime of screwups. Brendan (played by Joel Edgerton) is the most complex character of the three as his primary goal is to provide for his family by any means. Yet, he does not know how to deal with Tommy or his father.

In prelude to the premier, MMA Weekly reported that Insight Editions and Lionsgate Films released a coffee table book, “The Men of Warrior.” The book features images and stills of the MMA fighters participating in the movie including Nate Marquardt and Erik Apple. Hopefully we will see more marketing behind the film as its opening approaches. Its not just a mixed martial arts film and hopefully people will not dismiss it because of any negative stereotypes.

Regardless of whether you are a fan of mixed martial arts, “Warrior” is one of the better films of 2011.

 

Dana White on Fox Sports today

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Blogging conspiracy?

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KD Kills the Rucker

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Kobe and CP3 in the PI

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Editorial: Getting involved in politics should not be limited by state borders

Originally published in the July 23-29 edition of the NW Asian Weekly. 

A controversy is stirring in Oregon as United States Congressman David Wu is receiving criticism for out of state donations for his reelection campaign. Wu, a Democrat, is the first Taiwanese American to be elected to the United States House of Representatives. As he heads into a tough season of campaigning to retain his seat in Congress, he has received a heavy amount of donations from Asians, mostly out of state.

“His latest financial disclosure report reveals that about three-quarters of the $230,000 he raised in the last three months came from donors with Asian surnames,” reports the Oregonian.”It’s friends helping friends,” stated Cupertino, California councilman Barry Chang in the Oregonian article, “that’s about it.”

Chang was one of those that helped Wu with fund raising for his campaign in Northern California.  Wu’s list of donors also includes many residents of New York.

One of Wu’s supporters, Howard Li, owner of the New York-based Waitex Group of Companies, reports company revenues exceeding $110 million a year.

Opponents of Wu argue that his donations are coming from outside of Oregon.

Thus, the argument is that Wu is lacking support inside Oregon. The most recent campaign financial disclosure report indicates that only eight percent of Wu’s campaign donations came from Oregon donors. Meanwhile, Wu’s chief opponent, Brad Avakian, has raised $195,000 between April 1 and June 30 with most coming from Oregonians.

While opponents may make the argument that Wu is seeking favor from friends outside the borders of the state of Oregon, he is not breaking any campaign laws.

The fact that donors have “Asian surnames” should not have negative meaning. In fact, it should be seen as a source of pride and community. Notably, Wu’s opponent, Avakian, an Armenian-American, has received donations from the Armenian-American community. But, not as much as Wu. This does not mean that just because you are Asian or Mexican or Italian that you should write out a check to a politician with the same ethnic background. But Wu’s donors show that Asian Americans are increasing its involvement in politics. It also means that they are making a political statement with their checkbooks.

The modern political campaign demands cash and its necessary to seek out campaign funding where you can find it. Out of state contributions does not stop Wu’s opponents from doing the same.

Wu is not the only politician receiving out of state contributions. In the state of South Carolina, Republican Governor Nikki Haley brought in $52,210 in campaign contributions in the past three months. Nearly 88 percent of the money came from out-of-state businesses, political action groups and individuals.

Asian American candidates from Hawaii and California have come to Seattle to raise funds for their campaigns back home. The practice goes back to the 1980s (and maybe farther) to former Delaware Lieutenant Governor Shien Biau (“S.B.”) Woo. He sought help from outside the state of Delaware seeking contributions to his senate campaign.

Race is not only a factor when political candidates seek contributions outside their state. Women candidates have sought funding from outside women’s groups to fund their campaigns.

The amount of money raised by Wu from Asians is a positive sign that Asians are becoming more involved in politics. Contributing to campaigns should know no state boundaries.

It is likely that opponents facing Wu this year may argue to Oregon residents that Wu raised money beyond the borders of Oregon and therefore is not representative of the voters in his district. However, soliciting contributions and serving your constituents are two separate things. The fact that Wu is receiving donations from other states does not mean he would neglect the voters that would reelect him. ♦

Yao Ming for NBA Hall of Fame

Originally published in July 16-22 edition of NW Asian Weekly. 

Many National Basketball Association (NBA) fans were stunned when news came down that Houston Rockets Center Yao Ming would retire from basketball. Although he spent just eight seasons in the NBA, his legacy will extend much farther than his massive wingspan and last longer than his time playing basketball. Although Yao may not have had as long of a career as most NBA Hall of Famers, his impact on the game of basketball has been great.

As the top pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, many Americans did not know much about this 7′6″ man from China. Many thought that this was a grand experiment and that he would fizzle out of the league. Some thought his success was based on taking advantage of lesser competition in China and that he would fall apart under the pressure of playing at the highest level. However, Yao flourished. Many found out that Yao was more than just tall. He was athletic. He had nice footwork and a nice shooting touch. In his first season, he was voted to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. He finished second for Rookie of the Year honors. He later became an eight-time all-star.

Yao was a force off the court as much as he was on the court. He was a pitchman for such major companies as Visa, Apple, and McDonald’s. Yao became one of the most recognizable NBA players in the world. His success in the NBA gave the league the opportunity to market the game in China and other countries in Asia. Yao’s presence (and success) in the league fostered the globalization of the NBA. Without Yao, the NBA’s popularity in China would not be as high as it is today. He has become an icon in his homeland and a hero to many aspiring basketball players. He also became widely popular in the United States. Yao’s teammate Chuck Hayes best described the uniqueness of being around Yao, “Michael Jackson was before my time. Elvis was before my time, but if I had to guess, it was like being around Yao Ming.”

In addition, Yao donated $2 million to the relief efforts after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake and created a foundation to rebuild schools in the area. He also participated in various charity endeavors including the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program, which conducted events in countries in Asia promoting positive social change, education, and health.

Despite a demanding NBA schedule, Yao continued his commitment to play for the Chinese National team. Unfortunately, the constant play took a toll on Yao’s body. The same feet that allowed him to move with such grace hobbled him. Yao’s last seasons with the Rockets were filled with injuries due to issues with his feet.

Yao’s NBA statistics were impressive. He averaged 19 points and almost 10 rebounds per game. Prior to his NBA career, he averaged 32 points and 15 rebounds in five seasons with his Chinese Basketball team in Shanghai.

It’s unlikely that we will see anyone as important to the global reach of the sport of basketball as Yao Ming. At the early age of 30, Yao’s career in professional basketball is over. Still, his legacy will live on much longer and his popularity will remain. He is truly an ambassador of the game and should be rewarded with the honor of being in the NBA’s Hall of Fame. ♦

$14 million up for grabs: Community fund developing strategic plan to help businesses in Rainier Valley

From the NW Asian Weekly:

Offering below-market-rate loans for the Rainier Valley business community, the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund (RVCDF) continues its role in reviving business development after the light rail construction in the area. Former Seattle City Councilman Richard McIver was appointed as interim executive director in October to help guide the fund and draft a strategic plan for its future.

History of RVCDF

The RVCDF was established in 1999 in response to the massive construction project for the light rail in the Rainier Valley neighborhood. It was created as a self-sustaining, community-controlled, financial institution to stimulate economic development in the Rainier Valley area. The City of Seattle and Sound Transit committed $50 million to the fund. McIver hopes that the RVCDF will remain self-sustaining, and the strategic plan will address RVCDF’s sustainability. It is anticipated that funding from the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development will provide ongoing support for RVCDF activities through 2012.

The RVCDF first served as a fund to mitigate losses for existing businesses along Martin Luther King Jr. Way during the light rail construction. It now supplies loans for businesses in the Rainier Valley area.

At this time, approximately $14 million remains for business loans. For established businesses, loans average about $200,000 for a term of 5 years.

However, the range for loans is $50,000 to more than $500,000. For smaller or newer businesses, loans range from $10,000 to $50,000. “Our organization … assisted 99 Asian businesses during the light rail project and … made several loans after the project was completed,” stated RVCDF’s Business and Retention Program Officer Charleete Black in an e-mail.

Helping businesses after light rail construction

As interim executive director, McIver listed three priorities for the fund. “The first priority is to work with people that have survived the light rail,” McIver explained. This is in reference to business owners that endured the construction and are continuing or expanding small businesses. The next priority is real estate development, which includes looking at new investments from developers. The final priority is recruiting new businesses to the Rainier Valley area. He sees opportunities in building businesses in areas near the light rail stations at Henderson, Othello, and Columbia City to enhance ridership on the light rail line. McIver also hopes to develop a marketing brochure for the RVCDF to attract new businesses.

McIver indicated that his role at the RVCDF is temporary. “I agreed to take it on for 6 months, and we’ll see what happens,” McIver said. Prior to the end of his tenure, McIver will draft a strategic plan for the RVCDF, which will provide a roadmap for the future of the fund. A draft will be submitted to the board in May for consideration.

Although the RCDVF was welcomed by many businesses, there has been some criticism. Seattle City Councilman and former legal counsel to the RVCDF, Bruce Harrell, acknowledges the challenges the RVCDF faced, despite the fact that the vast majority of people were pleased with its work. “The feedback was very good, but some vocal people believed that the fund should do more, as they felt their businesses were still impacted.” Harrell added, “Some believed that the loan process was too difficult and the mitigation payments were too low.”

McIver recognizes that the RVCDF has denied businesses loans. “Some [business owners] are concerned with providing their personal finances [in order to qualify for a loan],” explained McIver.

“We are here to help people with business loans.”

RVCDF looks at factors including character, business capacity, and projected cash flow, as well as the impact a business will have on the Rainier Valley community. The RVCDF also provides one-on-one counseling and technical assistance.

Success story: Filipino Community of Seattle

One of the organizations that the RVCDF has helped is the Filipino Community of Seattle (FCS). A mainstay in the Rainier Valley since 1935, the Filipino Community Center sought help from the RVCDF when it looked to make improvements on its building. FCS received a $250,000 loan to finish renovations on its building.

“We knew that we would be able to afford their interest rates on their loans and, since the Filipino Community Center is one of the anchor institutions in Rainier Valley, they would understand our situation and they would be more willing to help us than a traditional bank,” stated FCS President Alma Kern. “As everyone can see now, we were able to add another 5,000 square feet to our building, including a second story with two big classrooms [and] meeting rooms, offices on the first floor, and a beautiful lobby.”

The funding for the renovation has produced positive results. “Since our renovation was completed in 2008, we have tripled the number of people visiting our center, doubled our rental income, and the numbers of meetings that are held at the center from various nonprofits and government agencies have tripled,” said Kern.

Future RVCDF leadership

Harrell hopes that the RVCDF will continue to assist businesses in Rainier Valley. “It is needed now more than ever because lending requirements are so tight. [This is] all the more reason for the RVCDF to have a strong portfolio.” He added, “The [RVCDF] board needs to be more aggressive to be established in the community.”

Harrell is positive that McIver will help lead the RVCDF in the community. “Richard McIver will do a good job in ensuring that new leadership is moving forward.” Kern mirrored Harrell’s comments, “Nobody knows and understands the Rainier Valley and its residents more than Richard McIver,” Kern said. “Richard McIver has the vision, compassion, and dedication to transform Rainier Valley into a community that is for everyone.

Bellator ordered to comply with discovery in Zuffa lawsuit

Originally published on MMA Payout

Sherdog’s Tracey Lesetar and J.R. Riddell report that Zuffa received a boost in its lawsuit against Bellator Fighting Championships and Ken Pavia of MMA Agents as the United States District Court of Nevada denied Bellator’s protective order to stay discovery until the court decides Bellator’s motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction.

The background of the lawsuit was summed up by MMA Fighting last summer:

The suit alleges Bellator and Pavia were conspiring to essentially steal trade secrets from Zuffa through the exchange of confidential documents in e-mails. Pavia, head of the MMA Agents representation firm, handles dozens of MMA fighters, including many under the Zuffa umbrella.

In its motion to stay discovery, Bellator requested the court hold off on the parties from having to conduct written discovery and depositions before the court decides on whether to dismiss Zuffa’s case. Prior to the motion for protective order staying discovery, Bellator took issue with Zuffa filing the lawsuit in Nevada. Bellator claimed that it had no ties with Nevada and, by law, Zuffa could not file a lawsuit in Nevada. Instead, if the lawsuit were to continue, Bellator would want it moved to New Jersey.

Payout Perspective:

The issue being fought over is a basic Civil Procedure question involving jurisdiction. The papers even include a reference to International Shoe (a famous case for those that have attended law school). The court ruling means that Zuffa will agressively pursue Bellator and Pavia with discovery. This will range from written requests to depositions. It is likely that there will be many skirmishes between the parties about the production of documents and other information. The discovery deadline for the parties is set for the end of June.

As Sherdog points out. this case may serve as a model on how non-Nevada promotions and MMA companies will be treated in the future. Basically, can the UFC and other Nevada companies sue promotions in Nevada if those promotions have minimal contacts with the state.

(h/t: MMA Supremacy)