Recently, we interviewed Chris Galinsky about what led him to mixed martial arts and how he became an amateur MMA fighter. Chris was nice enough to answer our questions.

Q:
What is your current record? 0-1 Any fights coming up soon?
Yes September 11th – stoked to get back in there!

Q:
Mixed Martial Arts is clearly not for everyone. At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to become a competitive Mixed Martial Artist?
I had been a fan for a long time, renting UFC VHS tapes at Blockbuster a million years ago. I played football, baseball and hockey growing up and eventually got bored and decided that I wanted to try the training part out! I fell in love with it and started looking for ammy fights soon after.

Q:
Have there been any challenges in your life that you’ve had to overcome in order to get where you are today? If so, how did you overcome them?
Same sob story you hear over and over … drunk uncaring parents, divorce, etc, etc. I took care of my alcoholic mother and my younger brother from the time I was about 12. Grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning…I did it all! I even bought my mom more alcohol and cigarettes. It was tough but I knew I had to survive!

I knew that I had to be strong for my brother and not let him grow up thinking that is how people act. I fell into drinking at an early age probably as a coping mechanism, but right now I am about eight years clean and sober!

Q:
Is there a current MMA star you like to pattern yourself after?
I think that Rich Franklin is great, not just a thug or born fighter. An intelligent guy who has TONS of heart.

Q:
Where do you train? Care to make a shout out to any of your instructors or training partners?
I train with the Disciples of Pain in Sioux City Iowa. Props to Bryan, Mack, Ryan, Ben, Casey, Tyler and Larissa!

Q:
Has your fighting style evolved since you began training or have you stuck with a specific style throughout?
It’s definitely changed. I was more of a lay and pray guy and now I love mixing it up on the feet and on the mat. As my hands get better I love it more and more on the feet!

Q:
Is there any particular training you spend more time on?
Mostly my hands and defense, I struggle with head movement a lot but am getting better.

Q:
The mental aspects of MMA training are often overlooked. What you do to prepare mentally?
Lots of visualization. I spend time in the sauna going through different situations and how to overcome them. I also close my eyes in training when on the ground to really “feel” where things are at.

Q:
Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you get to where you are?
My wife Bonnie for her support when I know her job is the toughest out there.

Q:
What advice would you give to other people looking to get into MMA, or any competitive sport, for that matter?
Do it. Even if only to get into shape. Then if you love it and feel you can compete, do it.