New York Mixed Martial Arts Initiative

My sister (Polly) and brother-in-law (Justin) recently started the New York Mixed Martial Arts Initiative (www.newyorkmma.com) which aims to create and continue after school MMA and self-defense programs for inner city high school students throughout New York and across the country. These programs serve as gang and violence alternatives for underprivileged youth while promoting self-disciple, confidence, fitness, and emotion well-being. Justin is also known in the sporting world as the Fight Lawyer, writing regularly on his blog which covers the legal aspects of Mixed Martial Arts, Boxing, and other contact sports.

Being the supportive brother that I am, I enlisted Lauren and myself to take photos of one such after school program in action on a recent visit up to NYC. These photos will be used at a fundraiser for the organization later this month (it's taking place in NYC - contact us if you'd like more information about attending). The photo shoot posed a challenge for us as we're not typically "event" photographers - we don't have much experience photographing people - especially quick, young people kicking, punching, and doing flips at full speed (in less than stellar lighting conditions). It was definitely a learning experience for us on many levels.

On our cab ride from 34th street to 105th, the cab driver tried endlessly to understand why we wanted to go to Spanish Harlem, seemingly trying to convince us not to go. The area had character - we met up with the director of the program, David Grodky, and I grabbed a corned beef sandwich, as good as any in New York City. Park East was about what we'd expected from an inner-city high school.

This was a particularly exciting day for the program participants as they were not only going to be photographed by real photographers, but they were also receiving MMA gear donated to the program by Everlast. At the start, the kids were about as uncertain about the situation as we were. Should they look at us? Should they pretend we aren't there? Should we tell them to pose a certain way? Should we only shoot naturally? But all that uncertainty disappeared when the kids started ripping into their new Everlast gear, each choosing a pair of MMA shorts, a moisture-wicking shirt, and a mold-able mouth guard. They quickly changed into their new gear and their faces lit up - they were striking fighting stances, flexing their muscles, giving each other five, laughing it up - imagine them, these kids who rarely have a good thing happen to them, now the centers of attention: getting new clothing, having their pictures taken - they were in heaven.

The rest of the shoot went smoothly as we watched the students in action, eager to show us their best moves. We saw take-downs, sparring with pads, and instruction on new techniques from their instructor/history teacher, Mr. Grodky. Lauren and I were excited to see such talented, motivated kids, clearly proud of the skills they've learned. We hope the pictures capture the camaraderie and sportsmanship exhibit by all the participants - they truly are learning more than just MMA techniques.

I wish we could share some of the photos now, but we're working on having the parents sign photo releases since almost all of the students are minors. We're looking forward to visiting the program again next time we're in New York, and hopefully by this time next year similar programs will be more widespread throughout the city.