Twenty-six year old Eric Gonzalez is a barber by profession.
When his hands are not delicately trimming hair, they are being
used to spar as he works towards his ultimate goal of competing as
an MMA, or Mixed Martial Artist, better known to some as
”
cage fighting
”
.
MARC HOPKINS Special to the Dispatch
Twenty-six year old Eric Gonzalez is a barber by profession. When his hands are not delicately trimming hair, they are being used to spar as he works towards his ultimate goal of competing as an MMA, or Mixed Martial Artist, better known to some as “cage fighting”.
Eric was scheduled to be in action this weekend in San Jose at the Silicon Valley Open Tae Kwan Do Championships this weekend as part of the Sparring event. However, he had to pull out at the last minute because he was ill.
The Silicon Valley Open follows Olympic rules as the competitors score points by hitting and kicking using proper form and technique.
The event this weekend brings in martial artists from all over California to compete in various categories including Weapons, Sparring and Poomse, which is a set of prearranged techniques performed against imaginary opponents and judged by the ability to make the forms appear inseparable from those used in real competition.
Event like these bring Gonzales and other local fighters one step closer to the goal of competing in the MMA, giving them a chance to practice his moves and get used to performing in front of a large crowd.
Asked about his advice for anyone interested in getting into the sport, Gonzales, sponsored by Gilroy company Adrenalin Fight Gear, said, “Anyone can be a fighter, you just have to follow your dream, you just do it.”
To prepare for events, Gonzales gets in as much ring time as possible, sparring against other students at Main Street Kick Boxing in Hollister under coach Danny Kelly.
In addition to the ring time, he works out with weights everyday for strength and runs to increase his stamina.
Gonzalez started martial arts when he was 13 years old, and although he has taken a few breaks along the way, it has always been a part of his life.
With the support of friends, family and his brothers – who also happen to be his biggest fans – a few months ago Gonzalez decided to take it to the next level.
Inspired by the many successful fighters out of Gilroy and the surrounding area, such as International Boxing Federation featherweight champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, Gonzalez’s biggest influence came from watching his friend George Lake, who currently competes in the MMA. He helped Gonzalez get into the sport.
As for the clients who visit Gonzalez for a haircut, he says they are very supportive of his ambitions.
“In fact many of them were plan to be there this weekend to watch,” Gonzalez said. “I’m disappointed I won’t be able to compete.”
