I have trained in the martial arts for some time now and when I look at techniques one thing is always is on my mind. Does it work, when does it work and why does it work. Now, one way to test this is to put the gloves on and see. It may mean that some things don’t work as well but the principle of the skill should still be true. NHB is not really no rules, as there are rules. But in terms of the raw basics like body structure, punching power, flow, ground control and so on, then you got to say you should still be able to hold your own. This is where many practitioners fall down has they never put themselves under pressure. Being under pressure is when you need to know whether you can use what you have been training because that’s when you are going to be using it!

With all this in mind I think there is a place for controlled sparring and pressure training, even when it may limit or slightly change what you could do in a real self-defense situation. This gives you a base understanding of applying your skills out of the comfort zone. Another way is to talk with people with experience of being in areas of pressure. I feel that an extra inner strength is gained when you share positive experiences. So part of my path is to introduce such people.

One of them is Eddy Millis of the Shank Tank in LA. Eddy has and shows a sense of passion for the arts, which is not always seen in NHB. This is because he is a teacher who cares so much about his student’s and fighter’s it’s a fight in itself. When you spend so much time helping others with their dreams, it’s a fight to maintain your own. But he does just that and much more!

This is one thing I like about the martial arts is that I get to meet and talk with interesting people from all over the world. Each one expressing different insights into how the arts have changed their lives. It’s always motivating to talk with and be around like minded people, so I hope you enjoy the chance to hear from Eddy Millis on the front line in the Shark Tank.

Alan: As this is your first interview in UK why don’t we start by you giving the readers some of your background.

Eddy: I started training Martial Arts at an early age. I was really into watching Bruce Lee and Kung Fu theatre on Saturday morning. I had some friends that were heavy into training when I was in junior high school, and we started our own little training club. I competed in full-contact tournaments during the time I was in high school.
I was studying Karate, Kung Fu and Boxing at that time. I went into the U.S. Army and served overseas in Germany. There I got my first black belt in Karate and became heavy into Kickboxing. I competed in several full-contact Karate and kickboxing matches. When I came out of the Army, I studied Kali /J.K.D. for a few years, and then someone introduced me into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I also studied Shoot Wrestling, and then decided to start teaching my own students. One thing lead to another, and I formed "The Shark Tank." To this day, we have competed in over 200 matches, from Kickboxing, grappling only, and NHB. We took 4th place out of 72 teams at the Grapplers' Quest last year and have over 150 wins. I have trained with Eric Paulson, Ken Shamrock, Peter Cunningham, Shuki Ron, Alan Goes, Yakamori, Peter Aerts, Bas Rutten, and the U.S. Army Greco Roman Team. Currently, I am focusing on a few fighters and running our three schools.

A: You run the famous Shark Tank how did it all come about for you.

E: A student's father had told me one day during class, "You guys look good, why don't you compete?" He sort of dared us to get involved, so I contacted T.J. Thompson from Super Brawl and sent some fighters over to Hawaii.
We did very well so we decided to keep competing. That was really the beginning of The Shark Tank team.

A: Did this change your focus in terms of how you run your schools.Eddy: No, not too much. I always ran a tough program . I believe to train as practical as you can. Our old conditioning program was insane. People were dropping out like fly's. I have had to tone it down some.I took into consideration that alot of my students work full -time jobs and 30 minutes of Hard conditioning plus the workout would wear them down.

A: You put a lot of energy into teaching. What is it you want to see happen with the guys you teach.

E: I like to see my students become great martial artists; this includes great fighting skills, self-discipline,
self-esteem, and a strong passion for the arts. I also like to see them overcome their own personal obstacles.

A: Many teams have problems with fighters changing camps and maybe not paying respect to where they got a start from. What do you think about this. How has it effected you?

E: Well, it's no secret that this happened to me last year. I had kicked out a few fighters and some of the others followed. I realize this type of thing happens in corporate America, relationships, etc. However, when you train someone and give them knowledge that you paid a great price for, put their fighting career before your own and open your heart and soul to them, only to have them turn against you, it's really a big disapointment

A: Do you think some fighters lack integrity

Eddy: Most definitely. I think many fighters only care about themselves. Many do not understand what it means to be a team player. It's like, "How much can you do for me?" I've had guys stay in my home, fed them, gave them free training, got them sponsored (sports' supplements, clothing, etc.) and still they turn their back on you. Integrity is the name of the game. I do what I say I'm going to do, and I've given people chances that others could only dream of.

A: What is mixed martial arts to you. Why get in the ring. What does it do for you?

E: M.M.A is an eclectic blend of the fighting arts.It is still being refined by many of the fighters and trainers.
When I get in the ring- I do it for sport. It is a good personal challenge for myself.

A: What keeps you motivated?

E: I have some long term goals that I have set for the Shark Tank and my other gyms.I will admit sometimes it is very hard for me and this past year has been difficult. I just take a look at the good promoters, fighters, trainers,students and fans that are out there and reflect on that. I let the negative stuff fly right by me.

A: Shark Tanks guys are well known to be always really to fight and well condition. What sort of training program to you run.

E: I do a lot of cross-training (kickboxing, wrestling, submission, etc.) I work the team out on wind sprints, plyometrics, strength training, and gymnastic drills. I'm also quite aware that many of us overtrain, so I check my fighters heart rate on monitors and make sure their diet is up to par with the training they are doing. Rest is very important as well as diet supplementation.

A: Would you say conditioning is a big part of the game

E: I would say most definitely. It is about 50- 70% of fight. When I first started competing I had lost a fight because my conditioning was not up to par. You could have the best skills in the world but if your not in condition forget it.

A: It terms of diet is there a set pattern that you follow before a fight

E: Well; I personally have some sugar-blood issues so I don't eat foods with a Hi-Glycemic index. I stay away from breads, regular pasta and things like that. A good diet is a must if you want to be in the top 1%. I constanly read and study sports nutrition to keep myself at the top of my game.I would suggest that a fighter follow a real strict diet and proper supplementation. We are all different so the same things that may work for one guy may not benifit another the same way.For example many athletes,fighters are Iron defficient. Iron is essential in making Hemoglobin which carries oxygen; But If you take in too much supplemental Iron you can have bad side effects.
It is really important to find the balance. I recommend you going to a sports doctor and having lab work done if achieving the absolute is important to you.

A: How many fights have you guys had so far and do any come to mind that changed the way you view your training methods

E: Over 200 fights.Yes several come to mind . All my guy's have been well versed in stand-up and ground fighting but after a couple of lackluster performances I really started drilling their stand-up game; Focusing more on Kickboxing and working the clinch.It is a constant fine tuning process.

A: You must spend a lot of time traveling:

E: Well yes, I have but not as much as when I first started.I just came back from Hawaii though. It is always a good time at Superbrawl.- T.J does a good job.

A: If you have time to prepare, how long would you take to get a trained fighter ring ready.

E: It depends. If they have what it takes, I can have someone ready in 3 months.

A: What do you look for in someone who wants to fight in the ring?

E: Well, first for me is -Are they trainable? Can they handle discipline? Do they have heart? Are they responsible? Are they team players?-etc. Of course they have to have a strong will and be athletic.

A: What is having heart to you.

E: The ability to keep going when the chips are down;To never quit. One has to be smart though- sometimes having "too much"can get you hurt.

A: If you have a fighter who had all the skills but couldn’t deal with the fear, then what to you do to get them ready

E: I would build their confidence by doing some light and controlled sparring in the gym.You have to let them see their techniques working. This helps build their confidence.I continue to build up the intensity until they are confident.

A: In many martial arts, it is said it takes years to develop useable skills. But in mixed martial arts events this is not always the case. What do you think, does it take years or is it just knowing what to do right

E: Both.It depends on the level of fighter you have and the training your doing.The trainer has to ascertain what works and what does not.You need time in training but also practical experience.

A: What advice would you give to someone who wanted to get into competing

E: Get with a good trainer-There are many great fighters out there but that does not make them a great trainer.
Set some short and long term goals for yourself that are realistic and enjoy the journey.

A: What do think makes a good teacher or trainer

E: Commitment to the fighter. A good understanding of conditioning, diet etc..The trainer should be well versed in stand-up as well as ground fighting. A trainer should also always keep learning ; whether it's new techniques, nutritional info or way's of motivating and keeping fighters spirits up.

A: How do you work with the mental side of training. Getting in ring must push the guys into a mental state that is very different to everyday training.

E: I try to get in their heads during training. We put them through alot of sparring. I may invite alot of people down to the gym to watch during sparring . This helps them stay focused. I also want them to be relaxed. This is a must ! We tell jokes and have some fun before the fight. Dwelling on the fight makes many fighters sick. I have personally seen several top fighters throwing up backstage before a fight. Nerves can work for you if channeled the right way.

A: What do you do to bring guys back down after a fight. Do you use this time to re focus them

E: We usually go party with our family and friends . We take some time off till we are hungry again.

A: What keeps you hungry. Day in day out it gets hard.

E: Wow ..I'm not really sure . I guess it's the positive energy from the good people in the business

A: What makes a shark tank fighter, what is it that makes you guys stand out.

E: Integrity ,Great conditioning ,well versed in Stand-up and ground.

A: Where do you see NHB going in the next 5 years

E: Well, I would hope to see the sport grow at all levels ;However- I'm a realist -I don't see it getting much bigger than it is now .We are like a circus act -a novelty-some enjoy it but many can't relate to it . As much I wish this was not the case it is.

A: What next, what do you have planned

E: Well I want to open one more gym. I'm going to start doing more seminars and eventually promote a show.

A: Eddy, I would like to thank you for your time and insights into mixed martial arts.

E: Thank you Alan. I appreciate it. Fight the good fight!

Alan Orr is a disciple of Robert Chu Sifu and the European representative of the Chu Sau Lei Wing Chun system.

He is also the UK representative for Guro Mark Wiley in the Filipino martial arts and Sensei Eddy Millis of Shark Tank in NHB/Grappling.

Web: www.alanorr.com

For further information Tel: 07958 908 196 or email: info@alanorr.co.uk