A local mixed martial arts legend doled out some advice for young competitors when he was in town.
Bill Mahood, president of B.C. mixed martial arts, [MMA] stopped by Prince George to visit family, while in town he spent time at his old haunt, Kaiten MMA, chatting with up-and-coming fighters.
Karmjeet Manhas, owner of Kaiten MMA, said it's good for young grapplers to hear from someone who made it to the UFC Cage events - Mahood compete in UFC 53 in 2005.
"It's a real treat for the guys to have such a high level instructor," said Manhas.
Mahood said the participants - about 10 men took part Thursday, while another six were at the club Wednesday - don't get many opportunities at home to hear from athletes with the type of experience he has.
"It's fun to come out and be the guys that don't get an opportunity," said Mahood, 44. "Living in a place like Vancouver or Edmonton, the bigger cities, you've got lots of training opportunities and lots of Brazilian, jujutsu, black belts to train with.
"In smaller towns and northern cities there's not so much," he added. "The guys usually appreciate someone who has been across the world and they like to [hear] what you have to say.
They're eager students."
Mahood, who officially retired from the sport after a bout in Prince George in May 2010, said his teaching is casual where he'll offer up advice to anyone who wants it.
"It's just me coming in and hanging with Karm at a club I've been a big part of," said Mahood.
But it doesn't stop grapplers like Brad Coles of Quesnel from driving to town to hear what Mahood has to say.
"He's got a ton of experience and he's been in the game for a long time," said Coles. "It's actually great to learn from someone who has been doing it this long."
Coles began competing about five years ago in grappling tournaments, but he hasn't yet fought in the cage.
"I've got some more skills to learn first," said the 26-year-old.
Mahood, who retired as light-heavyweight Canadian champion for King of the Cage, said it takes more than skill to compete.
"It's perseverance," said Mahood. "It's a big heart. Skill is important, but it's just one of the components. To make it to the highest level you just have to persevere and just keep at. It took me a long time before I was able to get to fight at a high level."
But, he said, the hard work paid off because it allowed him to travel to Russia, Costa Rica, Australia, Japan and Korea.
"The sport can afford you a lot of really cool life experiences if you're willing to do what it takes," he said.
